I'm going to some office holiday parties in November/December (as a guest, not a hired magician), but I always hate trying to show magic to the entire table. Most of my tricks are close-up tricks that are good for a few people, but don't work well for a big table of 10. Even a chop cup routine is hard because the tables are always cluttered and not everyone has a clear line of sight. What might be some good tricks to perform? I'm thinking bill switch, invisible deck, and maybe card to pocket? Ideally tricks that don't require big props. What do you pros do when you have to do magic for a big table?

P.N., Ring and Rope and Daryl's Amazing Acrobatic Knot will all work well. I also have a swingy Rope routine that plays big. Cards done "up" at chest height work well.This can mean reworking your handling but it beats everyone staring at the top of your head as you perform for the table. I have a couple of card tricks that involve the audience that play big and are upright. I also do a T&R Dollar Bill. Gypsy Thread can work as well.

If there is time, I often perform at two places at a table, moving so that I can do smaller things without shouting and two sides get a good view. It depends on the noise level, lighting, standing space and time.

Other tables are getting a rearview so play close to the vest. There is a tendency to just ignore these people but exposure is exposure whether we address it or not. When we raise our voices to cover the table that makes surrounding tables more likely to tune in. (Randy, I'm not saying you have this problem, I'm just adding it to the conversation).

-Mary Mowder

As already said ring and rope works well as does most rope routines, 3 fly, Extreme burn also play well for large tables.

Talking of 3 fly there are a few coin routines that work well at large tables, not forgetting there's also plenty of card routines that work extremely well too.

Like Mary, I like ropes for this. I usually work my way around the table as I perform.
I also do the ninja rings for large tables like this and again, work my way around the table as I do it.

Those 2 tricks are spectacular for that situation and even when it's extremely loud, as you can, if needed, do those tricks silently..
... as long as you have some showmanship skills.

An added benefit, especially the rings, is that people from different tables will see you, see the reactions and will look forward to your visit.

Yes, definitely Ninja Rings.

Mary had some really good ideas and some that I use . One I really like is multiple location with final revelation is signed card to wallet. Doc Eason & Paul Cummins

The way I'd approach this is, instead of thinking about what close up effects would be seen, think about what parlor effects play small enough. That gets you thinking like Mary and opens a lot possibilities, like the other posters have mentioned.

I'd add torn/restored effects (in the setting you are in, maybe a T/R napkin). Vanishing salt/salt pour, color changing silk, ring flight, card to wallet also come to mind. If you are outside, you might think about a cigarette vanish, like Terry Seabrook's work of vanishing a cigarette in a womn's handkerchief, sweater, man's jacket, etc.

My opinion only. Don't worry so much about what tricks you would do. 10 people is not that many, and most folks can see or will move so that they can see what you are doing. I read where someone asked folks to stand up if they could not see what you are doing. I have tried that at larger tables and it works great. Everyone will tell you to keep things off the table and up and in your hands for visibility. Sure that is common sense but you don't have to. Just tell folks to adjust their sight angles or assist by moving a few things. It works.

My first question is, were you asked to do magic? If not, why bring it?

If Randy is a part of the Office Party then that is a social event where he might want to show others his Magic.

It is informal and not during work hours. As long as the people are wanting to see some Magic (and the boss is not making a speech LOL), I don't see a problem.

-Mary Mowder

Should you work on the table top when working a big ten?

You can do what you wish, I work on the table top with 10 tops. Again, folks will move to see and sometimes stand. It works fine.

I think this depends on the shape of the table ie if it's a round table it can be done but on a long rectangular table it would be far from ideal.

Multiple revelation, I've got a version that can be tailored to tables from 6-12 with the bulk of the routine made up of relelations found on Big Blind Media's Multiple Revelation Project.

There are a number of final reveals you can have with perspex or wooden boxes/paperclipped cards/wallets etc. you can use by having a spectator hold/guard cor the duration of the routine. I personally use paperclipped and the papperclipped card in a wine glass, raised if possible, in the middle of the table.

Everyone is invloved/invested in what you are doing.

I've done chop cup routines at weddings for tables of 10-12. If there's space it's do-able.

Rubik's cube magic/demonstrations go down well too, especially if people can mix and handle the cube.

Good luck and remember, the most important things are to enjoy yourself and enjoy what you do.

Haunted deck - quite visual
Floating polo (Yigal Mesika) - again very visual
Out of this world - keeps the audience engaged
Stand up monte

You could try to get our hand on Helder Guimaraes' Crescendo. It is a multiple card revelation designed for 9 persons.

One other thought here. If the table is rectangular, try to work in the middle rather than on the end. That seems to keep interest as well.

Hecklau‘s spoonaround just kills

Working at the end of a rectangular table is better for visibility and angles. You can switch ends to get better coverage.

-Mary Mowder

I really like tiny plunger or jumbo coincidence. Also, anything that uses a $100 bill switch is easy to see at chest height.