Posts
Exploring Erdnase: Secrets of the Professional Card Cheat
In this post, you'll learn about the philosophy and psychology of cheating at cards according to S.W. Erdnase.
Hidden Gems: "Out on Location" by Roy Walton and Karl Fulves
An easy, self-working card trick that can be performed with a borrowed pack.
Exploring Erdnase: The Mindset of the Professional Gambler
In his introduction, Erdnase offers many interesting insights into the mindset of the professional gambler. This particular passage caught my attenti…
Exploring Erdnase: Show Me the Money!
In this post, we'll be taking a look at the famous preface from the book and discuss whether the author's primary motive was money.
Understanding the Impossible: Do That Again!
Why do people ask magicians to repeat tricks? And what should we do when someone makes this request?
Hocus Focus: Deliberate Practice, the Myth of the 10,000-Hour Rule and the Illusion of Mastery
An article on deliberate practice and how amateur magicians can take advantage of a more mindful approach to practising magic.
Exploring Erdnase: The Bible of Card Magic
Join the Bag of Tricks Book Club and read The Expert at The Card Table with me during 2023.
Dem Bones!
A short article about performing magic tricks with dice. You will also learn a fun trick with four regular dice called "Sum the Spots".
Magic Hot List: The Hot Card Trick
In this first magic hot list, I share my top ten variations of “The Hot Card Trick”, better known as Chicago Opener or Red Hot Mama.
Card Plot Chronologies: The Hot Card Trick
A chronological timeline of significant variations of The Hot Card Trick plot, more commonly known as Chicago Opener or Red Hot Mama.
Obscure Origins: Chicago Opener or Red Hot Mama?
In this post, we explore the history of the most famous card trick to emerge from the Chicago magic scene and find out why it has two names.
Twisting the Aces Three Ways
In this post, I share three ways to perform “Twisting the Aces” as well as some ideas to make the magic easier to follow.
Thematic Thinking
How to develop a strong theme for your magic, using a puppy-inspired presentation for "Twisting the Aces" as an example.
The Power of Premise & Plot
Writing a script is one of the best ways to improve your magic. In this short article, we discuss the concepts of premise and plot.
True Voodoo: 5 Voodoo Myths Busted!
Five popular myths about Voodoo busted. Should we even use it as a presentational hook for our magic? Learn “Twodoo Voodoo” for FREE.
Tricks, Tricks and More Tricks: I Got 9 Card Problems, But a Trick Ain't One!
A new monthly column featuring three tricks. This month, we're looking at "The Nine Card Problem" by Jim Steinmeyer.
Which Waddingtons?
An article about the most popular playing cards in the UK. Did you know that they were printed in two factories?