Card Magic
by Bob Chua - http://www.conjurer.net

A common phrase used by impressed laymen to a good magician is a sheepish "I will never play cards with you".

How does one be be proficient enough in card magic to be credited with such awestruck respect? In essence, a tall building requires a strong foundation and a doctor needs  good knowledge about medicine. Thus, an entertaining magician needs to be able to perform his card routines well and without hesitation.

What type are you?

In my opinion, there are three categories of magicians. Namely, the serious, the casual and the occasional.

The serious card magician must not only be knowledgeable in his card work but must also be able to do the moves well. In this aspect, I would strongly recommend the 8 DVDs of Daryl's Encyclopedia of Card Sleights as reference for a start. Besides Daryl's DVDs, my all time favorite card magicians are Martin Nash, Daryl, Darwin Ortiz and John Bannon.

The casual card magician needs to know only the basic card sleights, such as the Double Lift, Elmsley Count, Jordon Count, False Count, Hamman Count, Buckle Count, etc. I would suggest getting the 9 DVDs of Michael Ammar's Easy to Master Card Miracles. They are a gem and not so difficult for the beginner in card magic.

The occasional card magician usually does a few self working tricks and does not have the time to master difficult moves. Do not be disheartened as there are countless very strong self working card effects around. Michael Maxwell has produced a few DVDs on "Self Working Card Tricks".

Magic for Layman

To the laymen, it is not really important which category you fall under, because they just want to be entertained. The cards are only your tools, while you are graded on your presentation. You are either a DEMONSTRATOR or an ENTERTAINER.  

So be it serious, casual or the occasional card magician, you still need to put effort into practicing your routines well and like to emphasize again;be able to perform them without any hesitation. I believe Music and Magic to be quite alike. You are given the same set of tools and the rest is up to you.

Michael Finney, for instance, does comedy magic with classical routines like Cut & Restored Rope, Card on the Forehead & Sponge Balls. He does them so well that he is one of the most sought after magician in the United States.

Code of Conduct

Let me share with you what I find it disgusting and embarrassing of some magician both locally and globally.

Back stabbing is very common among magicians and it is very unnecessary to behave in this irresponsible manner. To Flame a fellow magician means to have Fame for himself.

With the today's technology, magic tricks are easily assessable on the internet, with instructional DVDs being the easiest way to learn. However I have witnessed magicians behaving and talking exactly like the performers on their DVDs. You are supposed to be a Magician, not a Parrot.

I have also seen a few young aspiring card magicians behaving like they are the best magician around. While everyone wishes to be 'the best', you need to ask yourself if you are qualified and not behave like 'a frog in the well'.

Never do a running commentary when a fellow magician is performing. Keep your mouth shut and enjoy the routine or just politely excuse yourself. Nobody likes a smart aleck. A humble magician goes a long way so always spare a thought for others.

When performing for any occasion, dress smartly (preferable with a jacket) and try to use fairly new cards, because the first impression is very important.

Last Notes

For those who are still schooling, education must come first as Magic is a hobby and they should not mix. You cannot make it rich being a professional magician unless you have very rich parents.

There is a tendency for magicians to want to know every routine. It is frankly impossible. I would suggest mastering about 10 card routines and do them very well. It is useless to know 50 card routines and during your performances, fumble with memory blocks.

The key to good card magic is in the presentation and executing card moves as if they are second nature (giving the moves absolutely no attention) to you would be a good advantage. You only look where you want your spectators to look.  I wish all card enthusiasts in SMC the very best, and may you make more sincere friends through the art of magic. 

Bob Chua