Thanks Dougini,
I was trying to help those that are very new to magic to look at some of the tricks that may help them jumpstart into it.

Francis

The first trick I had to work at was the Vanishing Key. It involved using a F---ch D--p as the sleight, but also employed so much misdirection, like looking at where the key was “supposed” to be, a large move vs. a small move, and other bits about getting the audience to look where you want them to, etc., that I have to point to that as my introduction to some of the “real” principles of Magic.

I'm going to second your recommendation for Walt Anthony's "Tales of Enchantment". That book has been a wonderful inspiration to my magic story telling. A must buy for your magic library.

I totally agree! I should tell everyone that the publisher is the best place to get this book:

http://www.leapinglizardsmagic.com/csspa......ment.htm

And $35 is not much money, considering the value of this tome. Check it out!

I would argue doing self-working card effects. The beginner would focus on presentation and crowd control. Once he/she feels comfortable with that, I would say to learn double-lifts, as many effects are card related

When I've helped people who are starting out in magic. These are the things I usually suggest they pick up. The reason I use these is because they encourage them to learn the basics. They don't know what style they'll end up with yet. Gotta walk before you run and figure out style from experience. So with these suggestions they'll learn some of the basics in sleight of hand in many areas. And at the same time they'll be able to get out there and perform them and get the experience of actually using them which in the long run is what will give them the most rewards from their efforts. And we all know that if you're not going out there and "Performing them" then you're not going to get very far. The methods are a small part. And because they'll be getting feed back from performing they'll be encouraged to learn more.

So for those reasons:

Sponge balls. You have to learn some basic vanishes and loading techniques. They'll also get some strong reactions from people.

A simple gimmick coin set such as Scotch and Soda or Hopping half. With these they'll have to learn some basic coin things like palming and passes. They'll also learn how to handle a gimmicked prop without worrying about if people will think it's "Fake" or gimmicked. That's a tough lesson to learn. More "Gimmicked Props" are exposed not because people see that they are gimmicked. But because the magician is worried about people finding out it's not "Normal" and their actions express that.

Thumb tip. This is an obvious one because it's most common. But it teaches them much more then vanishing a small silk. It can have many uses and once mastered you can use it for things you make up as you're performing. It's just a useful prop to have on you.

A gimmicked deck of cards. Something like Brainwave or Svengali deck. You could say these are "Self working" and on the technical side they almost are. But they don't work unless you learn to present them well.

When it come to card magic. I would usually teach them one on one three moves. A control of a card to the top of the deck, a top change and a double/triple lift. Once they have those moves down I would teach them a basic Ambitious card routine. The reason I pick these moves is so they'll have one routine they can perform and get accustomed to performing card trick in front of people. And with these three moves they can do hundreds of card tricks.

So they've got some basics in most areas of close up now. Just starting out but they can make small objects vanish, appear and travel. They can do a couple of powerful card tricks with trick decks. They can do many card routines that mainly differ in presentation but use the same three basic card moves that most card tricks require.

Now when I start suggesting books them them. They'll understand the basic magic terms they'll run into like top change, double lift, vanish/pass, palm ditch and steal. So it's almost like putting them through grade school and getting them ready for college where they can learn on their own.

I realize not everyone has someone to walk them through these things. But for example the three color monte can teach them a little about double lifts. So they should look for tricks they will learn basics from then perform them.

Ron Jaxon

My first "real" trick happened to be a card trick in which 4 aces were shown, three cards were laid on each ace, they were stacked up, cut, and laid out again. All four aces happened to be in the same pile! It's great for working on presentation.

I love this little trick. Very good way to start learning on presentation using this! Coz with good patter, then this trick can work.

I think first trick should be classic - any that one finds inspiring. Chop cup is a good example. But it can be anything that proven to be a good trick in long time. Learner will have good time and good lesson from it, I think.

The first thing you should consider before the first trick is to make wise purchases, keep your tricks within your capabilities and even the most basic trick (such as thumb tip work) should never be performed before it is perfected. Find a trusted guide to tell you when you are proficient. And, most importantly perform what you love!!

You should learn as your first trick is perhaps a matrix, a 3 fly routine, a C&R effect, and an 8 phase ambitious card routine.

Isn't 8 phases a bit much? Wait (counting mine...). Mine is a 5 phase routine, and even then it seems to go on for a bit too long. I suppose if you can keep adding new things to make it interesting, anything is possible.

I HOPE he was kidding...

Good thing I did not say 12. Sorry. I was kidding on my post. I just had to be the one. There is one in every crowd.
Cheers.
Good catch Cyberqat!

Agreeing with most everyone here it does depend on your style and the type of magic you wish to perform. However, learning basic coin manipulation is a great way to not only improve your dexterity, but also teaches the important principles of misdirection. Which crosses into every style of magic.

- My Thoughts

In my opinion, the first trick/concept to learn is not to try to be funny WHEN YOU'RE NOT.

I don't think there is ONE trick that should be learned first.

Rather, read and work your way through The Secrets of Alkazar.

You'll gain an appreciation for presenting magic, and how to savor the different aspects of presenting magic.


After that, there are many other excellent books to read to further that start, such as The Magic Book, if I could just *remember* who it was by. Maybe he'll look "down" and remind me

That was pretty funny

See, people that are funny know that they are. People who aren't funny have no idea that they're not.

Which is why they should be told. That's one of the first things I teach when someone pays a lot of money to take private lessons with me.