Hey everyone!

I was just wondering what a good place to start learning billiard ball magic would be. I am currently trying to enlarge my repertoire of non-card magic and because I haven't seen many performances that use billiard balls, I think it would be a fun and interesting route for me to explore. Any help is greatly appreciated!

-Eric D.

Mark Wilson's Encyclopedia of Magic, Tarbell course in Magic, Jeff McBride's World class manipulation videos, Tim Wright's Multiplying balls video, Shimada's videos. Using this sources you will know much about ball manipulation.

Thanks!

I think I'll start with McBride!

-Eric D.

That is a very good idea! McBride's videos are just awesome!

Good choice in props Eric...the multiplying billiard balls is a classic and I'm glad they are not on everyone's must have trick list! I've enjoyed performing them for over a year now. I prefer the wooden ones.

johnny

I also recommend an old book called "It's Easier Than You Think" by Geoffry Buckingham. It is an older book, but is packed with great advice and ideas on billiard balls, how to steal and make body loads and misdirection.

Kyle

The classic reference is "Expert Billiard Ball Manipulation" by Burling Hull. It is more of a collection of moves. Other sources previously listed are better for routining a routine.

Richard

I noticed that Tim Wright's video on the billiard balls is currently listed on ebay with a "buy it now" price of $15. It is an excellent and enjoyable source.

The usual disclaimers apply.

Best regards,
Glenn Godsey

How can you get Buckingham's books?

Magic Inc. owns the copyright and still sell the Buckingham books. Give them a call and I am sure they can help you.

Richard

I think we are in the same position Eric,
I am also looking for ball tricks to help cut down my card stuff

I ordered a wooden billiard ball set years ago, and it came with the a little orange instruction card which I will now expose here: FIG. 1 Hand with 1 ball. FIG. 2 Hand with 2 balls. FIG. 3 Hand with 3 balls. That was it! No description. So, I think you are smart to look into sources for routines, so you won't be disappointed if you order a set of balls and there isn't even a basic routine. I had help from a nearby magic shop once I showed them my dilemma. I think the billiard balls are the best lesson in misdirection that I have learned, even better than the cups and balls. My original wooden set were 2" diameter (I figured the bigger the better), but I kept dropping the 4th ball. Then I tried the Vernon balls which are highly textured. I didn't drop them, but found them to be noisy and painful. So, I've gone to a 1.5" set of wooden billiard balls and am very happy. When choosing what size to order, you might try spreading your fingers as far as is comfortable and measuring the smallest gap at the tips. Good luck,

Chris

Start out with some Fakini golf balls and work up to 2-inch Fakini balls. as for learning the moves check out McBride's stuff or get your hands on Lewis Ganson's "Routined Manipulation" as a cheaper alternative.

graham fishman

If you want to learn some basic moves of billiard balls without the expense, first try and get some 1 3/4 inch bouncy balls. They work great and cost very little. This is a great way to learn some basic ball moves and handling without a huge investment. Then if you enjoy what you are doing, you can invest later in a Fakini set.

Kyle

If you plan on using 2" balls, start with 2" balls. The handling, angles and such are very much different than smaller balls. Why go through the trouble of learning it twice? If you can learn the moves with 2" balls, 1" balls will seem like marbles.

Richard

Any idea where to source this book please?


cole. x

I believe it was republished by Mickey Hades. It has tons of moves in it. But for gosh sakes, don't use them all. Otherwise check with used book dealers.

Richard

Would micky hades be hades publications? http://www.trickster.com/

I'll definitely email them and find out if they can help.

I've had a good look around used book dealers already and that is what prompted my post - the prices dealers are asking for this book are rather hefty!

thanks for the info richard.


cole. x

It is a collectible book that is tender in condition in most instances. I do not know the address for Mickey Hades books. Sorry.

Richard

Magicbooks.com is currently carrying this book