How to Win the World’s Best Magic Competition

How do you win the World's best Magic Competition?

Ask Shin Lim! Shin has done immensely well this year, not only being crowned as FISM Card Magic Champion but also amazing everyone and 'Fooling' Penn and Teller on their hit show 'Fool Us'. Big congratulations go out to Shin for achieving these titles, his videos were shared and went viral across the internet on news sites and You Tube, clocking up millions of views in under a week.

The real secret to Shin's success is practice. You must practice and plan your magic, Shin's routine was no accident. It didn't all fall together by some miracle or someone handing it over to him. He perfected each move and method through repetative training sessions that hammered each move directly into both his long term memory and muscle memory. If you wish to learn more about effective practice sessions then check out this article: Magic Practice Techniques

Music and verbal silence

Another factor that has been widely discussed is Shin's use of music and verbal silence whilst performing. By simply watching Shin perform you can follow every bit of magic that is occurring. His performances do not need explaining as it is all clear to see. His timing is very well structured, he does not rush anything. He pulls focus at the correct times leaving you enough time to follow along with him so that your brain is not trying to catch up all of the time. He gives you a moment to register before a magical moment occurs and also afterwards, this allows you to enjoy and appreciate every moment of magic. Next time you are practicing make sure to allow for pauses to let that magic moment sink in.

We have been fans of Shin's work for a long time now, he has released some great products to the magic society, here is an interview we did with Shin before his release of Flash Deck Switch. Shin talks about his history in magic and practice sessions

Merchant of Magic Podcast 14 – Shin Lim Interview

by Dominic Reyes Leave a Comment

The Merchant of Magic Podcast 14

A Conversation With Shin Lim

In this magic podcast, Dominic Reyes and Ben Williams talk to magic creator, and international magician Shin Lim.

Shin Lim regards himself an international citizen. Born in Canada, he lived in Singapore until the age of 11 before moving to Boston, USA. His Oldest brother showed him a magic trick when he was 16 years old, a simple card trick it sparked a passion and drive to learn and practice sleight of hand. Within just a 4 year span, he moved from winning major youth magic awards & scholarships to winning adult magic awards of international stature, recognized by esteemed magicians & peers for his skill and performance. He turned professional in 2012.

Shin Lim's Magic Awards include:

F.I.S.M North-American Champion of Card Magic 2011

I.B.M International Champion of Close-Up Magic 2011

W.M.S World Teen Champion of Close Up Magic 2010

Shin Lim in action performing 52 Shades of Red Live in China

Topics of discussion include:

His approach to creativity.
How to relax when you are about to perform.
Dealing with sweaty hands.
The dangers of practising magic too much.
Close up magic on stage.
Card flourishing as magic entertainment.
A detailed discussion of his Flash Deck Switch.
Advice for beginners.
How he develops ideas for his magic.
and much more.

Click here to see the Shin Lim range of magic tricks and tuition

Want more episodes or to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes? Click here

Ben Hanlin Tricked Performs Deceptus Keys inside Soda Can

by Dominic Reyes Leave a Comment

Deceptus – Keys inside Soda Can Trick Performed on Ben Hanlin Tricked

Great to see Ben Hanlin Tricked feature Deceptus on the magic TV series. Ben approached the magic shop whilst Deceptus was still in development because the magic trick was a perfect fit for the show.

Because Dynamo performed Deceptus earlier in the month, we were excitied to see how Ben Hanlin – Tricked would present the magic trick differently. Ben added his own TV magic twist to the presentation by having the spectators go into a shop and purchase a soda can to use in the trick. Obviously, performing conditions may no allow this in a live performance without some extra work from the magician, but it was a perfect fit for the episode and worked very well. Here's Ben Hanlin performing the trick:

As the makers of Deceptus, it's important to add some points about the performance that will help other magicians perform Deceptus correctly.

1) Once the item has been placed inside the can, try to minimise the amount of handling you give the can. You don't need to squeeze or twist the can before handing it out for inspection. Just insert the object, and turn the can around fully so it's seen to be intact.

2) Be very careful opening the soda can. Ben Hanlin rips open the can with his hands. We suggest using protective gloves if you are going to do that. The edges of a ripped open can are sharp!

3) DON'T have the spectator reach in and remove the object with their fingers! Those sharp edges are an accident waiting to happen if you allow someone to push their fingers into the can. Instead, empty the object onto their hands, or give then tweezers to extract the object.

Those points aside, it's a great performance and we are pleased to have worked with Ben Hanlin Tricked to show you Deceptus in action.