Show us a trick!

We’ve all been there.  Someone hands you a deck of cards and says “show us a trick” and despite knowing lots, we can’t think of what to do.  This is why I feel every magician should have a few “go-to tricks”.  The ones that can be done with a horrible deck, which is missing some cards, any time when someone shoves some cards into your face. 

By default these should be less sleight heavy than some of your other tricks, I mean you’re unlikely to be given a nice shiny new deck, but that doesn’t mean they need to be one of the same shite self-working tricks we’ve all seen. Tricks that have an elegant, simple method usually work best and allow you to play your part better. This is a great opportunity to work on your audience management and showmanship and just let the magic happen.

For example, a simple card peek can be incredibly effective. Once you are aware of the card they have chosen, there really is no limit to revealing it. From card to pocket, to finding their card plus the other 3 mates, you are only limited by your own creativity. Have a think about different ways to finish this, you really can go anyway. Personally I have a few different ways I like to go, depending on the situation. I am very much a fan of improvising as the situation dictates, as no two situations are alike. Hopefully in the future I’ll blog about my thoughts of improvisational magic.