I have been dabbling in magic since I was 12 years old, but never took the time and effort to master the art.

Now at 46 years old, with amateur knowledge and experience with close-up sleights and effects, where would you recommend I begin with videos, books, effects, etc., to make the best use of time, effort and money, to work on the mastery level of magicians like Bill Malone, Allan Ackerman, Martin Nash, etc.? Mainly focusing on card mastery, but not exclusively.
I want to purchace some videos mainly, but also whatever books, etc. that would be a must in this endeavor.
Thanks for any advice.

Steve

Hello, Steve

I think you have answered your own question to some degree, as there are enough videos / books from the above to keep you busy for some time.

Hi Steve, I highly recommend the Card College books to anyone seriously interested in card magic. There are four volumes to the set, and they are the best books on the market for learning to be amazing with a deck of cards. Ozzy

I totally agree! Volume 5 should be out at the end of the month!...Fabulous set of books!
Gerry

A nice variety of close up magic with cards, coins, balls, knives, etc can be found on the 4 volume video (now DVD) set of Commercial Classics by Johnny Thomson. He is a great performer and teacher.

Consider an old classic: Close Up Card Magic by Harry Lorayne or some of his videos/

How about Daryl's Encyclopedia of Card Sleights. That and Card college would be good choices.

If you want more difficult material that is more gambling oriented try Darwin Ortiz at the Card Table and Ortiz's Card Shark which are available in book and video form. Scams and Fantasies is great.

From Close Up Card Magic you will find so many gems that are not hard to do. I would start there. I did when the book was first published.

Card Collage
The Book Of Secrets

I to took up magic seriously in middle age. It`s a question of lack of time. You must focus and not wonder off down side turnings.
Chose one of the magicians you mentioned and work only on that aspect. Have a practice schedule and stick to it.
If you want to work with cards don`t get involved, yet, with coins or rope.
I know it`s not that simple and you will have to go back and learn some of the basics, and you will get sidetracked, but don`t, at first, learn slights you won`t use or compromise your dreams.
You can do it .
Eddie