Introduction to Basic Training in Magic

From 2009 to 2011, a unique column graced the pages of M-U-M, the official magazine of the Society of American Magicians. Designed as a beginner’s guide to sleight of hand, this comprehensive series of thirty-six lessons has become one of the most thorough courses in magic available. It covers a wide range of topics, including card and coin tricks, ball manipulation, rope magic, and both stand-up and close-up performances, all enriched with practical insights from an experienced performer.

This e-book includes all thirty-six Basic Training columns, along with two additional lessons focusing on the Classic Pass and the Top Change.

Download a sample of the ebook.

Contents

• Insights from the Original Editor
• The Journey Begins with an Email
• On the Art of Teaching
• The Lessons
• The Ghost Count
• The Double Lift
  • Understanding Open Position and the Cage
• The French Drop
• Presentation Techniques
• Card Controls
  • Multiple Cut to Table (Ron Bauer)
  • Spanish Control
  • A Simple Pass
• Let’s Do the Twist
  • Jordan Count
  • Through the Fist Flourish
  • Twisting Daley’s Aces
• The False Transfer
  • A Simple Vanish
  • Hang Point
  • A False Transfer Technique
• Forces
  • Cross Cut Force
  • The Backslip Force
• The Hamman Count
  • Hamman from a Dealing Grip
• Be Prepared
  • The Line
• Ambidextrous Magic
  • Heel Clip Simple Steal
• False Shuffles
  • Overhand Chop Shuffle
  • Riffle Shuffle Control
  • Up The Ladder Cut
• Thumb Tip Techniques
  • Silk From Bill
• Hindu Shuffle
  • As a Control
  • As a Force
  • As a Convincer
  • The Last Turn
• The Chop Cup
  • Paul Wilson’s Lean Chop
  • Ian’s First Phase
• Shells
  • Into the Fourth Dimension (Jay Sankey)
• On Venue
• The Birth of a Show
• Ambitious Card
  • The Easiest Second Deal in the World
  • Gary Kurtz’s Convincer
  • Wesley James’ Load Up Move
• Multiple Selections
• Classic Coin Palming
• The Three Ball Trick
• The Unequal Ropes
• The One Way Deck
• Spellbound
• Changes
  • The Too Perfect Theory
  • Card to Envelope
  • The Book Change
• Stacked Decks
  • Eight Kings
  • Si Stebbins
  • Three Way Mind Reading
• Knots
  • Cut and Restored Get Ready
  • The Knot Routine
• Juggling
• The Classic Force
• Sleeving Techniques
• Cards to Pocket
  • Gordon Bruce’s Load
  • Francis Carlyle’s Homing Card
  • Ad Lib Jacket Load
• The Muscle Pass
• One Coin Routines
  • Ian’s One Coin Routine
• Adaptability
  • Instant Card Reversed, Tabled
  • Instant Card Reversed, Standing
• Final Thoughts
• The Classic Pass
  • The Trapdoor
  • The Hinge
  • The Classic Pass Technique
  • Blocking the Pass
• The Top Change
  • The Standard Top Change
  • The Overhand Top Change
  • The Snap Top Change
  • Blocking the Top Change