I am considering taking the advice of members here that have suggested that practicing some self-working effects may help develop presentation skills. My research has led me to two of the biggies in self-working tricks -- Scarne on Card Tricks and the Magic of Nick Trost. I would like to hear the opinions of those acquainted with these books, especially if you are acquainted with both of them.

I'm leaning toward Scarne b/c I have not yet found Trost's book in stock anywhere, although I did come across an ebook version. However, if Trost's book is the people's choice I'll keep looking or get the ebook.

Thanks in advance for your input.

PS I also intend to go through HaLo's The Magic Book to see what is presented.

It's about time!! HaLo.

The Magic Book is a great investment!

Scarne's book is certainly a good book AND it's a small investment. You'll find some good items in there.
As for Trost's book, it's a great book although I wouldn't say the items in there are self-working. It is definitely not heavy on sleights, but you need to know a good amount of basic and intermediate sleight of hand card magic. Telling you this because I don't know what you can actually do from sleight standpoint.

Another exceptional series of books is Steve Beam's Semi-Automatic Card Tricks (10 volumes so far!). That's a huge investment and, as in Trost's case, you need knowledge of some sleights.

Roberto Giobbi published Card College Light series, three volumes of (really) self working tricks. But he, as usual, also teaches the "whys" along with the "hows". He gives you presentational tips and ideas that honestly neither Scarne nor Trost give you. So that's also a good investment ..
But even Dani DaOrtiz has some great self-working stuff, although you have to sort it out amongst his huge amount of published work!

Mark

I'd recommend studying and practicing Juan Tamariz' Neither Blind nor Stupid. It's self working with small setup. Or if you can do perfect faros you can 'shuffle' first..
The presentation can be suited to yourself and the path of the interaction between yourself and the audience is ripe for testing and feeling your way into performance. It has been for me any way.
It is in his book Sonata, which has an English version.(called neither blind nor silly) I picked it up second hand on abebooks for a great price.
Not sure when I'll be using most of the other stuff in there but it's an interesting read altogether.
Try that trick if you can though.
Good luck

If you can, check out Blown Away and Blown Further Away.

Will do, Harry.

You can also find this great trick in Card College Light by Roberto Giobbi

Mark

Difference is - my Blown Further Away is entirely impromptu. Makes it 100% better - in my opinion - and I've been told, in Juan's opinion. (If mlippo ever recommended any books of mine I think I'd pass out!!) So, if you don't care about reading the good stuff, listen to him!!!

Be honest, please: I have recommeded some of your publications. More than once.
And I'll pass out the day you stop plugging your books when given the chance and when not given at all.

Mark

Sorry; don't/didn't remember you ever plugging any of my books. If that's so, I do apologize.

And - I only mention my books when I believe they'll be helpful - ONLY. I know that there are a few others like you who simply don't "see" that - let me repeat - I MENTION MY BOOKS ONLY WHEN I THINK THEY'LL BE HELPFUL. As in the current thread --- I've taught how to do the effect under discussion in a couple of my books. Isn't that the point? Isn't that EXACTLY what you're doing - but not with the many books YOU'VE writte? In other words, it's okay if you recommend but not if I do. I won't mention the names of my specific books here - so hope you "come to" quickly.

Thank you all for the input. I cannot find a reasonably priced version of Trost's book so it will be Scarne and the Magic Book. I have so many things I've yet to read that I cannot rationalize buying another book for just one trick. Anyhow, thanks again.

Teddyboy - pick up the John Bannon Move Zero DVD's. The full set is almost 6 hrs of killer self workers