Articles Index

Review of Shared Dreams by Marcelo Insúa

Shared Dreams is a marketed effect that allows you to apparently predict the future - random inputs from spectators. And Tru Test is a variation on a book test that works with a Newsweek or Time magazine. Both are strong.

Card Artistry by Justin Flom

Here's a look at two card revelations. "Missing," by Charlie Frye and Alan Wong, allows you to take a spectator's "freely" selected card and do something crazy with it. And "Card Artistry," by Justin Flom, magically creates a painting with playing cards that reveals the spectator's selected card.

Anatomy of a Magic Music Video

If you were interested in the moves, effects and techniques used in my magic music video with playing cards, in this story, I discuss them.

In the Works: Animental

One of the effects that I took away from Danny Archer’s first rate “Essential Magic Classics” was "Animental." This is a mind-reading effect that gets great reactions. It's been a winner at my recent gigs.

Mind Ball by David Regal

So how does a card trick play when the revelation comes from a fortune-telling Magic-8 Ball? Splendidly. I take David Regal's "Mind Ball" out for a test drive and my audiences have a great time.

Review: "Xtreme Magic" Starring Dirk Arthur

There's something about those big cats, the tigers and leopards, which are always intriguing. And with the absence of Rick Thomas and Sigfreud & Roy in the Las Vegas line-up, Dirk Arthur's "Xtreme Magic" is now the only show where you can see these dangerous creatures. While Arthur offers an entertaining big illusion style show, it’s the exotic cats in his magic mix that sets his show apart.

Fourfit and The Prodigy

"Fourfit" offers a great torn and restored playing card where the individual pieces appear to visually fuse together. This one is great. And while "The Prodigy" offers an exquisite production, vanish and reproduction of four coins, it's rather impractical for most real world settings.

Adding Flair to Your Routines: Empty and Confetti Shooter

Here are two ways to add some flair to your magic routines. How about producing a deck of cards from an empty box? You can with "Empty." And if you want to add a cloud of confetti to your magic, you may be able to do so with the "Confetti Shooter."

Norm Barnhart

Norm Barnhart is a Minnesota-based entertainer who performs magic, balloon twisting and more. He's authored several magic books and conducts lectures.

The Five Biggest Mistakes Made by Beginning Magicians

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.

Easy Magic Trick: The 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.

The Magic of Kyle Merck

Based in Southern California, Kyle Merck is a magician and magic lecturer. Here's a look at his book, "....Of Cabbages and Kings," as well as his stand-alone magic effects.

Learning Magic Via Books or DVDs: Bannon’s Bullet Party

Is it better to learn magic from books or instructional magic DVDs? In a unique situation, I compare learning some great tricks from John Bannon's "Bullet Party," which is available in both book and DVD formats.

Disneyland Magic: Pepper's Ghost

Disneyland is rightly known as "The Magic Kingdom." But you may not have thought of Disneyland as a place to view magic, of our time-honored conjuring variety and beyond Disney's pixie-dusted brand, but it’s definitely here. A brilliant adaptation and arguably its finest presentation is that of "Pepper's Ghost."

In the Works: The Card Sandwich Trick

I've been long working on a "sandwich" card trick. Here's a discussion of the many routines and moves that have influenced my routine and helped it evolve.

Magic History: Rameses the Egyptian Wonderworker

Rameses, the "Egyptian Wonderworker," was a prominent illusionist of the Edwardian era. He toured Europe and America and performed in the very first "Royal Variety Performance" for the King and Queen of England. Despite his success, Rameses is little known today.

All About The Magic Square

The magic square is a mathematical curiosity that is sometimes performed in mentalism and magic acts. Here's background on the concept that Corinda refers to as a "brain teaser."

Two Takes on Three Card Monte

Here are two new takes on Three-Card Monte: "Miracle Monte" by Wolfgang Moser and "Stand Up Monte" by Garrett Thomas. Both offer entertaining transpositions of cards within the Monte theme, that evoke the classic Michael Skinner effect.

In the Works: The Multiple Card Control

I have long wanted to perform a multiple card control where several cards are selected by spectators and mixed back into the deck, and then found, one by one, in a spectacular fashion. Here's the evolution of my multiple card control routine.

The Ten Best Close-Up Magicians

Anytime there's a list of the "best magicians," it's always the stage and television performers who are recognized. But what about close-up? With this in mind and after lots of thought, here's my list of the top ten close-up magicians.

The Top Magic Products of 2010

Here's my list of the best and most innovative magic products of 2010.

Notes From the Castle: "Flavor Flav"

Last week, at the Magic Castle, rap artist and noted member of "Public Enemy," "Flavor Flav," filmed a scene for his TV series, "Flavor of Love." With the dating show in its second season, the rap artist appears to still be searching for his soul mate. In the video segment, the rapper took his date to Hollywood's Magic Magic Castle.

The Mysteries of S. W. Erdnase

While researching his new 10-disc DVD set, "The Expert at the Card Table: Artifice, Ruse, and Subterfuge," Geno Munari, President and CEO of Houdini's Magic Shop, delved into the mysteries of author, S.W. Erdnase and revealed some new findings.

Beginning Versus Pro Tricks

So what's the difference between a beginning and pro-level effect? In this article I compare two marketed effects.

Interview with Joaquin Ayala

Joaquin Ayala, Mexico's famous illusionist and master of theatrical magic, has made multiple TV appearances, headlined in Vegas and is now touring with his production of "Magic Passion." He recently launched AYALA EFX, his new production company that specializes in the construction, design and consulting of magical effects. Ayala took time out from his busy schedule to talk with Magic & Illusion about his new production company, latest shows and about magic and presentation.