Magic & Illusion: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
The Best Easy Card Tricks
With just a deck of cards, you have lots of magic options. Among the many card tricks that we have explained in our library of easy tricks, here are our favorites.
With just a deck of cards, you have lots of magic options. Among the many card tricks that we have explained in our library of easy tricks, here are our favorites.
Easy Trick: The Rising Card
In this classic trick, you have a spectator select a card and then lose it in the deck. You rest your first finger on top of the deck and as you lift your finger, the spectator's card mysteriously rises with it.
In this classic trick, you have a spectator select a card and then lose it in the deck. You rest your first finger on top of the deck and as you lift your finger, the spectator's card mysteriously rises with it.
Easy Magic Tricks
If you want to learn easy magic tricks, you've come to right place.
If you want to learn easy magic tricks, you've come to right place.
EZ Trick: Vanishing Toothpick
In this fast trick, you cause a toothpick that you're holding in your hand to quickly vanish. At the end, you're holding your fingers wide apart.
In this fast trick, you cause a toothpick that you're holding in your hand to quickly vanish. At the end, you're holding your fingers wide apart.
Easy Trick: The Spoon Bend
Here's a classic trick that every smart aleck needs to know. You grab any spoon, press down on it with your hands and appear to bend the spoon. As your stunned spectators register what you just did (the gall of you!), you lift up the spoon and show that it is unbent, just as you found it.
Here's a classic trick that every smart aleck needs to know. You grab any spoon, press down on it with your hands and appear to bend the spoon. As your stunned spectators register what you just did (the gall of you!), you lift up the spoon and show that it is unbent, just as you found it.
Basic Technique: Coin Vanish
This basic magic technique allows you to make a coin seemingly disappear. It’s a basic sleight-of-hand move that is well known among magicians.
This basic magic technique allows you to make a coin seemingly disappear. It’s a basic sleight-of-hand move that is well known among magicians.
Easy Magic: "Do As I Do"
“Do As I Do,” is a great card trick that offers lots of audience interaction, can be performed at any time that you have two decks of cards, has lots of opportunities for comedy and the ending is surprising with an inherent build-up. And once the trick is over, the secret is long gone. There is nothing for spectators to find.
“Do As I Do,” is a great card trick that offers lots of audience interaction, can be performed at any time that you have two decks of cards, has lots of opportunities for comedy and the ending is surprising with an inherent build-up. And once the trick is over, the secret is long gone. There is nothing for spectators to find.
Easy Magic: That Thumb Thing
Here's an age-old trick that you can do anytime, anywhere. In an instant, you seemingly pull your thumb apart and then put it back together again. If you're an uncle or grandpa, you almost have to learn this trick to tease the kids.
Here's an age-old trick that you can do anytime, anywhere. In an instant, you seemingly pull your thumb apart and then put it back together again. If you're an uncle or grandpa, you almost have to learn this trick to tease the kids.
EZ Magic-Coin Through Table
In this trick, you cause a coin to somehow pass through the top of a table.
In this trick, you cause a coin to somehow pass through the top of a table.
Easy Trick: The Royal Flush
Here’s an easy way to deal yourself a royal flush in a seeming demonstration of poker. It requires more talking and misdirection than card handling skills.
Here’s an easy way to deal yourself a royal flush in a seeming demonstration of poker. It requires more talking and misdirection than card handling skills.
Vanishing a Coin With Rings
Here's a great way to vanish a coin. Two rings and a playing card are shown on a table. The rings and coins are stacked on top of a coin. When a ring and the card is removed, the coin has completely vanished. The rings and cards are stacked back onto the coin and removed, and the coin returns. There's some preparation to perform this one, but it's visual and ultra-easy to perform.
Here's a great way to vanish a coin. Two rings and a playing card are shown on a table. The rings and coins are stacked on top of a coin. When a ring and the card is removed, the coin has completely vanished. The rings and cards are stacked back onto the coin and removed, and the coin returns. There's some preparation to perform this one, but it's visual and ultra-easy to perform.
Easy Trick: Dark Magic
Here’s a great trick to perform at a party. You ask someone to select an item while you’re out of the room, tell everyone else which item was selected and leave it in place. When you return, another person goes from object to object touching them in a random order. When the person touches the chosen object, you’re able to tell everyone that this is the selected object.
Here’s a great trick to perform at a party. You ask someone to select an item while you’re out of the room, tell everyone else which item was selected and leave it in place. When you return, another person goes from object to object touching them in a random order. When the person touches the chosen object, you’re able to tell everyone that this is the selected object.
Easy Magic: The Jumping Paper Clips
This classic trick is great for young kids and just about every magician has played with it. In the effect, a pair of paper clips are attached to a dollar bill. After pulling the ends of the dollar bill, the paper clips link and jump from the dollar.
This classic trick is great for young kids and just about every magician has played with it. In the effect, a pair of paper clips are attached to a dollar bill. After pulling the ends of the dollar bill, the paper clips link and jump from the dollar.
Easy Trick: Mind Reader
A spectator shuffles a deck of cards and memorizes the card at the bottom of the deck. So you can’t see the selected card, the deck is slipped back into its box. After a bit of mumbo-jumbo, psycho-babble, you’re able to tell the spectator the exact card that he is thinking of.
A spectator shuffles a deck of cards and memorizes the card at the bottom of the deck. So you can’t see the selected card, the deck is slipped back into its box. After a bit of mumbo-jumbo, psycho-babble, you’re able to tell the spectator the exact card that he is thinking of.
Easy Magic: The Bill Roll
In this effect you clearly roll two bills together on a table. And when you unroll them, the bills have traded places-the bill that was previously on top is now on the bottom and vice versa. This simple effect is easy to learn and perform. All you need are two bills of different denominations and there are no gimmicks, fancy moves or extra devices.
In this effect you clearly roll two bills together on a table. And when you unroll them, the bills have traded places-the bill that was previously on top is now on the bottom and vice versa. This simple effect is easy to learn and perform. All you need are two bills of different denominations and there are no gimmicks, fancy moves or extra devices.
EZ Trick: Rising Card 2
In this classic trick, you have a spectator select a card and then lose it in the deck. You place the deck into its box and the spectator's card mysteriously rises out by itself.
In this classic trick, you have a spectator select a card and then lose it in the deck. You place the deck into its box and the spectator's card mysteriously rises out by itself.
EZ Magic: Jumping Paper Clips
This classic trick is great for young kids and just about every magician has played with it. In the effect, a pair of paper clips are attached to a dollar bill. After pulling the ends of the dollar bill, the paper clips link and jump from the dollar.
This classic trick is great for young kids and just about every magician has played with it. In the effect, a pair of paper clips are attached to a dollar bill. After pulling the ends of the dollar bill, the paper clips link and jump from the dollar.
Easy Magic With Money
Easy Magic With Money
Easy Magic With Money
EZ Trick: Jumping Rubberband
A rubber band mysteriously jumps from your pinkie and ring fingers to the first and middle fingers of the same hand and then back again. All you need is a rubberband.
A rubber band mysteriously jumps from your pinkie and ring fingers to the first and middle fingers of the same hand and then back again. All you need is a rubberband.
Interactive Magic: "The Clock"
Here’s an interactive magic trick that works across the web and you can have fun showing your friends.
Here’s an interactive magic trick that works across the web and you can have fun showing your friends.
EZ Magic: Aces From Pocket
You mysteriously locate four aces from a shuffled deck. This one is easy to perform. All you need is a deck of cards and a jacket that has an inner pocket.
You mysteriously locate four aces from a shuffled deck. This one is easy to perform. All you need is a deck of cards and a jacket that has an inner pocket.
EZ Trick:Sawing a Lady in Half
Alright, this is not a version of the big stage illusion where a magician appears to saw a lady in half. But you can make this version out of an envelope and paper and it won’t cost you thousands of dollars. And you won’t even need a brave volunteer.
Alright, this is not a version of the big stage illusion where a magician appears to saw a lady in half. But you can make this version out of an envelope and paper and it won’t cost you thousands of dollars. And you won’t even need a brave volunteer.
EZ Magic: Nine/21-Card Trick
This well known sequence allows a person to discover a spectator’s card simply by dealing cards. Simply follow the instructions. If you like, you may adapt this sequence to work with a pack of 21-cards.
This well known sequence allows a person to discover a spectator’s card simply by dealing cards. Simply follow the instructions. If you like, you may adapt this sequence to work with a pack of 21-cards.
The Elbow Vanish
Here's a trick that allows you to vanish a coin. The coin seems to vanish into thin air and the trick is a great follow-up to another coin routine such as "Coin Through Table."
Here's a trick that allows you to vanish a coin. The coin seems to vanish into thin air and the trick is a great follow-up to another coin routine such as "Coin Through Table."
Easy Magic: The Clipped Card
This effect is more of a puzzle than a magic trick. It's a fun exercise in perception and can act as an introduction to a card trick or an effect where you explain the difference between illusion and reality.
This effect is more of a puzzle than a magic trick. It's a fun exercise in perception and can act as an introduction to a card trick or an effect where you explain the difference between illusion and reality.
Easy Magic: Cold as Ice
You pour some water into a cup. You utter some secret words and when you turn over the cup, all that comes out is a chunk of ice. This one is super easy with the secret and a little setup.
You pour some water into a cup. You utter some secret words and when you turn over the cup, all that comes out is a chunk of ice. This one is super easy with the secret and a little setup.
Beginning Magic Tricks
For the serious beginner in magic, here are excellent tricks that are easy to learn and perform, inexpensive and can form an early foundation in magic technique and presentation.
For the serious beginner in magic, here are excellent tricks that are easy to learn and perform, inexpensive and can form an early foundation in magic technique and presentation.
Easy Magic: Sawing a Lady in Half
Alright, this is not a version of the big stage illusion where a magician appears to saw a lady in half. But you can make this version out of an envelope and paper and it won't cost you thousands of dollars. And you won't even need a brave volunteer.
Alright, this is not a version of the big stage illusion where a magician appears to saw a lady in half. But you can make this version out of an envelope and paper and it won't cost you thousands of dollars. And you won't even need a brave volunteer.
Exposed: Blaine Levitation
On his first magic special on TV, David Blaine walked away from a crowd, stood with his back to the crowd and lifted off the ground some two feet, to the amazement of the spectators. How could Blaine do this? Was it pure magic? Read on to find out.
On his first magic special on TV, David Blaine walked away from a crowd, stood with his back to the crowd and lifted off the ground some two feet, to the amazement of the spectators. How could Blaine do this? Was it pure magic? Read on to find out.
Basic Technique: The Coin Vanish
Basic Technique: The Coin Vanish
Basic Technique: The Coin Vanish
Aces From Your Pocket
A spectator shuffles a deck and cuts it and drops it into the inner pocket of your coat. You ask the spectator to call out a number between "1" and "10." You bring out the number of cards from the deck in your pocket, and then lay down the next card on the table. You repeat this three times. When you turn over the four separate cards on the table, they are all aces.
A spectator shuffles a deck and cuts it and drops it into the inner pocket of your coat. You ask the spectator to call out a number between "1" and "10." You bring out the number of cards from the deck in your pocket, and then lay down the next card on the table. You repeat this three times. When you turn over the four separate cards on the table, they are all aces.
EZ Trick: Prediction
You lay an envelope down onto the table and explain that there is a prediction written inside. You bring out a deck of cards, show the cards to be different and ask a spectator to name a number. Based on the freely named number, a card is selected. When the letter inside the envelope is opened and read, it states the exact card that was chosen.
You lay an envelope down onto the table and explain that there is a prediction written inside. You bring out a deck of cards, show the cards to be different and ask a spectator to name a number. Based on the freely named number, a card is selected. When the letter inside the envelope is opened and read, it states the exact card that was chosen.
Easy Magic: The Banana Buster
By executing an ultra secret ninja move, you magically cause a banana to separate into pieces while it is still inside the peel. This trick is an easy one that only requires a little preparation. And be sure that you're hungry so you can eat the banana when you're done.
By executing an ultra secret ninja move, you magically cause a banana to separate into pieces while it is still inside the peel. This trick is an easy one that only requires a little preparation. And be sure that you're hungry so you can eat the banana when you're done.
Easy Trick: The Rising Ring
A ring that’s threaded onto a rubberband mysteriously rises on its own accord. This one is super easy and all you need is a rubberband and a ring. There’s almost no preparation.
A ring that’s threaded onto a rubberband mysteriously rises on its own accord. This one is super easy and all you need is a rubberband and a ring. There’s almost no preparation.
Easy Magic: Vanishing a Coin
Here’s a great way to vanish a coin. Two rings and a playing card are shown on a table. The rings and playing card are stacked on top of a coin. When a ring and the card are removed, the coin has completely vanished. The rings and card are stacked back onto the coin and removed, and the coin returns. There’s some preparation to perform this one, but it’s visual and ultra-easy to do.
Here’s a great way to vanish a coin. Two rings and a playing card are shown on a table. The rings and playing card are stacked on top of a coin. When a ring and the card are removed, the coin has completely vanished. The rings and card are stacked back onto the coin and removed, and the coin returns. There’s some preparation to perform this one, but it’s visual and ultra-easy to do.
The Five Best Tricks for Kids
Here are the best tricks for beginning magicians that are easy to learn and perform, inexpensive and are good effects.
Here are the best tricks for beginning magicians that are easy to learn and perform, inexpensive and are good effects.
Stunt: Just Passing Thru
You’ve heard of trying to get a camel to pass through the eye of a needle? Well how about trying to get a person to pass through the center of a piece of paper? This "trick" is actually more of a stunt than easy magic. It’s a puzzle that you present to your spectators.
You’ve heard of trying to get a camel to pass through the eye of a needle? Well how about trying to get a person to pass through the center of a piece of paper? This "trick" is actually more of a stunt than easy magic. It’s a puzzle that you present to your spectators.
Easy Trick: Teleporting Cards
Two effects in our library of easy tricks: "The Good Guess" and "Simple Monte" are "gotcha" effects. You show a spectator some cards and remove one, and the spectator tries to guess what's left and is always wrong. This trick uses the secret from either "The Good Guess" or "Simple Monte" to make a card appear to travel from one place to another.
Two effects in our library of easy tricks: "The Good Guess" and "Simple Monte" are "gotcha" effects. You show a spectator some cards and remove one, and the spectator tries to guess what's left and is always wrong. This trick uses the secret from either "The Good Guess" or "Simple Monte" to make a card appear to travel from one place to another.
Mental Prediction
This is an old classic that is based on a quirk in mathematics. You can read it to a friend and have them follow along.
This is an old classic that is based on a quirk in mathematics. You can read it to a friend and have them follow along.
EZ Magic: The Reversed Card
The spectator selects a card and places it back into the deck. After placing the deck behind your back and bringing it out again, the selected card is shown to have reversed itself in the deck.
The spectator selects a card and places it back into the deck. After placing the deck behind your back and bringing it out again, the selected card is shown to have reversed itself in the deck.
Easy Magic: The Rising Ring
A ring that's threaded onto a rubberband mysteriously rises on its own accord. This one is super easy and all you need is a rubberband and a ring. There's almost no preparation.
A ring that's threaded onto a rubberband mysteriously rises on its own accord. This one is super easy and all you need is a rubberband and a ring. There's almost no preparation.
Easy Trick: Cutting Aces
The spectator separates a deck of cards into four piles, mixes them a bit, and at the end, discovers that there’s an ace on top of each pile. All you need is a deck of cards, an easy setup and the secret, and you’re ready to go.
The spectator separates a deck of cards into four piles, mixes them a bit, and at the end, discovers that there’s an ace on top of each pile. All you need is a deck of cards, an easy setup and the secret, and you’re ready to go.
Interactive Magic: Mind Reader
This is an old classic. The web site somehow reads your mind even if you’ve freely thought of a few things. Just follow along.
This is an old classic. The web site somehow reads your mind even if you’ve freely thought of a few things. Just follow along.
Easy Trick: Cold as Ice
You pour some water into a cup. You utter some secret words and when you turn over the cup, all that comes out is a chunk of ice. This one is super easy with the secret and a little setup.
You pour some water into a cup. You utter some secret words and when you turn over the cup, all that comes out is a chunk of ice. This one is super easy with the secret and a little setup.
Easy Magic: The Coin Vanish-2
In this easy trick, a coin is placed into a handkerchief where it mysteriously disappears. You can perform this one just about anytime, anywhere. All you need is a quarter and a handkerchief, and that special secret.
In this easy trick, a coin is placed into a handkerchief where it mysteriously disappears. You can perform this one just about anytime, anywhere. All you need is a quarter and a handkerchief, and that special secret.
Review: Criss Angel Levitation
If you want to learn and perform an excellent self-levitation, one that allows you to lift your feet in the air while standing almost anywhere, Criss Angel teaches one of the many techniques that he performed in his MINDFREAK television series. This levitation is practical and convincing, and after spending $100 on this DVD, you’ll spend another $125-$300 building your gimmick. But if the technique suits your performance needs, it’s worth it.
If you want to learn and perform an excellent self-levitation, one that allows you to lift your feet in the air while standing almost anywhere, Criss Angel teaches one of the many techniques that he performed in his MINDFREAK television series. This levitation is practical and convincing, and after spending $100 on this DVD, you’ll spend another $125-$300 building your gimmick. But if the technique suits your performance needs, it’s worth it.
The Disappearing Coin
An easy coin trick that you can perform anytime and anywhere. But you must have a friend to help you.
An easy coin trick that you can perform anytime and anywhere. But you must have a friend to help you.
Easy Magic: Seeing With Your Fingers
Here's an offbeat easy magic trick that uses coins. You have a spectator randomly select a coin from several that are in a bag or bowl. With a marker, the spectator writes his initials on the coin. The spectator concentrates on the coin for a few seconds and places it with the others inside of the bowl. Without looking, you are able to immediately reach into the bowl and pull out the selected and marked coin.
Here's an offbeat easy magic trick that uses coins. You have a spectator randomly select a coin from several that are in a bag or bowl. With a marker, the spectator writes his initials on the coin. The spectator concentrates on the coin for a few seconds and places it with the others inside of the bowl. Without looking, you are able to immediately reach into the bowl and pull out the selected and marked coin.
Easy Magic Trick: Coin Slide
The Coin Slide is an ultra-simple trick for young kids to learn and perform. It’s available from any magic dealer and many toy stores for less than a couple of dollars. A mechanical trick, the effect does all the work to make a coin disappear and reappear.
The Coin Slide is an ultra-simple trick for young kids to learn and perform. It’s available from any magic dealer and many toy stores for less than a couple of dollars. A mechanical trick, the effect does all the work to make a coin disappear and reappear.
EZ Card Trick: With the Grain
In this easy card trick, you quickly find a card that a spectator has cut to. The spectator can mix the cards and freely cuts the deck to a selected card. The spectator replaces the cut and squares the deck. The deck is not a trick one and you don’t even touch the deck until the revelation at the end.
In this easy card trick, you quickly find a card that a spectator has cut to. The spectator can mix the cards and freely cuts the deck to a selected card. The spectator replaces the cut and squares the deck. The deck is not a trick one and you don’t even touch the deck until the revelation at the end.
Technique: The One-Hand Cut
The one-handed cut allows you to hold a deck in your hand, break it apart into two sections and exchange their positions. It’s a flashy card move that is also known as the Charlier cut.
The one-handed cut allows you to hold a deck in your hand, break it apart into two sections and exchange their positions. It’s a flashy card move that is also known as the Charlier cut.
Easy Trick: Film Prediction
You ask several people to name a movie. Each is written on a slip of paper, folded and thrown it into a bowl. You write the name of one of the films on a final slip and set the prediction in plain view. Another spectator reaches into the bowl and pulls out a movie title, which is read aloud. And your prediction turns out to be the very same film.
You ask several people to name a movie. Each is written on a slip of paper, folded and thrown it into a bowl. You write the name of one of the films on a final slip and set the prediction in plain view. Another spectator reaches into the bowl and pulls out a movie title, which is read aloud. And your prediction turns out to be the very same film.
Demo: Svengali Deck
A Svengali deck is a trick card deck that allows you to easily perform some seemingly amazing feats and it’s a great trick for beginners of almost any age. We take you on a virtual demo of what the deck can do.
A Svengali deck is a trick card deck that allows you to easily perform some seemingly amazing feats and it’s a great trick for beginners of almost any age. We take you on a virtual demo of what the deck can do.
Easy Magic: The Jumping Rubberband
A rubber band mysteriously jumps from your pinkie and ring fingers to the first and middle fingers of the same hand and then back again. All you need is a rubberband.
A rubber band mysteriously jumps from your pinkie and ring fingers to the first and middle fingers of the same hand and then back again. All you need is a rubberband.
Forcing a Card - V. 1
Some card tricks rely on a technique that makes a spectator think that he has a free choice of selecting any card in the deck, but actually has a choice of only a single card. This technique makes use of a count and a clever switch of the positions of the cards.
Some card tricks rely on a technique that makes a spectator think that he has a free choice of selecting any card in the deck, but actually has a choice of only a single card. This technique makes use of a count and a clever switch of the positions of the cards.
Easy Magic Tricks With Playing Cards
With just a deck of cards, you have lots of magic options. Among the many card tricks that we have explained in our library of easy tricks, here are our favorites.
With just a deck of cards, you have lots of magic options. Among the many card tricks that we have explained in our library of easy tricks, here are our favorites.
Easy Trick: The Necklace
In this effect, three beads appear to pass right through a string and release themselves. This one is easy to make and perform, and at the end, everything can be handed out for examination.
In this effect, three beads appear to pass right through a string and release themselves. This one is easy to make and perform, and at the end, everything can be handed out for examination.
The Basic Card Shuffle
Every magician needs to know how to perform a basic shuffle. Here’s how, step-by-step.
Every magician needs to know how to perform a basic shuffle. Here’s how, step-by-step.
EZ Magic: Seeing With Fingers
Here’s an offbeat easy magic trick that uses coins. You have a spectator randomly select a coin from several that are in a bag or bowl. With a marker, the spectator writes his initials on the coin. The spectator concentrates on the coin for a few seconds and places it with the others inside of the bowl. Without looking, you are able to immediately reach into the bowl and pull out the selected and marked coin.
Here’s an offbeat easy magic trick that uses coins. You have a spectator randomly select a coin from several that are in a bag or bowl. With a marker, the spectator writes his initials on the coin. The spectator concentrates on the coin for a few seconds and places it with the others inside of the bowl. Without looking, you are able to immediately reach into the bowl and pull out the selected and marked coin.
EZ Trick: Killer Prediction
In this convincing trick, the magician shows an envelope and explains that there is a prediction written within. The spectator is given a deck of cards and is asked to mix it and deal cards (face down) onto the table until they feel like stopping. When the letter inside the envelope is read, it states the exact card that the spectator last dealt onto the table.
In this convincing trick, the magician shows an envelope and explains that there is a prediction written within. The spectator is given a deck of cards and is asked to mix it and deal cards (face down) onto the table until they feel like stopping. When the letter inside the envelope is read, it states the exact card that the spectator last dealt onto the table.
EZ Magic: Thumb Stretch
Here's an amusing illusion that makes it appear as if you are stretching your thumb. All you need are your hands.
Here's an amusing illusion that makes it appear as if you are stretching your thumb. All you need are your hands.
Easy Card Magic: Finder Keeper
After a spectator shuffles a deck, you browse it and bring out two cards and set them aside. You deal cards until the spectator says "stop" and insert one of your previously selected cards, face-up. You repeat the process. At the end, you can show that the face-up cards are next to their mates in the deck, for example, the black fours (four of clubs and four of spades) and red kings (king of diamonds and king of hearts).
After a spectator shuffles a deck, you browse it and bring out two cards and set them aside. You deal cards until the spectator says "stop" and insert one of your previously selected cards, face-up. You repeat the process. At the end, you can show that the face-up cards are next to their mates in the deck, for example, the black fours (four of clubs and four of spades) and red kings (king of diamonds and king of hearts).
The Coin Vanish-2
In this easy trick, a coin is placed into a handkerchief where it mysteriously disappears. You can perform this one just about anytime, anywhere. All you need is a quarter and a handkerchief, and that special secret.
In this easy trick, a coin is placed into a handkerchief where it mysteriously disappears. You can perform this one just about anytime, anywhere. All you need is a quarter and a handkerchief, and that special secret.
Easy Trick: The Spoon Bend 2
We taught a spoon bend a couple of weeks ago. While this version is similar, it's more convincing because spectators can see the tip of the spoon's handle peeking out above your hand after the spoon is bent. [p]As before, you grab any spoon, press down on it with your hands and appear to bend the spoon. As your stunned spectators register what you just did, you lift up the spoon and show that it is unbent, just as you found it.
We taught a spoon bend a couple of weeks ago. While this version is similar, it's more convincing because spectators can see the tip of the spoon's handle peeking out above your hand after the spoon is bent. [p]As before, you grab any spoon, press down on it with your hands and appear to bend the spoon. As your stunned spectators register what you just did, you lift up the spoon and show that it is unbent, just as you found it.
David Copperfield
The best known and richest magician-he ranks among the wealthiest of all entertainers-David Copperfield is a household name. He is known to millions through his numerous television specials over the last couple of decades and he continues to tour, taking his show around the country.
The best known and richest magician-he ranks among the wealthiest of all entertainers-David Copperfield is a household name. He is known to millions through his numerous television specials over the last couple of decades and he continues to tour, taking his show around the country.
Review: World's Greatest Magic
Can “The World’s Greatest Magic Show” live up to its name? Magician Nicholas Carifo visits The Greek Isle Casino in Las Vegas to find out.
Can “The World’s Greatest Magic Show” live up to its name? Magician Nicholas Carifo visits The Greek Isle Casino in Las Vegas to find out.
Demo: Color-Changing Hanks
In The Color-Changing handkerchiefs, the magician appears to make a handkerchief of one color change colors by simply pushing it through a hand. And at the end, the magician shows his or her hand is empty after the change. After that, the magician pushes the handkerchief through the hand again, which turns the handkerchief into yet another color. At the end, the magician shows that his or her hand is empty.
In The Color-Changing handkerchiefs, the magician appears to make a handkerchief of one color change colors by simply pushing it through a hand. And at the end, the magician shows his or her hand is empty after the change. After that, the magician pushes the handkerchief through the hand again, which turns the handkerchief into yet another color. At the end, the magician shows that his or her hand is empty.
Review: Criss Angel Mindfreak
Criss Angel’s long-awaited Mindfreak magic special aired on Wednesday, July 20, 2005 on A&E. Was the magic great? Was the show good for magic? We analyze.
Criss Angel’s long-awaited Mindfreak magic special aired on Wednesday, July 20, 2005 on A&E. Was the magic great? Was the show good for magic? We analyze.
Magic Castle
If the world of magic has a center, it lies in a classy Victorian mansion in Hollywood that's known internationally as The Magic Castle. The Castle is many things: a showcase for the world's best magicians, headquarters for the Academy of Magical Arts and an exclusive club for magicians and fans of magic.
If the world of magic has a center, it lies in a classy Victorian mansion in Hollywood that's known internationally as The Magic Castle. The Castle is many things: a showcase for the world's best magicians, headquarters for the Academy of Magical Arts and an exclusive club for magicians and fans of magic.
Easy Trick: Simple Monte
In this trick, you display three cards in a fan and ask the spectator to remember them. After turning the cards over, you remove the middle card. You ask the spectator if they can recall what the card is. And when you show it to them, it’s a different card. This is an easy trick that you can easily make and perform.
In this trick, you display three cards in a fan and ask the spectator to remember them. After turning the cards over, you remove the middle card. You ask the spectator if they can recall what the card is. And when you show it to them, it’s a different card. This is an easy trick that you can easily make and perform.
Easy Magic: The Impassable Corks
In this effect, you hold two wine corks that are seemingly interlocked, and somehow pull the corks through each other. It's a fast, visual trick that you can also perform with rolled dollar bills and other objects of roughly the same size as wine corks.
In this effect, you hold two wine corks that are seemingly interlocked, and somehow pull the corks through each other. It's a fast, visual trick that you can also perform with rolled dollar bills and other objects of roughly the same size as wine corks.
Love Compatibility Test
Just for Valentine's day or any romantic endeavor. Here's a fun "love compatibility test." Actually, it's completely rigged. No matter which number your interested party chooses, and it is a free choice, he or she will always end up on the heart, thus, making a "love connection." E-mail the URL to your love interest and tell them to take the love compatibility test. Tell them that if they somehow end up on the heart, "love indeed conquers all."
Just for Valentine's day or any romantic endeavor. Here's a fun "love compatibility test." Actually, it's completely rigged. No matter which number your interested party chooses, and it is a free choice, he or she will always end up on the heart, thus, making a "love connection." E-mail the URL to your love interest and tell them to take the love compatibility test. Tell them that if they somehow end up on the heart, "love indeed conquers all."
Easy Trick: Mental Card Spin
Here’s an ultra-easy trick that you can do. It’s a bit of mentalism where you tell a spectator the exact card that they touched and turned around without any way for you to know. (Okay, there is a secret and a way for you to know.)
Here’s an ultra-easy trick that you can do. It’s a bit of mentalism where you tell a spectator the exact card that they touched and turned around without any way for you to know. (Okay, there is a secret and a way for you to know.)
EZ Tricks: Best Predictions
Who hasn’t fantasized about being able to tell the future? And of course, if you could really predict the future, would you be performing a magic trick as opposed to living at the race track and making a fortune? In this compilation, we’ve put together the best of our prediction tricks. In these effects, you ask a spectator to make a decision and somehow, you have predicted the outcome. We offer lots of effects and diabolical methods.
Who hasn’t fantasized about being able to tell the future? And of course, if you could really predict the future, would you be performing a magic trick as opposed to living at the race track and making a fortune? In this compilation, we’ve put together the best of our prediction tricks. In these effects, you ask a spectator to make a decision and somehow, you have predicted the outcome. We offer lots of effects and diabolical methods.
Easy Magic Tricks With Money
Here are easy tricks that you can perform with money and are perfect for beginners.
Here are easy tricks that you can perform with money and are perfect for beginners.
The Deciding Domino
This bit of mentalism uses a set of dominos. Here, you accurately predict a domino that will be left after a certain procedure. Be sure that you have lots of time before you perform this one.
This bit of mentalism uses a set of dominos. Here, you accurately predict a domino that will be left after a certain procedure. Be sure that you have lots of time before you perform this one.
Web Magic: Mystery Wheel
Here’s a web-based magic trick. Even though you select a random number, we’re going to try and predict where you will end up. Take a magic journey.
Here’s a web-based magic trick. Even though you select a random number, we’re going to try and predict where you will end up. Take a magic journey.
Forcing a Card - V. 2
Some card tricks rely on a technique that makes a spectator think that he has a free choice of selecting any card in the deck, but actually has a choice of only a single card. Magicians call this "forcing a card." This technique makes use of a count and a clever switch of the positions of the cards.
Some card tricks rely on a technique that makes a spectator think that he has a free choice of selecting any card in the deck, but actually has a choice of only a single card. Magicians call this "forcing a card." This technique makes use of a count and a clever switch of the positions of the cards.
Easy Magic: Ball and Vase
The magician displays a small vase, takes out a ball and places it in her pocket. With a wave of the hand or other incantation, the ball appears back in the vase. And with another incantation, the ball disappears from the vase and reappears in the pocket. You can purchase this one for a couple of dollars from any magic dealer and many toy stores. This one is easy to perform and is perfect for young kids.
The magician displays a small vase, takes out a ball and places it in her pocket. With a wave of the hand or other incantation, the ball appears back in the vase. And with another incantation, the ball disappears from the vase and reappears in the pocket. You can purchase this one for a couple of dollars from any magic dealer and many toy stores. This one is easy to perform and is perfect for young kids.
Basic Magic Technique
Here are basic sleight of hand techniques that you can use with cards and coins.
Here are basic sleight of hand techniques that you can use with cards and coins.
Fast Find
Show your friends a couple of cards. Have them place them into the deck. Within a second, you find them-to your friend's amazement.
Show your friends a couple of cards. Have them place them into the deck. Within a second, you find them-to your friend's amazement.
Demo: Professor's Nightmare
Professor's Nightmare is a classic rope trick that is easy to perform and is great for beginners who are seven-years-old and up. We take you on a virtual demo.
Professor's Nightmare is a classic rope trick that is easy to perform and is great for beginners who are seven-years-old and up. We take you on a virtual demo.
EZ Magic: Amazing Spelling
In this trick, you take a packet of cards that contains the ace through king of a single suit, and by simply spelling the name of each card (ace, two, three...etc), you reveal each card in order. The kicker is that you are placing the in-between cards back underneath the pile. It’s not really a magic trick, but a fairly impressive mathematical stunt. Give this one a try. You’ll have fun with it.
In this trick, you take a packet of cards that contains the ace through king of a single suit, and by simply spelling the name of each card (ace, two, three...etc), you reveal each card in order. The kicker is that you are placing the in-between cards back underneath the pile. It’s not really a magic trick, but a fairly impressive mathematical stunt. Give this one a try. You’ll have fun with it.
Criss Angel-Magician of Year
At a press event at Hollywood’s Magic Castle, Criss Angel, creator and star of A&E’s popular “CRISS ANGEL MINDFREAK,” was named 2005 Magician of the Year by The Academy of Magical Arts. The award is a fitting one for a star who is raising magic’s profile.
At a press event at Hollywood’s Magic Castle, Criss Angel, creator and star of A&E’s popular “CRISS ANGEL MINDFREAK,” was named 2005 Magician of the Year by The Academy of Magical Arts. The award is a fitting one for a star who is raising magic’s profile.
Card Prediction
An easy method to predict a card that your spectator is going to select.
An easy method to predict a card that your spectator is going to select.
Interview with Criss Angel
We speak with Criss Angel, star of the Mindfreak television series and who was recently awarded "Magician of the Year." In his interview, Angel talks about the challenges of shooting a magic series, his inspirations, the current state of magic and where he plans to take the art.
We speak with Criss Angel, star of the Mindfreak television series and who was recently awarded "Magician of the Year." In his interview, Angel talks about the challenges of shooting a magic series, his inspirations, the current state of magic and where he plans to take the art.
Mysterious Shape Trick
Here's an online magic trick. Even though you’re at home, the Magic.about.com web site is going to track your every move, almost as if by magic.
Here's an online magic trick. Even though you’re at home, the Magic.about.com web site is going to track your every move, almost as if by magic.
EZ Magic: Telephone Predictor
Here's one of those mathematical oddities that somewhat masquerades as a magic trick. Your spectator, with calculator in hand, performs a series of calculations. And surprise, at the end, he or she is looking at their telephone number. We walk you through the steps and at the end, display them all on a single page that you may print out.
Here's one of those mathematical oddities that somewhat masquerades as a magic trick. Your spectator, with calculator in hand, performs a series of calculations. And surprise, at the end, he or she is looking at their telephone number. We walk you through the steps and at the end, display them all on a single page that you may print out.
The Jumping Paper Clips
The Jumping Paper Clips
The Jumping Paper Clips
Liquid (Card Through Window)
This card through window offers an angle that I have not seen before. With a gimmick, a spectator's selected card not only isolates itself from the rest of the deck, but appears to pass through the glass. The spectator can tap his finger on the card to verify that the card is "on the other side." It's an intriguing concept, but the effect feels rather insecure to me.
This card through window offers an angle that I have not seen before. With a gimmick, a spectator's selected card not only isolates itself from the rest of the deck, but appears to pass through the glass. The spectator can tap his finger on the card to verify that the card is "on the other side." It's an intriguing concept, but the effect feels rather insecure to me.
Easy Trick: Standing Card Find
This is a good and easy “find a card” trick that works great in situations where you’re standing and performing for others. There are no complicated moves; you use an ungimmicked, real deck; the conditions seem fair (the spectator examines and shuffles the deck) and your ability to find a card is baffling. All you have to do is add the build-up and presentation.
This is a good and easy “find a card” trick that works great in situations where you’re standing and performing for others. There are no complicated moves; you use an ungimmicked, real deck; the conditions seem fair (the spectator examines and shuffles the deck) and your ability to find a card is baffling. All you have to do is add the build-up and presentation.
Magic Technique: The Pivot Cut
Here's an impressive way to cut a deck of cards. While it’s not as flashy as the one-handed cut (click [link url=http://magic.about.com/od/beginningmagic/ss/charlier.htm]here[/link] to learn the one-handed cut), it's a nice flourish that shows that you know how to handle cards.
Here's an impressive way to cut a deck of cards. While it’s not as flashy as the one-handed cut (click [link url=http://magic.about.com/od/beginningmagic/ss/charlier.htm]here[/link] to learn the one-handed cut), it's a nice flourish that shows that you know how to handle cards.
Online Magic Tricks
Want to see a trick right now? The Magic.about.com site is ready to perform a trick for you.
Want to see a trick right now? The Magic.about.com site is ready to perform a trick for you.
Easy Magic: Ten Card Poker
Using only ten playing cards, you deal two hands of poker and win three times in a row. This is a classic and if you like this trick, we offer resources for professional versions.
Using only ten playing cards, you deal two hands of poker and win three times in a row. This is a classic and if you like this trick, we offer resources for professional versions.
TV Review: Keith Barry
“This is Extraordinary!” So promised Keith Barry’s magic special on CBS. The show, which showcased mentalism, was most noteworthy for its many Hollywood stars. While the show presented lots of effects that probably left viewers wondering how they were accomplished, the show played somewhat flat.
“This is Extraordinary!” So promised Keith Barry’s magic special on CBS. The show, which showcased mentalism, was most noteworthy for its many Hollywood stars. While the show presented lots of effects that probably left viewers wondering how they were accomplished, the show played somewhat flat.
Easy Magic Tricks for Kids to Learn and Perform
Here are some easy tricks that kids can learn that are simple and only require materials that you find around the house.
Here are some easy tricks that kids can learn that are simple and only require materials that you find around the house.
EZ Trick: The Card Divination
A series of six cards are laid out on the table. The magician turns away and a spectator silently points to one of the cards to select it. When the magician turns around, another person who acts as an assistant points at the various cards and asks the magician “is this the card?” When the assistant comes to the correct card, the magician identifies it as the chosen card.
A series of six cards are laid out on the table. The magician turns away and a spectator silently points to one of the cards to select it. When the magician turns around, another person who acts as an assistant points at the various cards and asks the magician “is this the card?” When the assistant comes to the correct card, the magician identifies it as the chosen card.
Easy Trick: Double the Fun
Here's an easy way to have a spectator select and lose a card and then find it. Compared against the many other secretes that we offer on this site to perform a similar outcome, this one is completely different. The spectator performs much of the handling of the cards, and at the end, there's no trace of the secret.
Here's an easy way to have a spectator select and lose a card and then find it. Compared against the many other secretes that we offer on this site to perform a similar outcome, this one is completely different. The spectator performs much of the handling of the cards, and at the end, there's no trace of the secret.
5 Biggest Magic Mistakes
Why do so many in the general public loathe magic? It's probably because they've seen poor magic or an arrogant, boorish "magician." Here then, are the five biggest mistakes made by beginning magicians. If you're a beginning magician, you can read these and improve your magic.
Why do so many in the general public loathe magic? It's probably because they've seen poor magic or an arrogant, boorish "magician." Here then, are the five biggest mistakes made by beginning magicians. If you're a beginning magician, you can read these and improve your magic.
Wounded by Robert Smith
If you've ever wanted to bleed from the middle of your palms or cry tears of red blood, you may enjoy the freakout fest that is Robert Smith’s "Wounded." This one is definitely not for everyone and the DVD teaches clever methods that range from fairly conventional to outright outlandish.
If you've ever wanted to bleed from the middle of your palms or cry tears of red blood, you may enjoy the freakout fest that is Robert Smith’s "Wounded." This one is definitely not for everyone and the DVD teaches clever methods that range from fairly conventional to outright outlandish.
Easy Magic: The Vanishing Bead
Here’s a basic vanish that’s easy to perform and particularly good for young kids. All you need is a paper cup and bead.
Here’s a basic vanish that’s easy to perform and particularly good for young kids. All you need is a paper cup and bead.
Zero Gravity by Jay Sankey
Jay Sankey calls "Zero Gravity" the ideal opening effect when you walk up to a table. Indeed, he makes a compelling argument. The effect is fast and garners attention and there's no need to explain what just happened, it's quite apparent. Despite this, I find the effect to be offbeat and simply can't warm up to it.
Jay Sankey calls "Zero Gravity" the ideal opening effect when you walk up to a table. Indeed, he makes a compelling argument. The effect is fast and garners attention and there's no need to explain what just happened, it's quite apparent. Despite this, I find the effect to be offbeat and simply can't warm up to it.