Hi everyone.

I've recently been looking into Chop Cups. I primarily perform mentalism, but lately have been wanting to create some acts of sleight of hand to start honing and perfecting over the years to come. There are just some pieces in magic that remain timeless

Eric Hansen has generously offered a trade in exchange for one of his cups. My questions is, since I am new to this arena, can anyone recommend some material on ball sleights? As someone who mainly performs mentalism, I've been out of the loop on the sleight of hand scene for a while.

What is the definitive work these days on the Chop Cup? DVD would allow for a better and more thorough learning experience I would imagine.

Also, if anyone knows who the guy is in this video... http://youtu.be/hTGMh3QuB6A.

I would love to contact him regarding the balls he is using and their strength.

All help is much appreciated.

With a smile
Matthew

My take is that you are asking about two different things. Ball skills and cup skills are found in General DVDs related to cups and balls. A common recommendation is Ammar http://www.penguinmagic.com/p/S4358

To develop skill with a chop cup, there is really no extra skill needed, just a routine. The routine I first learned was Dan Tongs http://www.magicbypauline.com/dvd%20page.html

You will enjoy learning ball slights and wand spins, but most chop cup routines are paired down and direct. You may find that all you need to entertain with a chop cup is a routine, rather than a lot of ball handling skill and slights. But like I said, the other stuff is fun. However, I think you will need a full set of cups to work on the broader skills.

The youtube link isn't working Matthew....
Bri

Remove the period...
http://youtu.be/hTGMh3QuB6A

and here is Paul Daniels doing a routine...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSMppfXpDmg

Also look up Don Alan chop cup.

Ah, thank you sir

Nope, no idea who that guy is. He has an odd accent though...

Bri

Regarding ball strength -- you'll have to match ball strength to the strength of whatever cup you use. It'll probably be different for each cup. Buy your balls from Ring 'n' Things. They sell chop sets in a variety of sizes and the strength of the chop balls is adjustable. The guy in the video obviously knows just how to handle the cup for the best effect.

As for the sleights the guy uses -- those are basic and I don't feel I should write about them in an open forum. He does add a nice bit of misdirection by delaying the final reveal.

Matthew… below is reference materials I found helpful for Chop Cup work… Some are Cup and Ball materials, but they offer a lot of information regarding ball manipulation and final loads. Combo Cup work would be helpful too.

Good Luck!

Bruce

World's Greatest Magic - Chop Cup

http://www.llpub.com/zenshop/index.php?m......_id=2414

The Complete Cups & Balls: Michael Ammar - Volume 1-2 DVD

http://www.llpub.com/zenshop/index.php?m......_id=1704

World's Greatest Magic - Cups & Balls Volume 1

http://www.llpub.com/zenshop/index.php?m......_id=2590

World's Greatest Magic - Cups & Balls Volume 2

http://www.llpub.com/zenshop/index.php?m......_id=2591

World's Greatest Magic - Cups & Balls Volume 3

http://www.llpub.com/zenshop/index.php?m......_id=2592

The Chop Cup Book- Mark Wilson

The Complete Cups and Balls Book- Michael Ammar

Bruce,

Pertaining to information about the Chop Cup, there is Chop Cup Know How (Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About The Chop Cup But Were Afraid To Ask.)
http://www.cupsandballsmagic.com/Chop-Cup-Know-How.html

You can download a free sample at the above link too....

Bri

Bri... Yes, forgive me for not mentioning your great book; and while we are at it, your book on the wand spin vanish (the best I have come across).

Matthew... Do check out Bri's website... lots of great stuff there regarding all things Cups.

Thanks,
Bruce

Guys... one more thing I should mention is that Bri's writing style is very complete... that is great explanations, details, and photos.

I consider him one of the "Greats." ... who's work should be looked at.

Bruce

The guy in the video is Bri.
I agree with Bruce, Bri is very good...and a nice guy too.

Bruce, Tom, thank you. You're too kind
Bri

Hear Hear!

Thank you Donnie... By the way, I mentioned you on a post on wands (below this) literally seconds ago!
Bri