A Brief Education in Card Magic

by Ricky Smith

In The Expert at the Card Table, under the heading Importance of Details, Erdnase
writes, The finished card expert considers nothing too trivial that in any way contributes to
his success, whether in avoiding or allaying suspicion, or in the particular manner of carrying
out each detail; or in leading up to, or executing, each artifice.Learning things the right way
means learning every aspect of a move or routine. You need to know how to get in and get
out of a move, where and how to direct your audiences attention so that you present the
audience with a fluid picture that looks whole to them but leaves plenty of room for you to
hide the method, all while presenting the effect in an entertaining manner. The secret is in the
details and, for the most part, the best way to acquire the knowledge of these details is
through books. In the following couple of paragraphs we will look at a variety of books: those
that will prove helpful to the beginner and provide a firm grounding in the art, those that will
provide further instruction and a thorough understanding of the art, and, finally, books for the
accomplished card handler.
Starting off right can be done in a variety of ways depending on your desires and how much
you are willing to invest to start out. A cost-effective and proven book for beginners is
the Royal Road to Card Magic, which will teach a variety of techniques, flourishes, and
effects, while setting up the beginner with a thorough grounding in the theory of the art. This
book will teach you valuable lessons in a straight forward manner that will be beneficial and
prove valuable throughout your studies, even at the highest levels of understanding. It is a bit
antiquated in some aspects, like writing style, but the study will contribute greatly towards
your ability to comprehend other books further on in your career. As a bonus, R. Paul Wilson,
an excellent magician and thinker, has a superb DVD set that focuses on this book which will
aid in your understanding of the work and magic in general immensely. Another path one
could take which is more modern and thorough, in my opinion, is Roberto GiobbisCard
College. These books represent a greater investment than the Royal Road but are absolutely
fantastic. There are five books in the series and purchasing all of them to start out with may
be a little extravagant, so I would recommend getting the first two to start if you are hesitant.
The first book is an excellent starting point and will get your hands accustomed to some of
the commoner sleights and build your dexterity, while the second book will take you into
some more advanced techniques and tricks putting you well on your way to becoming an
adept in the art. The next volumes feature many more techniques and theory that will really
round out anyones education in the art, and they are highly recommended. The whole series
really represents a practically complete understanding of the art consolidated within its
covers, and one could easily be considered an expert with just the knowledge contained in
these books. Regardless of the path you choose, omitting the study of some form of basic
text is ill advised; it is likely that your study of more advanced books will be hindered without
a good base knowledge of the art.
After acquiring a good knowledge of the common methods and gaining some understanding
of the principles involved, there are several branches of books that will prove helpful and
round out your knowledge base while giving you a look at some of the more interesting and
clever applications our art has thus far created. One group of books that will prove
immensely helpful, give you a sense of the history, and teach you about some of the more
prominent practitioners we have had are, what we might term, the classics. These books
have been the high water marks throughout the years and each one has many excellent
features. I will provide a short list and then point out a couple I think are necessities:

Memoirs of Robert-Houdin by Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin

A Brief Education in Card Magic

by Ricky Smith

Secrets of Conjuring and Magic by Jean EugeneRobert-Houdin

Sleight of Hand by Edwin Sachs
The Art of Magic by T. Nelson Downs
The Modern Conjurer by C. Lang Neil
Hofzinsers Card Conjuring by Ottokar Fischer
Magicians Tricks and How They are Done by Henry Hatton and Adrian Plate
Our Magic by Maskelyne and Devant
Greater Magic by John Northern Hilliard
and a Pack of Cards by Jack Merlin
Card Manipulations by Jean Hugard
Expert Card Technique by Hugard and Braue
Effective Card Magic by Bill Simon
The Fine Art of Magic by George Kaplan
Professional Card Magic by Cliff Green
Encylopedia of Card Magic by Jean Hugard
Magic by Misdirection by Dariel Fitzkee
Showmanship for Magicians by Dariel Fitzkee
Magic and Showmanship by Henning Nelms
Close Up Card Magic by Harry Lorayne
Card Control by Arthur Buckley
Stars of Magic
Dai Vernons Inner Card Trilogy by Lewis Ganson
Dai Vernons Ultimate Secrets of Card Magic by Lewis Ganson
The Dai Vernon Book of Magic by Lewis Ganson
The Cardician by Ed Marlo
Revolutionary Card Technique by Ed Marlo
Magic and Methods of Ross Bertram by Ross Bertram
Bertram on Sleight of Hand by Ross Bertram
In order to round out your education and get a good history of the art it is recommended that
you acquire several of the classic texts. These would include the Robert-Houdin books (he is
considered the father of modern magic), Sachs Sleight of Hand, and The Art of Magic by
Downs. Generally these can be found quite cheaply in paperback and are good to have in
ones library, although they are not card magic specific, the Memoirs of Robert-Houdin is in
fact an autobiography, but is highly entertaining and motivational while providing a picture of
the kind of effort required to become a master and the shenanigans one can become
involved with while practicing the art.
Another classic that is great to have, if you can find it, is the Modern Conjurer by C. Lang
Niel. In addition to some excellent descriptions and photographs, this book contains an
excellent description of the pass which was regarded highly by the Professor, Dai Vernon.
Other noted descriptions are in Erdnase, the Tarbell Course, andThe Card Classics of Ken
Krenzel. Some of Dai Vernons work on the pass can be found in Ultimate Card
Secrets and Revelations. Finally I would recommend reading the description in Card
College and the one in John Carneys the Book of Secrets.
On a more card magic specific note, Greater Magic, Expert Card Technique, Stars of
Magic, Effective Card Magic,and a Pack of Cards, Card Control, The Fine Art of
Magic, Card Manipulations, and Professional Card Magic are true classics of the genre. Most
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of them can be acquired very cheaply as paperbacks and are considered some of the best
books card magic literature has to offer. Greater Magic is quite an investment even when it is
in print, so you may try looking for Card Magic by Hilliard which is a reprint of just the card
magic material from Greater Magic. Also, Effective Card Magic is in paperback under the
title Card Tricks for Amateurs and Professionals. Out of the books mentioned above Greater
Magic, Expert Card Technique,and Stars of Magicare some of the most seminal and best
texts extant. Expert Card Technique can be had in paperback for a reasonable price and
features many excellent sleights, thoughts, and routines by some of the best in magic.
Although hard to come by, the third edition of Expert Card Technique features two additional
chapters featuring the work of Dai Vernon and Dr. Jacob Daley that is not in the other
editions, so this is recommended if you can find it. Stars of Magic is probably one of the most
valuable books in the entire lexicon as it consists of a number of truly talented masters of the
art (John Scarne, Francis Carlyle, Dr. Jacob Daley, Ross Bertram, and Dai Vernon, among
others) going into great detail on some of their greatest effects, all illustrated with numerous
photos. It is here that you will find some of Dai Vernons classic effects explained, including
Triumph, Cutting the Aces, the Slow Motion Ace Assembly, and the Travelers, all classic
effects and worthy of careful study.
Our Magic, the Fitzkee books, and Magic and Showmanship are the classic books on theory
of performance and misdirection. They are a necessary and insightful read for those looking
to perform and should be studied no matter what branch of magic you are working on. If
these are interesting to you, it would also be good to study the Books of Wonder by Tommy
Wonder and Stephen Minch. These books contain some of the brightest and most insightful
essays into the magic art ever produced and are highly recommended. Other notable works
in this genre include: Strong Magic by Darwin Ortiz, Designing Miracles by Darwin Ortiz,
and Magic and Meaning by Eugene Burger and Robert Neale. Also, for the study of
misdirection, it would behoove the reader to search out the works on John Ramsay written by
Andrew Galloway.
Anything written by or about the Professor, Dai Vernon, is considered, by this author, a
classic and must have text. The previously mentioned Stars of Magic is one of the best
introductions to the Professors magic and philosophy and will encourage further study of this
past master. His classic works on card magic are the Inner Secrets Trilogy and Ultimate
Secrets of Card Magic, both by Lewis Ganson. The Dai Vernon Book of Magicfeatures a
couple of excellent card tricks but is more important for its writings on practice and the
Vernon Touch, a philosophy for naturally performing and handling magic that truly elevates
the art. You will also encounter a lot of his ideas in almost any book you decide to study,
including Expert Card Technique and Greater Magic. Further study of the Professor should
include Select Secrets and the Vernon Chronicles, four excellent books featuring magic
collected near the end of the Professors life as well as reminisces about the various exploits
he lived and experienced during his 98 year life span. The Professor was also instrumental in
writing two books on two of his heroes, Nate Leipzigand Max Malini. These are titled Dai
Vernons Tribute to Nate Leipzig and Malini and His Magic, and both are highly
recommended because of the fascinating talents of their subjects as well as their association
with the Professor. Also, a study of the professor would not be complete without reading Dai
Vernon: a Biography by David Ben or the Vernon Touch, a collection of all of the Professors
columns from Genii Magazine.
Another true master is the cardician, Ed Marlo. He contributed more to card magic literature
than anyone in the history of the universe probably, and, as a result, I will just focus on a
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couple of things and leave his massive oeuvre for you to seek out and enjoy as your
inclinations desire. Marlos most notable work must be the massiveRevolutionary Card
Technique. The chapters were first published individually, but the text has recently been
consolidated into one big hard bound book, and it is certainly a worthwhile investment. The
chapters run the gamut from card switches, changes, controls, steals, faro shuffles, false
deals, estimation, etc, and each of the topics is thoroughly covered with numerous
techniques and tricks. In addition to the latter book, I would look into purchasing
the Cardician or Marlo in Spades in order to get a look at some of Marlos effects and ideas
outside ofRevolutionary Card Technique, as it will give you a better perspective on his work
in general. Marlo has numerous other books should you be so inclined, and he also
published numerous privately circulated manuscripts which are sometimes difficult to find,
but generally contain thinking of a very high degree so lookout for those as you advance.
One final past master, who has books available, I would like to mention is Ross Bertram. He
produced two excellent classic works, the Magic and Methods of Ross
Bertram and Bertramon Sleight of Hand, which are indeed highly recommended. David Ben,
Ross Bertrams sole student, mentions that one of the important achievements while learning
magic is that of teaching the hands to work together. This is indeed a true and necessary
lesson, and, as Mr. Ben related, one of the best ways to go about it is by studying the two
Bertram books, as well as Erdnase, of course.
Having looked at classic works, another avenue for study is that of the contemporary. We will
look at some contemporary masters and their contributions as well as a list of excellent
books.
One of the Professors greatest students was Larry Jennings, and he has a number of
excellent books available which represent some of the best thinking card magic has to offer.
The classic Jennings text is the Classic Magic of Larry Jennings by Mike Maxwell, and it
features many of his finest originations. His other works are all recommended including
Neoclassics by Stephen Minch, The Cardwright by Mike Maxwell, Jennings 67 by Richard
Kaufman, and Up in Smoke by Bill Goodwin. Every one of these is a treat, and it is very
exciting to note that Mr. Kaufman is working on two new works, one called Mr. Jennings
Takes it Easy and one called Mr. Jennings Takes it Tough, which are certain to be instant
classics and a fitting tribute to this late master.
A contemporary of Mr. Jennings and also a student of Dai Vernon, Bruce Cervon was
another great master of the art. His works are quite good, worth having in your library, and
include: The Cervon File, Ultra Cervon, and Hard Boiled Mysteries. He also has some earlier
works if you desire to look them up and recently his Castle Notebooks have started to
become available. Although expensive, these will represent a great value to the student.
Another student of the Professors, who I feel exemplifies the Professors thinking to a rare
degree, is John Carney. He is absolutely exceptional and one of the greatest magicians
extant. His two hard bound books,Carneycopia by Stephen Minch and the Book of Secrets,
are some of the finest treatises magic has to offer and two of the best tools for learning
sleight of hand in existence.
One of magics true inventive geniuses was Alex Elmsley, and he left us with two
extraordinary books. These are the two volumes of the Collected Works of Alex Elmsley by
Stephen Minch. Their contents are to be dazzled at and are unreservedly praised. The
effects and sleights are exceptionally clever, inventive, and profoundly devious. Study these
for a look at the output of a true giant in the field.
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Roger Klause: In Concert by Lance Pierce is a book of profound content and, no surprises
here, features the work of none other than the master of the underground, Roger Klause. Mr.
Klause is undeniably one of magics greatest thinkers, a true master, with a talent for subtlety
and deception that belies an understanding of magic that must be unfathomably deep. In
addition to the In Concert book, always be on the lookout for anything by Mr. Klause, as it is
sure to represent thinking at a superlative degree.
The current master operating at the highest levels cardmagic has to offer and with an
otherworldly sense of magics greatest secrets is undoubtedly the Spanish master, Juan
Tamariz. Not all of his output has been translated into English but what has been is truly
exceptional. A look at some of his books or the opportunity to bear witness to one of his
performances is to glimpse uncanny thinking and design coupled with an unwavering
dedication to performance. His books in English include Sonata, The Magic Way, The Five
Points in Magic, andMnemonica, currently, and we look forward to any further installments
with great anticipation.
Another Spanish master is Arturo de Ascanio, also known as the Maestro. His thinking and
theories are of the highest order, and his work on the theory of palming and handling double
cards is required study. His works are currently being published as the Magic of Ascanio by
Jesus Etcheverry, in a four volume set, and two volumes have thus far been released.
Before I start listing books, I want to take the time to urge you to study one other
contemporary master of the art, Roy Walton. Conveniently a lot of his work has been
collected into a two volume set of books called theComplete Walton. These books are
excellent and contain a vast quantity of practical effects. Most importantly, Mr. Walton has a
unique talent for using sleights in a wide variety of ways that will increase your knowledge of
these moves by leaps and bounds.
Here is a list of books that I think are uniformly excellent and will be a valuable addition to
your library, as well as get you acquainted with the other masters of the art I neglected in the
above:

Tangled Web by Eric Mead

The Paper Engine by Aaron Fisher
Drawing Room Deceptions by Guy Hollingworth
By Forces Unseen: the Innovative Magic of Earnest Earick by Stephen Minch
Secrets of an Escamoteur by Harry Riser
Workers 1-5 by Mike Close
Dear Mr. Fantasy by John Bannon
Close Up Elegance by David Costi
Classic Sampler by Michael Skinner
Phantoms of the Card Table by David Britland and Gazzo
Card Fictions by Pit Hartling
The Little Green Lecture Notes by Pit Hartling
Handcrafted Card Magic Vol. 1 by Denis Behr
Handcrafted Card Magic Vol. 2 by Denis Behr
Tricks by David Ben
Steranko on Cards by Jim Steranko
Versatile Card Magic Revisited by Frank Simon
Cardshark by Darwin Ortiz
At the Card Table by Darwin Ortiz
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Scams and Fantasies with Cards by Darwin Ortiz

52 Memories by Andi Gladwin
Diverting Card Magic by Andrew Galloway
F.A.S.D.I.U. by Paul Cummins
F.A.S.D.I.U. II by Paul Cummins
Dont Blink by James Swain
Miracles with Cards by James Swain
21st Century Card Magic by James Swain
Epilogue by Karl Fulves
The Collected Almanac by Richard Kaufman
Totally Out of Control by Chris Kenner
The Art of Astonishment by Paul Harris
Apocalypse by Harry Lorayne
The Feints and Temps of Harry Riser by Ed Brown
Williamsons Wonders by Richard Kaufman
Andrus Card Control by Jerry Andrus
Andrus Deals You In by Jerry Andrus
The Secrets of Brother John Hamman by Richard Kaufman
The Secret Ways of Al Baker by Al Baker edited by Todd Karr
Roy Benson: By Starlight by Levent
Cardini: The Suave Deceiver by John Fisher
Impossibilia by John Bannon
Smoke and Mirrors by John Bannon
Imagication by T.G.Murphy
The Card Magic of Edward G. Brown by Trevor Hall
Bound to Please by Simon Aronson
Simply Simon by Simon Aronson
The Aronson Approach by Simon Aronson
Try the Impossible by Simon Aronson
Million Dollar Card Secrets by Frank Garcia
Super Subtle Card Miracles by Frank Garcia
Cy Endfields Entertaining Card Magic by Lewis Ganson
Fechter by Jerry Mentzer
The Magic of Rezvani translated by Dariel Fitzkee
But Not to Play by Wilfrid Johnson
The Complete Works of Derek Dingle by Richard Kaufman
Variations Revisited by Earl Nelson
Any Second Now by Stephen Minch
Sleight Unseen by Stephen Minch
Ever So Sleightly by Stephen Minch
Secrets of a Puerto Rican Gambler by Stephen Minch
For Your Entertainment Pleasure by Stephen Minch
The Pallbearers Review by Karl Fulves
Modus Operandi by Jack Carpenter
The Experts Portfolio Vol. 1 by Jack Carpenter
Down Under Deals by Andrew Wimhurst
The Legendary Hierophant by Jon Racherbaumer
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The Legendary Kabbala by Jon Racherbaumer

Card Finesse by Jon Racherbaumer
Card Finesse II by Jon Racherbaumer
Penumbra edited by Bill Goodwin and Gordon Bean
At the Expense of Grey Matter by Bill Goodwin
Lecture 1988 by Bill Goodwin
Notes from the Batcave by Bill Goodwin
Picking the Carcass Clean by Bill Goodwin
The Ancient Empty Street by Bill Goodwin
Solomons Mind by Eugene Burger
The Wisdom of Solomon by David Solomon & Jeff Siegfried
The Card Classics of Ken Krenzel by Harry Lorayne
The latter books and notes have served me well, although I am still learning of course, and
will cover the gamut of card magic technique from basic simple tricks to the most difficult
imaginable (for example By Forces Unseenor the Bill Goodwin notes mentioned above). At
this point I would like to get into the study of truly advanced sleight of hand, and it is here that
I will need to switch from recommending good books to recommending a method of study.
This is a result of the difficulty in learning some of the more particularly intricate sleights such
as false dealing, riffle shuffle work, shifts, and palming among other things. The best way to
learn these things in my experience is to seek out as many references as possible, as there
are avariety of ways to accomplish these things, so that you can try out a number of methods
and find the ones that are right for you to learn. Most things will be covered in the books
mentioned above, and you will be able to go through looking for descriptions of the move you
desire to learn, find a number of references, decide which ones you will attempt to practice,
and hence arrive at a suitable solution. Sometimes, however, the answers will be found in
some obscure text, so it is a good idea to not limit yourself only to the references mentioned
and to look for recommendations on each individual sleight as you come to them. For
example, when learning the Zarrow Shuffle, it might be a good idea to look up Gary Plants
handling, Karl Fulves write up in Riffle Shuffle Technique, David Bens description in Genii
Magazine, and, even, the original description in the New Phoenix, in addition to the
description in Card College, etc. The process of learning many of the advanced sleight of
hand maneuvers can take years, and it is best to learn correctly the first time, rather than unlearning years of wasted practice.
Finally we come to what is probably the most important bookin the entire lexicon, the Expert
at the Card Table by S. W. Erdnase. This book is the cardmans bible and should be studied
as such. It is recommended by the best of the best and was highly regarded by the
Professor, Dai Vernon. There are also annotated editions which can be studied along with the
original text. These include the Professors annotated editions Revelations andRevelation, as
well as a very scholarly look entitled the Annotated Erdnase by Darwin Ortiz. If you decide to
get one of the annotated editions, make sure to also get a cheap paperback copy for your
own notes or one of the pocket editions from the Conjuring Arts Research Center. These will
help your study and allow you access to the book at all times. The knowledge you receive
from careful study of this work applied to your card handling will put you at the upper echelon
of card handlers.
This list is by no means complete and there are many other books worthy of study. However,
I think it will represent a valuable guide.
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Smith, Ricky. A Rather Thorough Education in The Art of Card Handling. Ricky Smith, 2009.