There is a number of fun and easy-to-do magic tricks which a budding magician can learn to perform.
The key to showing off a magic trick is to practice until you have it perfected.
Here is one free magic trick for budding magicians. By trying out the basic magic tricks first, you can later move on to more complicated tricks and stunts to make you a joy to watch.
'The Magic Bottle Trick'
This is how the trick would look to a spectator:
First, the performer would ask for a volunteer from the audience. The volunteer would look inside the bottle that the magician is holding and show it off to the rest of the audience as a typical, empty bottle.
Then, the volunteer would return the bottle to the magician and also examine the magic wand.
The magician will drop the wand into the bottle, then turn the bottle over and let go of the wand.
The trick is for the wand to remain suspended inside the bottle.
Here are the supplies needed to pull off this magic bottle trick:
1. An eraser.
2. A bottle with a large opening where the wand would fit into. The bottle should be opaque.
3. A 'magical' wand which is taller than the bottle. Once you drop the wand into the bottle, part of it should stick up through the opening.
Cut off a piece of the eraser and make it be just big enough for you to wedge the wand into the bottle opening.
The eraser is the key to make the trick work.
This is where the trick comes in:
The magician would pass the bottle to a volunteer in the audience to make sure that the container is empty.
Then, the magician will take the bottle back and give the wand to a participant in the audience.
He would then slip the eraser into the bottle in such a way that it is hidden from everyone in the audience. The wand is taken back and later dropped into the bottle.
Afterwards, the wand and the bottle are picked up very slowly, upside down.
Then, the wand is slightly pulled while the bottle is being turned over. The eraser then gets wedged into the opening, then the magician lets go of the magic wand and voila!
The wand does not fall out. Slowly turn the bottle upright again, let go of everything and the wand remains suspended in the bottle and more importantly, it does not fall back down.
The wand is slightly pushed to release the rubber, and it is slowly taken out and finally removed.
About The Author
Preston Houer has been involved with the art of illusion and slight of hand for over 30 years. Let Preston show you how to Have Fun With Magic. Visit His Site Today! http://www.have-fun-with-magic.com.
How To Do The Twenty One Card Magic Trick
The Twenty One Card Trick is a trick illusion effect where the conjurer deals twenty one playing cards onto the table, and into 3 card value face up piles of 7 cards each, & asks the observer to try to remember any of the cards viewed. The viewer is not supposed to tell the magician which card is being thought of, but advises the conjurer which stack the card is in. This is executed three times & the conjurer is able to tell the spectator which card they had in mind. The cards are doled out into the piles one after another, like when dealing out hands in a playing card game. Every time they are dealt, after the observer indicates which stack contains the thought of playing card, the illusionist places that pile between the other two. After the first time, the playing card will be one of the ones in positions 8 to 14. When the cards are dealt the second time, the choice will be the third, 4th, or fifth playing card in the stack it finds itself. In picking up the stacks, the conjurer places this stack between the other two again. This guarantees that the choice will now be one of those in position ten to twelve. The third occasion the playing cards are dealt out, the choice will be the fourth playing card in which ever pile it ends up in. On the third deal, as soon as the spectator points out which stack contains the choice, the magician knows that it is the 4th, or centre, playing card in that stack. If the magician collects up the piles again, as before with the pile comprising the selection in the middle, the choice will be the eleventh card in the 21 playing card packet.
About The Author
Article by Roger Burton of http://www.magic-tricks-information.com ( The resource for magic trick information )
About The Author
Article by Roger Burton of http://www.magic-tricks-information.com ( The resource for magic trick information )
Top Five Ways To Get Your Kid Intersted In Magic Tricks
I used to mange a magic shop for many years. Quite often parents would come in and say something like, “I want my kid to learn some magic tricks, but I don’t know how to get them interested?”
That’s why I have come up with these five ways to gently nudge your kid into learning some magic tricks.
1.Get them a magic kit
For your kids next birthday or for a holiday like Christmas, get them a beginners magic kit. This way they have a variety of tricks that they can learn. When getting your kid a magic kit, make sure that you get one that is specifically for their age. Try to stay away from a magic kit that has a suggested age range of “ages 8-108” or something like that. Instead look for a kit that is for ages 6-12, or ages 4-6.
2.Take them to a magic show
After your kid sees a live magic show and possibly even helps the magician with a trick, they will be begging you for a magic kit. To find a magic show in your area try checking out your local newspaper, or you could hire one for your kids next birthday. An easy way to find a birthday magician is to do an internet search for “your city, magic show”.
3.Learn a magic trick yourself
There are tons of easy magic tricks you can learn to do that don’t require any special props. If you learn one or two simple magic tricks and show them to your child many times that will spark their interest in magic.
4.Get a book about magic
You can get your kid a book on magic tricks, but I only recommend this for kids that are old enough to read by themselves, or if you are willing to sit with them and learn the tricks with them (family bonding?).
5.Watch a magic show on TV
Right now magic is having a boom in popularity, with people like Criss Angel and David Blaine’s TV shows. Watch one of the magic shows on TV and when your kid is amazed by the magic, ask them if they would like to learn a magic trick. If they say, “yes”, then that’s a pretty good sign that they are ready for a magic kit or magic book.
Now that you know where to begin, go out and encourage your kid to learn some magic tricks. Did I mention that when a kid learns magic tricks they also get improved self esteem, develop public speaking skills, and much more!
About The Author
Louie is a professional magician based out of Seattle and he runs the website www.amazingmagickit.com that makes magic kits for kids.
That’s why I have come up with these five ways to gently nudge your kid into learning some magic tricks.
1.Get them a magic kit
For your kids next birthday or for a holiday like Christmas, get them a beginners magic kit. This way they have a variety of tricks that they can learn. When getting your kid a magic kit, make sure that you get one that is specifically for their age. Try to stay away from a magic kit that has a suggested age range of “ages 8-108” or something like that. Instead look for a kit that is for ages 6-12, or ages 4-6.
2.Take them to a magic show
After your kid sees a live magic show and possibly even helps the magician with a trick, they will be begging you for a magic kit. To find a magic show in your area try checking out your local newspaper, or you could hire one for your kids next birthday. An easy way to find a birthday magician is to do an internet search for “your city, magic show”.
3.Learn a magic trick yourself
There are tons of easy magic tricks you can learn to do that don’t require any special props. If you learn one or two simple magic tricks and show them to your child many times that will spark their interest in magic.
4.Get a book about magic
You can get your kid a book on magic tricks, but I only recommend this for kids that are old enough to read by themselves, or if you are willing to sit with them and learn the tricks with them (family bonding?).
5.Watch a magic show on TV
Right now magic is having a boom in popularity, with people like Criss Angel and David Blaine’s TV shows. Watch one of the magic shows on TV and when your kid is amazed by the magic, ask them if they would like to learn a magic trick. If they say, “yes”, then that’s a pretty good sign that they are ready for a magic kit or magic book.
Now that you know where to begin, go out and encourage your kid to learn some magic tricks. Did I mention that when a kid learns magic tricks they also get improved self esteem, develop public speaking skills, and much more!
About The Author
Louie is a professional magician based out of Seattle and he runs the website www.amazingmagickit.com that makes magic kits for kids.
Does it Matter Who Does the Magic Trick?
The magic that you see magicians performing today is really truly amazing. It seems like every year the bar is being raised to put the challenge on the rest of the magic community to come up with the next “big thing”. Magic shows are getting bigger; they’re getting more elaborate; they’re getting extreme. But is bigger always better?
Think about it. What would you rather see, David Copperfield on stage performing one of his unbelievable elusions with all the lights, pretty assistants, and fire and smoke or some ordinary Joe walking up to you on the street and asking you to pick a card, any card?
What’s your first reaction? Of course, who wouldn’t want to go see David Copperfield? He is the man, well known for all of his mind blowing magic that he has performed on stage and seen by millions on TV. Hey, if I was asked this question, I’d be the first to admit, I would choose David Copperfield in a heartbeat.
But let’s take a step back and think about this question, David Copperfield or Ordinary Joe. You’ve got the glamour versus the struggling street performer. Why would we choose Copperfield over Ordinary Joe? Is it because we know what Mr. Copperfield can do and we know whatever he does is over the top and we will enjoy it? Most likely, but what about Ordinary Joe? Why not give him a chance?
If you really think about it, do you know what this Ordinary Joe can do? Nope. So maybe it may be more exciting to see what he can do over Copperfield. Just maybe this Ordinary Joe has something that you and the rest of the world have never seen before. He may even have the next “big thing” in magic.
Maybe Ordinary Joe isn’t so ordinary after all. Now that I have put this perspective into your mind, I’ll ask the question again, Copperfield or Ordinary Joe? It’s still a tough sell, isn’t it? We are still drawn to the glamour and lights of Copperfield because we know what he can do, he is a proven entertainer.
You may be asking yourself, so what is the point in all of this? My point is that David Copperfield use to be that Ordinary Joe and now look at him. He is far from ordinary. So next time, take the time to give that Ordinary Joe a chance to show you the magic he can do because he could be showing you the next “big thing”. In the end, magic being performed by some one on the street or on some big stage, it is still magic and that’s what counts.
About The Author
Dion Semeniuk is the proud owner of the popular online magic trick store that offers magic tricks for all ages. Learn free magic tricks by visiting http://www.thisismagic.com.
Think about it. What would you rather see, David Copperfield on stage performing one of his unbelievable elusions with all the lights, pretty assistants, and fire and smoke or some ordinary Joe walking up to you on the street and asking you to pick a card, any card?
What’s your first reaction? Of course, who wouldn’t want to go see David Copperfield? He is the man, well known for all of his mind blowing magic that he has performed on stage and seen by millions on TV. Hey, if I was asked this question, I’d be the first to admit, I would choose David Copperfield in a heartbeat.
But let’s take a step back and think about this question, David Copperfield or Ordinary Joe. You’ve got the glamour versus the struggling street performer. Why would we choose Copperfield over Ordinary Joe? Is it because we know what Mr. Copperfield can do and we know whatever he does is over the top and we will enjoy it? Most likely, but what about Ordinary Joe? Why not give him a chance?
If you really think about it, do you know what this Ordinary Joe can do? Nope. So maybe it may be more exciting to see what he can do over Copperfield. Just maybe this Ordinary Joe has something that you and the rest of the world have never seen before. He may even have the next “big thing” in magic.
Maybe Ordinary Joe isn’t so ordinary after all. Now that I have put this perspective into your mind, I’ll ask the question again, Copperfield or Ordinary Joe? It’s still a tough sell, isn’t it? We are still drawn to the glamour and lights of Copperfield because we know what he can do, he is a proven entertainer.
You may be asking yourself, so what is the point in all of this? My point is that David Copperfield use to be that Ordinary Joe and now look at him. He is far from ordinary. So next time, take the time to give that Ordinary Joe a chance to show you the magic he can do because he could be showing you the next “big thing”. In the end, magic being performed by some one on the street or on some big stage, it is still magic and that’s what counts.
About The Author
Dion Semeniuk is the proud owner of the popular online magic trick store that offers magic tricks for all ages. Learn free magic tricks by visiting http://www.thisismagic.com.
Derren Brown and Reframing Your Magic Tricks
Like a refreshing shower of rain in the middle of a long, laborious summer, a man stepped onto our screens in a long velvety coat and a rather predictable goatee beard and for me, changed the way I look at magic. He dazzled us not just with his magical fingerings, but with his beautiful use of the queens English.
He performed the impossible right in front of our mortal eyes and left us in a mystical limbo (that is until he clicked his fingers and assured us that everything will be alright.)
That was a few years ago when I first saw Derren Brown on his first outing (I think) with Channel 4. That’s when he showed us a card trick and then horrors and horrors showed us how he did it, concluding with the words, “That’s the only tricks you’ll SEE tonight.” BRAVO! From then on we were hooked.
In the following years I’ve heard laymen regaling their own experiences of watching Derren Brown perform. The superlatives to describe this phenomenon were abundant but there was a part of me that wanted to say, look its all about exposure. I’m sure Derren himself would point you back to the guys who are out there every night on the performers circuit doing the same job, sometimes even better.
But hang on that’s not why I’m writing this. No, this is a commentary on the importance of presentation and I think Derren Brown is a master to be emulated in his approach to his act.
Here’s what I mean. The modern magic world is constantly looking for the next best trick, the next ‘What If I could do this…’ That is fine if you want to spend another hundred on a draw filler. But what about the old tricks? The ones that your granddad used to teach us or the first ones we saw in the Paul Daniel’s books (Sorry I’m not old enough to remember beyond that).
You give Derren and the boys a pick a card trick and they will take you on a journey into Van Demons land with your only saviour being that of the clever ledgerman uttering the immortal words, “Was your card the seven of clubs? Then you are left to wonder why you are standing in a pool of your own wee, wee. It’s just a pack of cards for goodness sake!
Suddenly that parlor trick has enough power to get you through college. To further illustrate this…
Pick a card, any card. OK look at it and remember it. In fact put it away so there is no way I can see it. Now I’m going to reveal your card. Blah! Blah! Blah! Big freakin’ deal.
Directors Cut: OK look at me and imagine your card right in front of you. Imagine the colors, make them bright and vivid but don’t give out any signals. I can tell by the strength of your stance…etc…etc that your card is a red…etc…etc.
I hope you see how the misdirection works on so many levels. You misdirect their thoughts, ideas away from the mechanics of a very simple magic trick and they are going to go away and not tell about a magic trick they have seen, they are going to talk about an experience of two people involved in a mind meld.
I guess my point has been not to underestimate the power of reframing old tricks, which have laid the foundation of what the universe of magic is built upon.
An archaeologist may be the only person who can see the inherent beauty in whatever he may find in the bottom of a hole. In the same way we can take the old tricks of the masters and re-energize them for a brand new, more hipper audience.
About The Author
Paul Frith is the creator of http://ShoutAboutMagic.com, a small site that hopes to grow a community of magic lovers, a place to meet and discuss anything about magic. You can go there now@ http://www.shoutaboutmagic.com.
He performed the impossible right in front of our mortal eyes and left us in a mystical limbo (that is until he clicked his fingers and assured us that everything will be alright.)
That was a few years ago when I first saw Derren Brown on his first outing (I think) with Channel 4. That’s when he showed us a card trick and then horrors and horrors showed us how he did it, concluding with the words, “That’s the only tricks you’ll SEE tonight.” BRAVO! From then on we were hooked.
In the following years I’ve heard laymen regaling their own experiences of watching Derren Brown perform. The superlatives to describe this phenomenon were abundant but there was a part of me that wanted to say, look its all about exposure. I’m sure Derren himself would point you back to the guys who are out there every night on the performers circuit doing the same job, sometimes even better.
But hang on that’s not why I’m writing this. No, this is a commentary on the importance of presentation and I think Derren Brown is a master to be emulated in his approach to his act.
Here’s what I mean. The modern magic world is constantly looking for the next best trick, the next ‘What If I could do this…’ That is fine if you want to spend another hundred on a draw filler. But what about the old tricks? The ones that your granddad used to teach us or the first ones we saw in the Paul Daniel’s books (Sorry I’m not old enough to remember beyond that).
You give Derren and the boys a pick a card trick and they will take you on a journey into Van Demons land with your only saviour being that of the clever ledgerman uttering the immortal words, “Was your card the seven of clubs? Then you are left to wonder why you are standing in a pool of your own wee, wee. It’s just a pack of cards for goodness sake!
Suddenly that parlor trick has enough power to get you through college. To further illustrate this…
Pick a card, any card. OK look at it and remember it. In fact put it away so there is no way I can see it. Now I’m going to reveal your card. Blah! Blah! Blah! Big freakin’ deal.
Directors Cut: OK look at me and imagine your card right in front of you. Imagine the colors, make them bright and vivid but don’t give out any signals. I can tell by the strength of your stance…etc…etc that your card is a red…etc…etc.
I hope you see how the misdirection works on so many levels. You misdirect their thoughts, ideas away from the mechanics of a very simple magic trick and they are going to go away and not tell about a magic trick they have seen, they are going to talk about an experience of two people involved in a mind meld.
I guess my point has been not to underestimate the power of reframing old tricks, which have laid the foundation of what the universe of magic is built upon.
An archaeologist may be the only person who can see the inherent beauty in whatever he may find in the bottom of a hole. In the same way we can take the old tricks of the masters and re-energize them for a brand new, more hipper audience.
About The Author
Paul Frith is the creator of http://ShoutAboutMagic.com, a small site that hopes to grow a community of magic lovers, a place to meet and discuss anything about magic. You can go there now@ http://www.shoutaboutmagic.com.
Magic and Illusions - Why the Fascination?
Magic Tricks have fascinated people since early times. The Professional Magician has been with us since man learned to speak. If you can talk, you can make things seem other than they really are – and that is the essence of illusion.
Why the fascination? Why do we enjoy being fooled? We KNOW that the card didn’t really vanish into thin air – and yet … Have you ever witnessed unexplainable events or seen illusions so convincing that they leave you spellbound? Have you ever seen what happens to a group of people who experience magic tricks up close? A high energy excitement develops that’s contagious. There’s amazement, laughter, a great buzz enjoyed by all those who witnessed the seemingly ‘unexplainable’.
We actually WANT there to be magic! We want to believe that someone can make things appear or disappear just by power of thought or by saying a magic word.
Nowadays we rarely see the ‘smoke and mirrors’ that the ancient magicians were reputed to use. Illusions are much more sophisticated; they use few gadgets to work their deceit, most is effected by misdirection – making the audience look at one thing while something else is going on somewhere else. The Magician or Illusionist makes a big flourish with one hand while the other secretly picks an object out of – or drops an object into – his pocket. Whenever a performer asks you to concentrate on something you may be sure that the trick is actually being done where you are not concentrating. The magician’s ‘patter’ is designed partly to entertain and partly to distract.
Magic as a hobby is very satisfying. You don’t have to be a David Blaine. You can delight and amaze people if you perform reasonably well, and this could soon lead to your hobby paying for itself and perhaps providing a part time or even full time income. Whilst a Stage Magician needs expensive props, the hobby or amateur Magician can perform tricks with his audience up close – even surrounding him or her, for some tricks – and often uses borrowed objects. These can be the most amazing magic tricks – very satisfying to perform – and will build the performer a magical reputation quickly.
About The Author
Andy Canning is an amateur magician; an enthusiast. He has created a Website for fellow enthusiasts – amateur or professional – at http://www.magic.4funandprofit.co.uk where he offers free magic tricks for you to learn.
Why the fascination? Why do we enjoy being fooled? We KNOW that the card didn’t really vanish into thin air – and yet … Have you ever witnessed unexplainable events or seen illusions so convincing that they leave you spellbound? Have you ever seen what happens to a group of people who experience magic tricks up close? A high energy excitement develops that’s contagious. There’s amazement, laughter, a great buzz enjoyed by all those who witnessed the seemingly ‘unexplainable’.
We actually WANT there to be magic! We want to believe that someone can make things appear or disappear just by power of thought or by saying a magic word.
Nowadays we rarely see the ‘smoke and mirrors’ that the ancient magicians were reputed to use. Illusions are much more sophisticated; they use few gadgets to work their deceit, most is effected by misdirection – making the audience look at one thing while something else is going on somewhere else. The Magician or Illusionist makes a big flourish with one hand while the other secretly picks an object out of – or drops an object into – his pocket. Whenever a performer asks you to concentrate on something you may be sure that the trick is actually being done where you are not concentrating. The magician’s ‘patter’ is designed partly to entertain and partly to distract.
Magic as a hobby is very satisfying. You don’t have to be a David Blaine. You can delight and amaze people if you perform reasonably well, and this could soon lead to your hobby paying for itself and perhaps providing a part time or even full time income. Whilst a Stage Magician needs expensive props, the hobby or amateur Magician can perform tricks with his audience up close – even surrounding him or her, for some tricks – and often uses borrowed objects. These can be the most amazing magic tricks – very satisfying to perform – and will build the performer a magical reputation quickly.
About The Author
Andy Canning is an amateur magician; an enthusiast. He has created a Website for fellow enthusiasts – amateur or professional – at http://www.magic.4funandprofit.co.uk where he offers free magic tricks for you to learn.
Card Tricks – Essential Magic For Beginners
Why is it that most Magicians use card tricks in their act? Did they start out entertaining in Gambling Dens and Casinos? Or is it that the ‘card sharps’ had to learn magic card tricks in order to cheat at Poker?
Whatever the reason, Card Tricks are an essential part of any Magician’s performance. Some require difficult sleight-of-hand techniques, most just need you to distract your audience while you ‘do the deed’, many can be done in full view. A few need gimmicked decks or pre-prepared decks in order to work.
The marked deck is a rarity these days; after all, who needs to remember 52 different secret markings, all small enough to go unnoticed by the audience? Far easier to ‘force’ your victim to pick a specific card (she thinks she had free choice, but we know better!) then ‘control’ the card to the top or bottom of the deck where it sits until you magically produce it.
A favourite technique of mine (called; the Glimpse) is to openly look at the card (this becomes the ‘Key card’) above the selected card as the victim replaces it in the pack; all I have to do then is find that card and I know that the one below it is the selected card. Simple. The victim, and the rest of the audience, were all concentrating on the return of the selected card to the deck and didn’t notice me tilt the top half of the deck so that the underside of the card was visible. A few cuts then make it look as if the card is mixed up in the deck (a cut rarely splits the two cards that you want to keep together, but to be sure, Glimpse the bottom card after the last cut – if it is your Key Card, cut once more) and I then deal the pack onto the table until I see the card I viewed earlier. A nice twist is to carry on past the selected card, dealing say, another 3 cards before stopping and announcing “the next card I turn over will be the one you selected.” The victim gleefully disagrees – you can take bets on it if you want – and then you reach over to the selected card and turn that one over.
There are lots of card tricks you can learn easily that can be found at many dedicated magic websites. Many magic card tricks are offered free at these sites and are easy to learn. If you want to impress your friends in the bar or at the party, learn some magic card tricks and you will always be in demand!
About The Author
Andy Canning is an enthusiast - an amature magician - who has set up a website for magicians where you can learn free card tricks (and others) and learn all about Magic.
http://magic.4funandprofit.co.uk/cardtricks.htm
Whatever the reason, Card Tricks are an essential part of any Magician’s performance. Some require difficult sleight-of-hand techniques, most just need you to distract your audience while you ‘do the deed’, many can be done in full view. A few need gimmicked decks or pre-prepared decks in order to work.
The marked deck is a rarity these days; after all, who needs to remember 52 different secret markings, all small enough to go unnoticed by the audience? Far easier to ‘force’ your victim to pick a specific card (she thinks she had free choice, but we know better!) then ‘control’ the card to the top or bottom of the deck where it sits until you magically produce it.
A favourite technique of mine (called; the Glimpse) is to openly look at the card (this becomes the ‘Key card’) above the selected card as the victim replaces it in the pack; all I have to do then is find that card and I know that the one below it is the selected card. Simple. The victim, and the rest of the audience, were all concentrating on the return of the selected card to the deck and didn’t notice me tilt the top half of the deck so that the underside of the card was visible. A few cuts then make it look as if the card is mixed up in the deck (a cut rarely splits the two cards that you want to keep together, but to be sure, Glimpse the bottom card after the last cut – if it is your Key Card, cut once more) and I then deal the pack onto the table until I see the card I viewed earlier. A nice twist is to carry on past the selected card, dealing say, another 3 cards before stopping and announcing “the next card I turn over will be the one you selected.” The victim gleefully disagrees – you can take bets on it if you want – and then you reach over to the selected card and turn that one over.
There are lots of card tricks you can learn easily that can be found at many dedicated magic websites. Many magic card tricks are offered free at these sites and are easy to learn. If you want to impress your friends in the bar or at the party, learn some magic card tricks and you will always be in demand!
About The Author
Andy Canning is an enthusiast - an amature magician - who has set up a website for magicians where you can learn free card tricks (and others) and learn all about Magic.
http://magic.4funandprofit.co.uk/cardtricks.htm
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