The Beginner’s Guide to Magic by Bryan Dean LearnEasyMagic.
com
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The Beginner’s Guide to Magic by Bryan Dean LearnEasyMagic.com
The Beginner’s
Guide to Magic
by
Bryan Dean
Published by:
Bryan Dean
P.O. Box 94
Eagleville, PA 19408-0094
USA
LearnEasyMagic.com
Contents (including photos) Copyright © 2008 – Bryan Dean &
Wizard Marketing Online. All rights are reserved worldwide.
No part of this report may be reproduced or transmitted in any form
without the written permission of the author, except for the inclusion of
brief quotations in a review.
Note: This e-book is optimized for viewing on a computer screen, but it is
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Also, if you print this ebook, you may want to use “draft” mode so that
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Disclaimer
This ebook has been written to provide instruction in learning magic
tricks. Every effort has been made to make this ebook as complete and
accurate as possible. However, there may be mistakes in typography or
content.
The purpose of this report is to educate. The author and publisher does
not warrant that the information contained in this report is fully com-
plete and shall not be responsible for any errors or omissions. The
author and publisher shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any
person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused or alleged to
be caused directly or indirectly by this report.
If you do not wish to be bound by the above, you may return this report
for a full refund.
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The Beginner’s Guide to Magic by Bryan Dean LearnEasyMagic.com
Contents —
Message From The Author 5
Introduction 6
Getting Started 7
Books vs. DVDs vs. Tricks 8
Magic Magazines & Organizations 9
Recommended Books 10
DVD’s 13
Where and How to Buy Magic 13
Magic Terminology 14
Final Notes 17
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The Beginner’s Guide to Magic by Bryan Dean LearnEasyMagic.com
Message From The Author
Hello. I'm Bryan Dean – professional
magician, hypnotist and writer.
I have been an entertainer since 1974,
performing magic all over the world in such
places as Japan, Europe, the US and even
the North Pole!
In 1997, I was hired as the expert in Magic &
Illusion for the web site About.com and wrote
magic tricks, reviews, essays and more for
over five years.
Before that, I started the first-ever popular
magic discussion web site, MagicTalk.com
— which I closed at the end of 2007.
Currently, I perform hypnosis shows and have a
successful clinical hypnotism business in Pennsylvania.
And, I'm an entrepreneur who markets information – I'm an infopreneur.
At LearnEasyMagic.com, I help others to learn the art of magic the way I
learned it — the easy way!
Bryan Dean
LearnEasyMagic.com
P.S. — If you have any questions or need help with the magic taught in
this or any of my Learn Easy Magic ebooks, feel free to drop me a line at
http://www.LearnEasyMagic.com/blsubmitform.htm
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The Beginner’s Guide to Magic by Bryan Dean LearnEasyMagic.com
Introduction
I get constant requests asking about how one begins learning the art
of magic. This can serve as a short guide to sources for magic, books,
supplies, etc. (My thanks to Doug Atkinson for this idea and additional
information.)
This small guide is designed as a jumping point for the beginner in
magic. It provides some suggestions for books, videos, and information
on tricks that will help you get started. It does not list every good book in
magic, nor even every good beginner's book in magic.
Magic is more than just "tricks". The real magic is in the presentation.
Two magicians can perform the same trick and get totally different
results from the audience. Try to keep this foremost in your mind as
you begin your journey.
Who knows — maybe you'll be the next David Blaine or Chris Angel!
Bryan Dean
October 2008
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The Beginner’s Guide to Magic by Bryan Dean LearnEasyMagic.com
Getting Started
In most cases, you don't have to buy anything to get started in magic.
Most public libraries will have many books on magic that you should
read. These books will give you a good introduction, and will help you
decide if an investment in other resources is warranted. Also, sometimes
the effects you will find in library books are very, very good!
Nowadays, the Internet has a huge amount of information for the begin-
ner magician. Just be sure not to just collect a bazillion magic tricks and
end up doing none. Just pick up a few and do them well.
Quite frankly, the magic tricks in this four-book series at
LearnEasyMagic.com may be all you’ll ever need!
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The Beginner’s Guide to Magic by Bryan Dean LearnEasyMagic.com
Books vs. DVDs vs. Tricks
Books provide the most value for your money. You can receive dozens (if
not hundreds) of effects in a book. The only downside is that they are not
"demonstrated" as in a video.
When you purchase an individual trick, you get one effect for, let's say
$30, versus 25 effects in a book for the same price. However, some magic
tricks are pieces of apparatus that would take so long for you to make (or
consist of material that you may not have access to) that the price you
pay is well worth it!
Don't try to do too much at once, take time to read, read, and read some
more. Learn the magic terminology. Your challenge will be to find the two
or three magic effects that you want to do. (More than that, at the begin-
ning, will be too much.)
Videos & DVD's provide a great advantage in that you can see what is
often hard to describe in print. They are especially helpful with cards and
other sleight of hand effects. While they could be a good vehicle for learn-
ing presentation style, many videos fall short in this area.
Tricks: Avoid buying lots of tricks when you first start. It is best to read
and practice tricks using everyday objects before purchasing magic.
When you do buy, try to see the effect demonstrated first, as the adver-
tisements are misleading and are meant to sell, not to describe. Or read
about some of the tricks in magazines or reviews.
Don't avoid purchasing individual magic tricks. Even though it's the
most expensive way to go... it's the most fun!
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Magic Magazines & Organizations
Magazines: There are several magic magazines available by subscription.
They are generally not available at the newsstand, but you may find
them at your local magic shop. Two of the most popular are Genii and
MAGIC magazines. A subscription is not really needed for the beginner
unless you really feel the bug. They are a good place to learn the "in-
sides" of the magic community.
Also, the magic organizations listed below have their own magazines, The
Linking Ring (I.B.M.) and the M-U-M (S.A.M.).
The internet also offers many online magic ezines for your reading —
and, they're free!
Magic Organizations: The two largest magical fraternities in the world
are the I.B.M. (International Brotherhood of Magicians), and the S.A.M.
(Society of American Magicians). You probably live near a city that may
have one (or both) organizations represented.
When you visit the I.B.M. or the S.A.M. sites, find out if a meeting is held
near you. If they don't or you can't find one, just e-mail the organization
and they'll send you some information.
Another good resource for you is The Linking Page. There, you will find
many links to local I.B.M. Rings, S.A.M. Assemblies, and several smaller
magic clubs.
Don't feel obligated to join a club; ask if you may attend two or three
meetings to see if you like it. National membership is quite inexpensive,
usually $50 a year or so (and that includes a monthly publication that
generally is worth more than your membership fee). Local clubs will also
have a nominal fee to attend their meetings (to pay for the room, re-
freshments, etc.). It's a great way to meet other fellow magicians, learn
some new magic, attend lectures, and buy magic. You'll have fun.
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Recommended Books
(Prices are approximate)
Beginner's General Magic
Many books slated for beginners are too elementary in that all they do is
present a list of effects, but don't teach how to present the magic. Those
listed below are good teachers:
Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic by
Mark Wilson. About $15. Very detailed
drawings and a wide variety of magic. Ex-
cellent book, you could learn from this for
YEARS! Great for adults and children.
The Amateur Magician's Handbook by Henry
Hay. $10. Includes theory of magic as well as
good magic. Found in any bookstore, this
was my first magic book, and is the best buy
for your money.
Magic for Dummies by David Pogue.
A friendly, funny introduction to the art of
magic, this complete reference for budding
magicians features tricks that can be per-
formed by absolute beginners without spe-
cial props or much preparation. Magic for
Dummies has 350 photos, plus favorite
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tricks submitted by 35 of the country's top magicians — and it's a really
funny book.
Intermediate General Magic
The Tarbell Course in Magic 8-volume course in magic.
A valuable investment with lots of good material. I still
refer to this set! Best purchased one at a time, in or-
der. Approx. $30 each.
The Magic of Michael Ammar by Michael Ammar.
$40. Theory and Magic. Excellent material. You
cannot go wrong with anything by Michael. 328
pages. Approx. $40. Look online for this.
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Specialized Subjects
Sleight of Hand:
Now You See It, Now You Don't! by Bill Tarr.
One of my favorites. About $15. 224 pages.
Just get it.
Coin Magic:
Modern Coin Magic by Bobo. The hardcover
version (from magic dealers) is best ($45)
and has material not available in the paper-
back, but the $10 Dover version (found at
Amazon - see link) is almost the same.
Card Magic:
"The Royal Road to Card Magic" by Hugard
and Braue. You must have this book! Get it.
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DVD’s
DVS's offer the advantage of seeing what the magic should look like.
They are more expensive (about $25 to $75 and up) and may teach only
about 6 to 8 tricks.
Where and How to Buy Magic
The best place to purchase magic books, videos, and effects is at a local
magic shop. Magic shops have a larger overhead in keeping up a store
front, so often you will pay a little more than you would from mail order
dealers. However, the benefit obtained from the local magic shop is well
worth the small extra cost.
The local dealer will be able to show you things, can tailor advice for your
skill level, and can tell you what is good and what is not. You may be
able to browse selected books and possibly view portions of videos, as
well. It is still good to check prices before you shop, however, as some
places have been known to actually mark prices higher than the retail
value.
Unfortunately, most magic shops have disappeared. The “good ‘ol
days” are almost gone. Today, most magicians shop on the Internet.
Be sure to ask if they offer a 100% money-back guarantee! Buying
magic is an experience all to itself; what you get is not always what you
thought it was going to be! But, don't just buy something, learn it's se-
crets, and return it. That would be wrong, and if it becomes known, you
may have a very hard time purchasing magic in the future.
Remember, you are purchasing a secret, not a trick. You can’t “unlearn”
the secret. However, if the book or trick is awful, ask for your money
back. (It doesn’t always happen. Remember: Buyer beware.)
Magic is an expensive hobby. Learn your art by investing in it. Even-
tually, it'll pay you back, and not always in a monetary fashion!
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Magic Terminology
Break — A slight opening secretly held in a deck of cards.
Bridge-Sized Deck — A deck of cards slightly smaller than a poker deck,
measuring 2¼ inches wide. Bridge-size cards are frequently used and
give the magician an advantage in certain tricks because of their smaller
width.
Card Discovery — The climax or end of many card tricks during which
the spectator’s card is revealed or produced in a “magical” manner.
Card Location — Any method that allows the magician to find or locate a
selected card after it has been returned to the pack.
Control — Any method that allows the performer to move a particular
card or cards to a specific location in the pack.
Crimp — This involves putting a bend or crease in a playing card in
such a way that you are able to locate it in the deck by feel alone. The
crimp can be put anywhere on the card, but the corners or long sides are
generally used. You can crimp the card simply by bending the corner
slightly upwards when showing it. You can also crimp the side of a card
by squeezing it gently at the side between the thumb and forefinger.
Basically, any (subtle) identifying bend or crease in a playing card
qualifies as a crimp.
Do As I Do — When you have the spectator do the same things as you
do.
Double-Cut Force — The Double-Cut Force is a way of forcing the top
card of the deck.
Double Lift — This is were the two top cards are drawn up to be shown
as one card alone.
Double Undercut — Card Control used to return a card back to the top
of the deck.
Effect — A sleight or trick.
Face — The face of a card shows its value and suit.
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Face Cards, Picture cards, or Court Cards — All of the jacks, queens,
and kings.
False Cut — Any cut that leaves the deck in the same order as it was
before the cut.
False Shuffle — Any shuffle that leaves the deck in the same order as it
was before the shuffle.
Flash — Allowing the spectator to briefly see the face of any card.
Flourish — A display of skill with cards and a way to “show off”. Usually
not a trick but an important part of a trick like one handed cut, fan, and
ribbon spread.
Force — Causing a spectator to select a particular card or cards when
the spectator thinks the choice was freely made.
Free Choice — When a spectator really has a free choice — no force.
Gimmick — A secret device used in the execution of a magic trick.
Glimpse — Secretly noting a card while holding or shuffling the pack.
Key Card — A card, generally gimmicked, which is used to locate a
particular card or cards in the deck.
Legerdemain — A French term for magic of the hands or sleight-of-
hand.
Marked Deck — A deck a cards with markings on the back to identify
the front. You can name any marked card by looking at the back of it.
One Way Deck — Typically a deck of cards with a design on the back
that is asymmetrical. You arrange the back of the deck pictures all the
same way and when the spectator picks his card just switch the deck
around. Then it is the only one that is backwards. No more fake shuffles!
Overhand Shuffle — A shuffle where you hold the cards in your right
hand and you pull them off a few at a time into your left hand.
Patter — The talk a magician uses to accompany a trick.
Reversed Card — Any card that is face up in a face-down pack (or faced
down in a face-up pack).
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Self-Working Tricks — Tricks that don't require any sleight-of-hand.
Shuffle — The process of mixing a deck of cards.
Spot Cards — Any card from ace through ten in any suit.
Stripper Deck — This deck is cut in sort of a subtle 'triangular' shape.
meaning the top is wider than the bottom. therefore, if a card is place in
upside down, the wider end of the card now matches with the decks
lower end, thus making it easy to locate or even slip the card right out of
the middle of the deck.
Svengali Deck — The Svengali Deck consists of 26 ordinary cards, all
different, and 26 short cards all of the same suit and value. The latter
may be narrower as well as shorter, but short duplicates only are gener-
ally used. The pack is set up by arranging the two sets alternately, thus
every other card from the top is a card of the same suit and value. You
can find these in any toy store.
Switch — A sleight or move in which one object is secretly substituted
for another.
Vanish — The act of making an object suddenly disappear.
— Some info from Encyclopedia of Card Tricks.
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Final Notes
Hopefully, this Beginner’s Guide to Magic will help you make the right
decisions in furthering your magic interests. Have fun with it; it changed
my life.
Every so often, I may be updating this ebook. Perhaps a clarification of a
point or an additional photo here and there.
When you downloaded this ebook, you registered your email with us and,
along with some communication via email, you will be on our list for any
FREE updates to this ebook set.
I hope you like this magic series and if you have any questions or com-
ments, please feel free to contact me personally here:
http://www.LearnEasyMagic.com/blsubmitform.htm
Thanks so much and I hope you enjoy your new magic interests!
Magically,
Bryan Dean
October 2008
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