By Dominic Reyes

Want to know the real truth about self working magic tricks?

Self working magic tricks tend to be the most popular types of tricks sold in magic shops. Because self working tricks don't require the use of sleight of hand, they appeal to complete beginners that are yet to develop the skills required for more technique driven effects. More established magicians will often add self working tricks into their performing material if the trick fits their style and is suitably impressive for their acts. However, the term 'self working magic tricks' can cause cause a serious point of confusion..

Even when a trick is 'self working' you still need time to master the 'self' part.

Self-working means that the required work will be on your presentation rather than how the props are operated.. It can still take just as long to master.

Don't assume that a self working trick can be performed well right out of the box. The mechanics of the trick may not require sleight of hand, but that's only a small part of a great performance. Most of the 'magic' of magic is in it's presentation. That's not included in the package that arrives through the post to you. You add that yourself through HARD WORK. 

Every magic trick becomes self working over time

A self working magic trick usually has a method that is simple to execute and with a process that is automatic. But even the mechanics of a knuckle busting magic trick should become 'self-working' over time as the magician masters the moves required to perform it. Every magic trick that is near 'performance ready' should seem self working to the performer. If it doesn't, it's not ready to perform with consistant ease and success. 

Every magic trick needs:  

• Commitment
• Practice
• Reherasal
• Charisma
• Presentation
• Timing
• Context
• Meaning
• Engagment

There's no rush when it comes to performing a new magic trick. Take your time, even with magic tricks that are advertised as self working. Put your 'self' into them, thats where the real work begins..