Hi folks,

I came across now in the magic shops where now, there's increase of magic books that detailed in about theories in magic.

For instance, "Maximum Impact", "Strong Magic", etc, do you guys think that we as a magicians, should read and treat this book is a MUST?????

Do you think that after reading theories about magic, these theories can aid you in improvements tremendously????

I am appreciate to hear some of your views guys. ^_^

Andrew

I think for sure it can help you in your improvement in magic performance..
I don't think it's necessary, but it's to your advantage if you do read it...

then again, gotta pay bout $40 US for a book on theories...hmmm
but Strong Magic by ortiz is a classic, so if you're feeling rich..why not?
:)

To me, ITS A MUST. Not only it will improve your understanding about magic, but it will also help you perform better. Most of the books will teach you how to handle spectators, manage them, how to talk to them, how to interact, misdirection just to name a few. Effects is NOT important. Many people thinks that effects is 90% of your performance. I think its only 10%. 90% should be how you INTERACT with spectators. They should remember YOU AND the effect, not THE EFFECT but none of you.

I've read a few books but I think there is this 2 books which is really really good.
1. Strong Magic by Darwin Ortiz
2. Mastering The Art of Magic Collected Writings by Eugene Burger

Another book which is worth the read is Secret Art of Magic by Eric Evans & Nowlin Craver

I think these books do help a lot.

When we perform, we develop our own style. However, we do not really have the experience yet to fully understand how the audience thinks (due to less chances to perform for crowds).

for example, sometimes we are extremely boring but the spectators are just being kind not to make things difficult for us and hence, they laugh at our jokes and such. These false reactions, unknown to us, may make us feel that we are doing things right. In the long run, as we continue this way, it will be extremely difficult to change.

These books help us by making us question our performance and style. Following what the book says is IMO wrong. I believe the books are there as a guide and reference to make us ponder and improve our style. We should all develop our own way of performing.

Without these books on theories, we may continue to make the same mistakes without knowing it. It allows us to approach matters with an open mind

Other than Strong Magic, there are many other books out there such as Maximum Entertainment, The Magic of Ascanio, etc that touches on theories and not on Tricks. These are really hard books to come by and if u really notice, they always do get OOP quite often too due to the large demand.

CHEERS! B)

I'm not sure bout that one....
I'm sure when lay ppl watch Guy Hollingworth's T&R...they will remember him restoring the cards piece by piece..rather than his gentleman style

True eryanic, BUT I would rather people remember me as HAZLI the guy who did the T&R card trick, rather than "that guy" who did the T&R trick. If I want to be booked again, I would them remember me as HAZLI. If you want to get booked again, make them remember YOU. IMHO

Hi folks,

Yes, that's the answer I would like to extract from you guys. I thought some of you guys here might say the theories not help at all.

Yes, when we perform, we have to give them a great impact on our performance, so that this will leave them to remember you always.

Check out Ascanio book of magic, heard that this book is among the best of the best if compare to Darwin Ortiz's strong magic, etc.

Andrew

I have that Fitzkee Trilogy book on theory of magic, but haven't really got down to it. I have finished Strong Magic by Darwin Ortiz, seems his theories seem to work. As an example, Triumph. I did the stupid mumbo jumbo of waving hands slowly over the deck and then spread the cards, it doesn't really get as much reaction as "eh, what's that behind you?" and they turn around, turn to see me again and then I spread the cards.

It's like... "stupid mumbo jumbo your hands ain't doing anything" versus "what the?! How did you do that when I turn around for just a second?" That's my experience anyway.

[Check out Ascanio book of magic, heard that this book is among the best of the best if compare to Darwin Ortiz's strong magic, etc. ]

So which is generally perceived as better, "Strong Magic" or "Ascanio book of magic"

[It's like... "stupid mumbo jumbo your hands ain't doing anything" versus "what the?! How did you do that when I turn around for just a second?" That's my experience anyway]

How did Strong Magic enlighten u in such a way the u change the patter to "Look behind ur back?...just curious... ^_^

I think strong magic is a book where it really makes you think (apparently)
it's good if you're really serious bout your magic....

but even if you're not..it's still a good read...just like reading a normal book...it's intellectually stimulating..:)

Haz,

"True eryanic, BUT I would rather people remember me as HAZLI the guy who did the T&R card trick, rather than "that guy" who did the T&R trick"

that sounds familiar...have you been reading Michael ammar's material? Because that's what he suggests....making magic memorable..

i have this book on magic (sorry i cant remember the title and author), it focuses a lot on the understanding of human psychology to make your magic more effective. i'm too lazy to look for the book. when i find it, i'll give the title, etc. hehehe.

anyway, its important to at least have a modicum of knowledge in the simple theories that magicians use to achieve great effects. simple physics, math, mechanics, all that crap. it really does pay to know these things. helps u to understand ur tricks and to avoid things that can destroy your performance. ;)