How would you like to learn the real secrets of the best magicians? There is a lot out there in the field of magic -- old books and new, dvds and magic web sites, and on it goes.
How do you learn worthwhile magic tricks? How do you distinguish the crud from the true gems? Here are some suggestions to get you on the right track: 1) Find an internet magician who is respected (or revered) by just about everyone.
And then focus on the material that he (not to be sexist) sells and teaches from his web site.
Also, look for guys that have their own sites and their own materials.
(Again, find other magicians who have heard of the site that you are interested in.
Ask their opinions of the guy's magic.
) Names that come to mind are Lee Asher, David Stone, Steve Beam, Aaron Fisher.
2) Find an older magician who knows his stuff.
This can be an in-person meeting with lessons or you can purchase DVDs and books.
Also, don't avoid learning magic from books.
There is a myriad of tricks that will never be shot in front of a camera.
Books are filled with these gems.
Older magicians of caliber include Johnny Thompson, Tom Mullica, and JC Wagner.
3) Look for the greats who have come before.
I especially like it when magicians devote web sites to those who have come before us.
Some of these guys have incredible pet effects -- the tricks that made them famous.
They also invented lesser-known nuggets that will impress the snot out of your spectators.
Look for past magicians like Jerry Andrus, Larry Jennings, and Ross Bertram.
4) Find an entire book devoted to one effect, with many presentations.
Perfect the trick and the patter.
Then, when you have a guaranteed fooler, use this to your advantage.
Impress other magicians with your talent.
Then, swap them a "different version" of the trick, for ...
whatever you want to learn from them.
Eventually, after months or years of sharing, you might want to teach your pet version of the magic trick.
Here, I'd like to humbly suggest Coin Snatching: The Reputation Builder.