Technical Toolbox by Stephen Hobbs

In January 2014, Stephen Hobbs, renowned for his works Modus Operandi: The Magic of Jack Carpenter, Gene Maze and the Art of Bottom Dealing and The Essential Sol Stone, embarked on an ambitious project: a weekly online ‘zine dedicated to his unique style of impactful card magic. Impressed by the Technical Toolbox, Joshua Jay and Andi Gladwin from Vanishing Inc. decided to compile this material into a beautifully produced DVD set, complete with a booklet and bonus content.

Technical Toolbox encompasses all fifty-two weeks of the original series, featuring over 170 videos (more than 6 hours of content) that cover 55 routines and 85 sleights and techniques. The accompanying booklet includes Hobbs’ original introductions and detailed credits, along with downloadable PDF manuscripts for select effects.

This resource will significantly enhance your card sleight repertoire. You’ll learn advanced techniques such as the impossible ribbon-spread switch-out, the elegant spring simple shift, and the practical subterranean addition. Additionally, you’ll gain insights into obtaining and maintaining breaks, control grip techniques, and the Hobzinzer cull—offering more depth than many DVDs focused solely on this sleight. Other highlights include B.U.R.P. (Basic Universal Reverse Placement), the SHEE control, the interlaced-block transfer technique, Hobbs’ mnemonic system for playing cards, the rotary replacement and change, F.I.A.T. (Flexible Insertion and Addition Technique), and the remarkable routine “The Odds Against Me.” There’s an abundance of material to explore, ensuring great value for card magic enthusiasts.

It’s important to note that Technical Toolbox originated as a web blog, focusing on straightforward close-up demonstrations of Hobbs’ hands, emphasizing the teaching of intermediate and advanced card techniques. All profits from this project will support Vanishing Inc.’s charity for young magicians, helping send kids to magic camp and fostering a close-up theater for young performers in South Africa.

“The call letters TGIF took on new meaning last year when weekly editions of Stephen Hobbs’ Technical Toolbox were available on his website every Friday morning. These 52 lessons in imaginative and original sleight of hand – presented in a literate and thoughtful style, and demonstrated with high-level technical skill – produced a truly outstanding, well-structured post-graduate course in card craft. Then, alas, they vanished! What a joy it is now to have them in a permanent form.” – J.K. Hartman

“An innovative and indispensable stockpile of pasteboard weaponry.” – John Guastaferro

“A treasure trove of moves, routines, and invaluable information!” – John Carey

“Stephen Hobbs’ philosophy regarding sleight of hand with cards is one of ‘optimization.’ He seeks not just what works, but what meets his standards of invisibility, practicality, efficiency, and cleverness. He has developed entire systems for palming, counts, culls – you name it – all adhering to his high standards.” Stephen Hobbs’ Technical Toolbox