Cards are familiar. They are something that can be recognized by just about anybody. And the possibilities are endless. You can create an drama in three acts with a deck of cards. People love to gamble and poker is the craze now. Besides, who doesn't know the 21 card trick?! It's what the people expect and I'm happy to oblige.
However, I choose my card magic very carefully. If you're gonna do it, you should do it right. It's very easy to confuse a spectator. After all, they don't know what to expect. I start simple and build on the complexity of the effects. Flow is important. Presentation is the added nuances that make the tricks work and seem impossible in the spectator's mind.. I don't want my audience to leave thinking, "I don't get it!" I want them to leave thinking, "WOW. He was so funny...and my card just came out of nowhere!" etc... I mean, if anyone here thinks that a spectator TRULY believes that the card just MAGICALLY appeared in my pocket or whatever than you need to rethink some things. The cards should be the gateway for getting your personality across and ENTERTAINING THEM! It really is a game of hide and go seek! Audiences are not stupid. And our magic should reflect the fine taste of a carefully chosen repertoire. I often tell my audiences, "The trick is not with the cards or the coins. The trick is to let your guard down and see how much fun you can have shattering everything you thought to be an impossibility. Yes they're tricks, but your OWN mind is tricking you more than I am. So let's see. How an I going to make you fool yourself?
All the best,
Jonathan