Do you like to order single magic trick DVD's or do you prefer collections of tricks?
Over the last few years, there has been a trend by manufacturers and inventors of magic tricks, to release each trick individually. There are good and bad points for both single trick products and collections.
I wanted to discuss one factor that I feel is important to consider when choosing a singe trick product: Transferability.
Here's a short video I filmed whilst at a gig at the weekend, about the subject of transferable secrets:
I'd love to know your thoughts on the subject. Leave a comment in the comments section below:

Hi...good tips as always :)
ReplyDeleteAs a beginner i'd appreciate you listing some of the core basic tricks that, as you say, are transferable. This would allow me to focus on them before moving onto others...maybe listing some of those may be of interest also to others who have already mastered the basics?.
For me it'd simplify searching them out the hard way...ie. new to card tricks start with this then move onto this and then work on e.g. the invisible deck etc etc. If you do these and master them you'll have a good solid 10-15 mins worth of performance that you can personalise to create a good routine.
Appreciate you videos and emails...keep em coming.
Rob
Thanks Rob! Yes that's a great Idea. I plan to do a blog post on that in the next couple of days.
DeleteBest wishes as always
Dominic
I concur with the above comments.
ReplyDeleteAnd really do appreciate the clips your making.
Keep up the good work.
F.K.A.
Thanks Frederick!
DeleteReally sound advice as always. Are there any books you'd recommend on the basics?
ReplyDeleteTransferable tricks like elmsly count, flushstrtion count, fake cuts,face shuffles, passes like classic pass, halo pass dribble pass, colour changes like snap change, eco change, stroke change just to name a few
ReplyDeleteGood suggestions. Thanks for posting!
DeleteHere is my tuppenceworth;
ReplyDeleteLearn one, two or maybe three card tricks.
Choose those that have a lot of "patter".
Chat is harder than sleight. Learn chat before sleight.
Be comfortable talking and joking - being the centre of attention, knowing that they are looking for your first mistake. Yes they are.
If you get the chat right then you can do anything with your audience.
You can take them where you need to.
Then you do the magic.
They were not expecting that were they?
Thanks Dominic. You suggest many effects. I have one for you - if you are interested.
Contact me.
Malcolm
Great advice from Malcolm! Sometimes the presentation of a trick can teach you just as much as the mechanical techniques. That's why the cups and balls is such a powerful teaching trick for beginners. Malcolm is so right when he states 'Chat is harder than sleights'. It's also just as important.
DeleteGreat stuff everyone, thank you.
ReplyDelete"Patter"...this is something I find hard to create outside the moment of doing it. Watching and learning from others would seem to be where ideas come from and then working out what would suit your style/personality.
Its all starting to make sense...more pieces starting to fall into place. Wish it was as easy as licking a stone, but, then again, if it was everyone would be doing it!
Thanks for posting the comment. The Patter and presentation is very often, more important than the technical 'moves', yet often gets added without much thought at the end.
Delete