How do Magicians Force Playing Cards – Questions and Answers

Paul sent us the following question about how to learn to force playing cards:

'When reading instructions and finding something like 'use a force of your choice' or 'control the card to the bottom of the deck'. In theory, I know what both of those mean, but I'm yet to find a resource – particularly for forcing – for learning techniques that seem genuinely convincing.

Can you suggest something to me from which to learn some convincing forces and also a good tutorial on card controls? Thank you!' – Paul H

Paul, You're not along getting frustrated when you come across the phrase 'use a force of your choice' or 'use your favourite force'. We think that a magic tricks instructions should explain at least a basic force if the magic trick requires it.

The good news is that there are loads of ways to learn how to force playing cards correctly.

Solution 1 : Download this Magic Hands Tuition Download : Essential Forces

Solution 2 : Learn from a DVD. There are many good DVDs that cover the basic forces. A good one that will teach you a large range of controls, as well as the right way to use a hindu and riffle force is Born to Perform.

Solution 3 : Learn from a book : Just like DVD's there are a huge range of magic books that will teach you the basic forces. We tend to go with the most highly regarded source for beginners to learn the core sleights of card magic The Royal Road to Card Magic

You have a huge range of forces to choose from, but we would sugest learning and mastering the riffle force as your first project. Follow that up with the Hindu Force, before moving on to work on mastering a Classic Force over time. Thise three forces should provide you will all the technique you need for almost any force condition.

Which is the Best Magic Smoke Device? – Magicians Ratings and Reviews

by Dominic Reyes 1 Comment

Here's a feature comparison of the most popular magicians magic smoke devices currently on the market.

Which magic smoke device is best?

That depends on what you need from the device. There tends to be two main camps of magicians, each needing something different from their magic smoke device. Some magicians look for practicality and a no fuss solution to producing smoke during a magic trick. Other magicians seek a fully customisable device that they can adjust to the specific requirements of the magic tricks they are working on. Looking at the devices currently on the market, it seems that both camps are being catered for. Devices like Pure Smoke and VAPR provide a fully formed, commercial solution that has a 'load and go' approach. Devices like Magic Smoke and SSS are more adaptable, but require more set up or refill procedure.

VAPR and Pure Smoke are designed to be 'clip on and go'. Magic Smoke needs to be fitted to your jacket, but as a result, you get a device set up specifically for your own individual needs.

VAPR is the new kid on the block and adds a great deal of additional features to a smoke device system. A self healing smoke tube, remote control, ability to produce smoke over a long period, and small rechargeable power unit make VAPR attractive to working magicians. However, the need to use official refill carts adds an additional ongoing expense.

Reliability issues.

Pure Smoke is the current market leader in magicians smoke devices. It's simple set up, use of standard batteries and excellent aftercare warranty have really helped it corner the market for smoke devices. However, some units were plagued by technical issues, so some magicians had to use the warranty to have their units replaced. E (The maker of Pure Smoke) has been excellent in replacing faulty units of Pure Smoke, so their customer service record is very good.

VAPR is made by Sans Mind who do not currently have a consistent track record of customer support for a device like this, so we can't be sure at this point how good their after care will be. That's not to say it won't be awesome, we just haven't tested it yet.

Both Magic Smoke and SSS are self service devices. The parts used for these can be sources cheaply online and replaced as required.

Pure Smoke and VAPR are sealed units, so self repair is more limited than magic smoke and SSS.

Hands off Smoke.

Only two devices have seen specifically designed to allow remote smoke. VAPR and SSS. If you want to create smoke from a close up mat or from an object that is away from you, then these may be your best choices.

Refills

VAPR and Pure Smoke require refill cartridges that need to be purchased from the magic shop. SSS and Magic Smoke can be refilled directly from a bottle of cheaper generic PG or VG liquid. Which option you choose is a matter of your budget and how 'plug in and go' you need the device to be.

Customisation

SSS provides allows the most customisation, but as it is only a DVD teaching how to make the device yourself, it may not be attractive to magicians who do not want to source parts and build their own device.

Price.

The cheapest option is SSS. However, it comes at the cost of your own time and effort to build the device. Magic Smoke is a more expensive option as an initial purchase, but the cheaper refill system will save you a lot of money over time. Pure Smoke and VAPR are more expensive than the 'build it yourself' options, but still great value for magicians that plan to use them. However, the refill cartridges will be an ongoing cost to factor into the decision.

What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with our comparison? Let us know your experiences using any of these devices in the comments section below:

How to be the Best Magician at School

by Dominic Reyes 1 Comment

By Ben Williams

Matthew asks: How do I prove I am the best magician in school?

We recently had this question come in from one of our customers and it raised a great point for us. Due to the increase in the popularity of magic, students are likely to encounter other people at school that also study the art of magic. What should you do if this situation arises?

I think it is very important to consider why you are asking this question. There really is no way to prove you are the best. However:

Your thoughts shouldn't be about how you can be the best magician,

it should be on how to give the best possible experience to someone else.

If you concentrate on making sure you are personable, friendly, non egotistical, and you also practice hard, everything will fall into place. It will become known that you are skilled in all aspects of performing, and presenting magic. You will be able to give your spectators the best experience, and as a result, you won't have to feel like you have something to prove.

School can be competitive. Try not to get sucked into the 'I'm better than you game'. Rise above comments like this. Concentrate on what you are doing, and what you love. It doesn't matter what they think, just keep giving, and respect will fall your way.

Everyone is different.

It is up to the audience to decide whom they like, and people's opinions are different. Some people like chalk, and some people like cheese, it is the way of the world. You cannot please everyone, so even if someone prefers another magician at school over you it doesn't matter. There are billions of people in the world, so there are many more you can please!

What to say.

I understand that this can be a tough situation, but the best thing you can do for you and your magic, is to not get bogged down with it. If someone says they are better than you, simply say, 'ok, that's good!' if it doesn't rattle you, or bother you, then there is no ammo for them anymore . They will realise they are not in a race or competition with you.

If someone says 'so and so is better than you' just say, 'that's cool, they practice lots, I'll keep going though!' Statements like that pop their bubble and there is nowhere for them to go. People only make statements like that to get a reaction, and if it doesn't bother you then they realise they cannot affect you. They may even respect you more for remaining kind about the other person.

The best piece of advice I can give you is to stay true to yourself. Keep practicing your magic. Focus on what you love (even if it isn't magic), and don't worry about other people and what they are doing. Build a magic act with magic tricks that work well together, and focus on your own development. You will soon see that it really doesn't matter who is the best magician.