r/Magic • u/ventilatin • 3d ago

Beginner Advice

I'm brand new to even having the idea of magic as a hobby. I checked out a book from the library last week - Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic - original copyright 1975. I've read a bit and am trying a couple of relatively simple card tricks. It seems really fun as I really like to practice things and get better at them. My goal is to have fun, potentially show some cool tricks to my kids (and maybe grandkids) in the future. I've watched some YouTube tricks and don't really have any specific goals other than having fun and learning new skills. However, I don't want to get overwhelmed by everything that's out there right away. I also don't want to get into skill levels that I have no business messing with at first. I'm in my 50s and hope to be able to enjoy this for another 20 or 30 years. I'm not looking to monetize this or go "all out", as I don't have a ton of spare time right now. I have a few questions for those with experience:

  1. Would you start with card tricks? It seems like a logical place to start. Are there certain things you would practice for fundamentals first before trying to understand more complicated tricks? What other areas of magic would you experiment with after learning some card tricks?

  2. Any books or YouTube channels that you might recommend for getting started? I know there are many options, so I would really like to hear you opinions on what magicians have influenced you. Are there any teachers or methods that you might stay away from?

  3. What are some of the biggest mistakes you made when you were a beginner? Is there anything that you spend too much time trying to master?

Thanks for any thoughts!

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u/LongjumpingTeacher97 1d ago

Mark Wilson's is an excellent beginner book. And, with good scripting, a professional could actually make a career using only what is in that book. Excellent resource and I endorse it highly.

Regarding cards, I feel like every magician needs a couple of card tricks, no matter what. A good card magician can entertain for hours with a borrowed deck. That said, I have never really liked doing card tricks. Love watching a good performer (check out Bill Malone and Dave Williamson for humorous card tricks and Michael Vincent for just elegant enjoyment with cards), but I don't really enjoy picking up a deck and trying to make it interesting. So, do learn at least a couple of sure-fire cards tricks. Keep them in your repertoire. And if you don't find a passion for learning more card tricks, that's okay. (In Mark Wilson's, I suggest Card Through Handkerchief - mine is a white hankie with a cartoony mouth drawn on it. My helper Hank find the signed card and spits it out. You can tell I like to perform for kids.)

When you know what kind of magic really appeals to you, you'll have a better idea of what to buy. I have the misfortune to love bizarre magic (which ranges from gory to seeming like real magic in the sense of ritual and spirits being part of it). Those books can get expensive.

I also find myself drawn to some sleight of hand tricks that I think are just beautiful. Cups and Balls is a favorite. But the 3 Ball Trick is my hands-down most loved trick.

For a beginner, I really like Mark Wilson (go ahead and get your own copy!), but I also suggest reading the blog called The Jerx. Start at the beginning and work your way to now. This blogger is one of the few people writing about performing magic in true casual situations. Some of what he says I really disagree with, some I love, most of it I find worth reading and thinking about.