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The "I Hate Card
Tricks"
Book of Card Tricks
Preface
“Pick a card.”
For some, these are the three most dreaded words in the English language.
Let’s face it… some people just hate card tricks!
In the interest of full
disclosure, I must confess that I did not write this book because I hate card
tricks. In fact, I love card tricks. I enjoy performing them and I enjoy seeing
them performed.
I will admit, however, that a vast number of card tricks
boil down to a simple plot that goes something like this: You pick a card and
I’ll find it. Many really innovative and fun twists have been added to the basic
premise over the years. But, for the spectator who “hates” card tricks, it may
still amount to nothing more than variations on a theme. No matter how powerful
the effect eventually is, you often lose these individuals’ interest the moment
those dreaded three words are uttered. With that in mind, I embarked on this
enterprise with the “prime directive” (a little play on words for all you “Star
Trek” fans) that there would be NO picking of cards in any of these
effects.
What I’ve set out to accomplish with this volume is to compile a
number of effects that are not “card tricks” in the traditional sense but,
rather, utilize cards as the medium for presenting illusions that should appeal
to even the most obstinate “card trick hater.”
Still, I wanted to ensure
that the cards were not merely window dressing. Although I do utilize cards in
the construction of various “cabinets” and other apparatus, the focus of the
effect remains on the cards themselves. The props are secondary and are used to
accomplish an effect that can still be categorized as a card trick (albeit not
of the “pick a card” variety).
I ruled out constructing props such as
temple screens, production panels, etc. out of playing cards. That would
relegate the cards to “building material” status since the resulting effects
would have little or nothing at all in common with a card trick.
Some
might argue that several of the included effects are not really card magic but,
rather, “close-up” magic. I’ll concede that, in a few instances, I’ve veered
somewhat from “accepted” card magic (some call that innovation, others… heresy).
However, I’ve attempted to incorporate the best of both worlds.
I’ve
avoided simply substituting a playing card for another object normally used for
a close-up effect. You won’t find a standard bill tube routine using a rolled-up
card in place of the dollar within these pages. Instead, I’ve structured many of
these routines utilizing a complete deck (supplemented with some of the card
“props”) and developed handlings that are consistent with conventional card
magic. The result is a sort of hybrid between card magic and close-up magic.
For the initial offering, I came up with the concept of four “sister”
effects that recreate famous stage illusions in miniature using the four Queens
as your “assistants.” It was not my original intent to fill the entire book with
effects “themed” in this way.
As I brainstormed ideas for the remaining
effects to be included in this volume, however, a number of intriguing
possibilities emerged. I subsequently decided to include more adaptations of
stage illusions.
Some large-scale effects just don’t translate well to a
performance using playing cards (somehow, “The Origami Queen” doesn’t seem like
it would be exceedingly deceptive. That “assistant” will fit into an awfully
narrow space, after all. Don’t think for a minute that I didn’t consider it,
though), but I think you will be pleased with the results for those that
successfully made the cross-over from the stage to the card table.
It
should be noted that these effects are not intended to be performed all in
succession. Although each individual effect is quite different, several share
common elements (such as the act of cutting the assistant into pieces). Just as
a stage magician would probably not perform a sequence of “The Zig-Zag Girl”
followed by “The Mismade Girl” and conclude with “Sawing a Lady in Half,” so
too, you’ll want to ensure proper variety in your act by “sprinkling” these
effects into your set interspersed with a mixture of other types of
effects.
Keep in mind that the small similarities between some of these
effects are not necessarily a set-back. This provides the strolling magician
with the opportunity to perform one of the miniature stage illusions for each
table without having to repeat effects. This comes in especially handy in close
quarters where other guests are in close proximity and may be observing you
perform for nearby tables.
I conclude each illusion with some “assorted
random thoughts” related to the effect. If you have purchased several different
effects or the complete book, you may experience a strong sense of Déjà vu while
reading these sections. Rest assured… your mind is not playing tricks on you.
Some passages are relevant to more than one effect in the book. I’ve reprinted
them within each applicable chapter (occasionally changing the wording slightly
just to keep you on your toes) to ensure that those purchasing an individual
effect would not miss out on any of my ramblings, ravings, or brilliant
observations. I’ll leave it to the reader to determine which description is most
accurate.
In most cases, I’ve provided examples of the patter that I use
for the effect. Certain lines have a very specific purpose in facilitating the
performance. You should not feel constrained, however, to use my dry humor, etc.
if it does not fit your persona as a performer. On the contrary, you should
always strive to make every effect “your own.”
Lastly, let me just say
that preparing this text is a true labor of love. I hope you have as much fun
preparing, practicing and performing these effects as I had in writing
them!
B.
Robert Pulver
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