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mindacrossrhino New user 70 Posts |
Hi
Firstly apologies if this is the wrong forum for this message, however having looked this seemed to be the best fit, although doesn't exactly fit the criteria. What I was after was any advice from my more experienced colleagues in respect of teaching card magic. My intention is to teach my daughter, who is only nine, and is currently quite passionate about magic. She recently attended a magic class where she was taught a couple of simple card tricks and flourishes and she would like to learn more, specifically cards. Now I am no cardistry expert and my card magic is fairly basic at present, however I intend on using this as a good opportunity to learn alongside her (long overdue) and to be something we can enjoy together. I have a number of books in my library and my initial thinking is perhaps to take one of them and work our way methodically through this, perhaps supplemented with a DVD to keep her interest piqued. I own the entire Card College series, and whilst elements of this will no doubt be too challenging for my daughter at this stage, I wondered if this might be a good work book, ensuring we cover all the basics before moving on. That said, I am a little concerned that this could be a little dry for a nine year old so I had thought to intersperse this with some self working tricks taken from another book or DVD. Other books that spring to mind that may fit the above criteria, and that I own, include Mark Wilson's Complete Course and the Royal Road (though this is perhaps less suitable than the Card College books). Would welcome any suggestions re. approach/resources that may make this as pleasurable and useful an experience as I hope it will be. One additional point, she is currently using a Bridge sized cards, though even these are a little too large for some sleights (palms are a no go, but even things like a Charlier pass and some basic grips prove quite challenging for little hands). Would people recommend persevering with Bridge sized cards, or would some variety of miniature cards be appropriate at this age (I have a miniature Arcane deck, and proportionally these are similar in scale to her hands as a Poker deck is to mine)? Any/all advice very greatfully received. Simon |
ssibal Veteran user 352 Posts |
I think going through the books with her would be the best approach. Don't just think about the cards and magic aspect of it. Reading through those books together will help improve her vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension. None of those benefits can be gained from watching a DVD.
Also, I think having her use bridge sized cards is fine until her hands are big enough for poker size. |
arthur stead Inner circle When I played soccer, I hit 1773 Posts |
Since she is only nine years old, I would start with simple, self-working tricks. Try Karl Fulves' Self-Working Card Tricks:
http://www.amazon.com/Self-Working-Trick......86233340 |
mindacrossrhino New user 70 Posts |
Thanks, good point regarding books vs DVD's, she's a very good reader already, but you are right it would certainly be a useful exercise.
I hadn't thought of Karl Fulves books but that is a good suggestion too (think I have one buried somewhere on Table Magic). Had originally thought of the Ultimate Self Working Card Trick series on DVD, but a book may be a better option. |
seraph127 Special user 587 Posts |
You might look into a used copy of George Anderson's Magic Digest. Along with a bunch of fascinating anecdotes, it contains magic that the author claims he tried to teach to two young children - he eliminated anything they found confusing or difficult. Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic is also a great old text packed with a wide variety of material that can be had on the cheap. Check used prices on the old hardcover edition, or get the newer paperback, as you please. Also look into Peter Eldin's Magic Handbook - lots of different material (including card tricks) if your youngster is interested in branching out. Very nice "parlor" illusions constructible with cardboard, construction paper and such.
There are many tricks, and many effects, but rarely a Grand Effect. There are many entertainers, but few real magicians. Many technicians, but few artists who use their art to explore their vision. - Derren Brown, Absolute Magic
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RiderBacks Loyal user 251 Posts |
I'd start here:
Card College Lightest Card College Light |
IanL New user Washington State 84 Posts |
I'd also consider the following:
Joshua Jay's Magic: The Complete Course Harry Lorayne's The Magic Book |
johnstu Regular user London 161 Posts |
I think the Mark Wilson book that you already have is a great place to start. There are some great simple tricks in there and also a good grounding in sleights.
I've not read it, but Joshua Jay's book for kids is by all accounts excellent and there are loads of customer reviews on Amazon to guide you. |
RealityOne Loyal user 227 Posts |
Kid Specific Magic Books
Joshua Jay's Big Magic for Little Hands Karl Fulves Easy to Do Card Tricks for Children Richard Kauffman's Knack Magic Tricks Self Working Card Trick Books Hugard's Encyclopedia of Card Tricks (great chapters on double backers, short cards, etc.) Scarne on Card Tricks (hundreds of great tricks) Fulves Foolproof Card Tricks (which has New Self Working Card Tricks and More Self Working Card Tricks in one volume) Card College Light, Lighter and Lightest (great introduction to tying effects together) As for DVDs, check out Michael Ammar's easy to master card miracles. As for the cards, stick with the bridge sized cards. The mini cards are too small.
~David
Any perception of reality is a selection of reality which results in a distortion of reality. |
mindacrossrhino New user 70 Posts |
Thankyou everyone for the great advice, lots of suggestions that I will need to investigate further and see what I can track down.
We have started off on the Wilson book now given I already own this, but will supplement this in time with some of the other suggestions. Had forgotten about the Ammar DVD's, own his coin one, but not the card ones which I have always wanted to take a look at. The Hugard book, Card College light/er/est and Joshua Jay book all look very useful. Will do a bit of collective research with my daughter and see what looks the most practical/user friendly, including some of the more obscure references I had not come across before (really helpful - thanks all). Must also retrain myself and not get carried away with too many new books (always a risk), need to settle on just one or two things and dedicate some serious time to those before moving on! Consensus seems to be Bridge sized cards for the moment so we are working with these for the time being. Again thanks for the views on this too. |
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