How to easily learn magic?

Learning magic tricks

Do you want to start learning magic but don't know where to begin? Want to amaze your friends and family with powerful effects? We'll tell you everything you need to know to become a good magician!

The notion of secrecy

Magic is a unique art form. It is distinct in that it is governed by an oath of secrecy, which should (in theory) prevent anyone from knowing the various "tricks" of magicians. But the fact that professional magicians are still among us (it is, after all, an ancient art!) means there must have been some leaks here and there!

In reality, it has never truly been about putting a lid on all secrets, but rather about making them accessible only to those genuinely interested, to people who have demonstrated their interest in our art in various ways—not just for the trick, but also for turning it into a full-fledged show.

Like any other art, patience and practice are paramount. However, you can learn simple magic tricks fairly quickly to see if you enjoy it or not. Whether you're a child or an adult, let's detail point by point the different resources available to you for learning magic.

Why learn magic?

Magic is a comprehensive art that allows you to acquire many skills in different areas. In addition to giving you a fascinating and unusual passion, it will allow you to easily integrate into any type of group of people. Indeed, everyone loves to see magic tricks, and believe us, as soon as you say you're a magician, spectators will ask you to show them your talents! Which is strange, as it's the only art where people allow themselves to do that (would you ask a dancer to dance for you right there?). Besides the social aspect, magic will allow you to better manage your stress by getting used to being in front of an audience, thus increasing your self-confidence.

Magic books

An timeless medium remains the magic book! While it can be a bit more tedious than a video (we'll come back to that later), books have the undeniable advantage of making you "think," developing creativity, and allowing you to make the magic trick your own more than a video where the viewer will more or less try to copy every movement of the filmed person.

Did you know that one of the first books detailing magic tricks in French dates back to... 1584 (La première partie des subtiles et plaisantes inventions by I. Prevost)! So, almost 500 years ago, suffice it to say that some tricks already have a few years of history (which doesn't mean they're not good, quite the contrary!).

If you're looking for a pedagogical and generic approach, there are also many books on the subject that will explain how to learn magic easily. You can usually find some in your favorite bookstore, as well as online. For example, there's Maxime Tabart's book, À ton tour, which explains simple and accessible tricks for beginners. In the same vein, Achillemagic offers Vive la magie, and finally, in the "For Dummies" collection, the theme of magic is also covered.

The curious enthusiast who wants to learn more and expand their magical knowledge can continue their reading by acquiring the reissue (or even the original edition if they are rich!) of Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin's Confidences et révélations, which is a fascinating classic that reads very well. It is the fictionalized autobiography of one of the greatest magicians of the 19th century, which also details and explains many of the effects he presented. The part on cheating, card tricks, or cups and balls, remains a quality source for anyone who wants to learn the basics and is well worth the detour. The complete compilation of Robert-Houdin's books (see our article on this artist) can be found for less than 20 euros from the Omnibus publisher.

For readers eager to buy even more books, there are, of course, books closer to home that will allow readers to specialize in a very specific theme. For coin magic, you will need to read the classic Traité de la prestidigitation des pièces (by Bobo). The vast majority of coin techniques are described there.

Want to get into mentalism? The bible of this branch of magic is titled Thirteen steps to mentalism, by Tony Corinda. It is a condensed source of valuable information, but perhaps more for an already somewhat enlightened amateur on the subject. Indeed, the author assumes that the reader already has basic notions, which will not fully fit into books intended for pure and simple initiation.

These books will require work, but they are treasures brimming with methods, tricks, and diabolical principles. In short, a summary of the best that magic has to offer. Whatever branch of magic you wish to study (children's magic, stage, cards, etc.), you will inevitably find a book on the subject. Do not hesitate to ask professionals for advice (we will give you the contacts of these professionals a little further in the article, see in particular the section on magic clubs or magic shops).

Qualities to become a good magician

Magic is a demanding discipline that requires many qualities to be performed correctly. Although no one can be perfect, and it is (thankfully!) possible to learn at any age, certain qualities are essential to becoming a good artist:

• Being comfortable in front of an audience: This may sound silly, but since it's a live art, you'll have to present your tricks to spectators, and therefore be at least somewhat comfortable with this exercise. Although far from simple, a good understanding of the audience and the stress associated with your performance will allow you to perform your magic trick in the best conditions.
• Being technically proficient: Although technique isn't everything (there are technically excellent people who are poor magicians), and although some tricks require absolutely no manipulation, I believe it's necessary to know the basic techniques and be comfortable with them. Techniques like double lifts, shuffles, controls, or forces will be techniques you'll need to master in your magic learning. Conversely, some others like passes or convoluted shuffles (like the Chinese shuffle, which is a one-handed American shuffle, or certain flourishes) are not useful to master initially.
• Being hardworking: As with all arts, few artists are absolute geniuses without ever having worked! The watchword is repetition, training, work, whether it's for a technique, a script, or the entire act. Don't hesitate to record yourself alone to review your performance and improve it later, or even work in front of a mirror to see the movements you're making from a spectator's perspective so they appear as natural as possible.
  

Different types of magic

Magic is an incredibly rich art form, encompassing a wide array of "categories," each a discipline in its own right. You'll never have enough time in your life to learn everything, and that's what makes our art so rich! A magician can be someone who uses large machines to create impressive effects (like the classic cutting a woman in half, or making disappearances, teleportations...), but it can also be a skillful card manipulator. Magic tricks are actually grouped into different categories:

• Close-up: Also known as table magic. Very often synonymous with card tricks (but not exclusively), this type of magic is special because it happens right under the noses of spectators who, even though they are only a few centimeters from the magician, let themselves be carried away by the magical effects they witness. For this, the magician can use cards, sponge balls, coins (this is called numismatics), or even ropes or various other borrowed objects such as rings, a glass if performing table-to-table, etc.
• Cocktail: This type of magic involves being – most often standing – surrounded by different spectators. This format is often performed at wedding receptions, cocktail parties, and similar events where people are expected to stand and help themselves at a buffet. Although stricto sensu the term "close-up" means "proximity magic" and could therefore also correspond to cocktail magic, it is generally accepted by common usage that the term "close-up" is more often used for "table-to-table" (the magician moves from table to table, which is called table hopping in English).
• Parlor: In these conditions, the magician generally speaks to a larger audience than for a close-up trick. Spectators are often seated and watch the magician perform their acts, without a stage.
• Stage: As the name suggests, this is the type of illusion performed on stage, and therefore it must be visually impressive enough in terms of size for the entire audience to see the magical effect unfold.
• Grand Illusions: This is the format we all think of when we imagine a magician. It includes sawing women in half, tiger appearances, and staged tortures. This type of illusion requires significant equipment, most often in the form of boxes or large machinery, and is generally very expensive. In addition, it requires real work on movements and choreography, as well as on the choice of music and lighting effects.
• Mega Illusions: For the sake of completeness, we add mega illusions, a term popularized by Gilles Arthur in his book of the same name. These are illusions that involve an entirely different scale: levitating a building, making an airplane appear, etc. This type of illusion is very rare because it is excessively costly and is therefore only possible for a handful of artists. Examples include David Copperfield's mega illusions, such as the disappearance of the Statue of Liberty or his disappearance of the Moon.

Watch David Copperfield make the Statue of Liberty disappear

These different categories only concern the different scales of magic tricks; to this, we must obviously add the different disciplines. We will list a few below:

• Mentalism: The ability to read minds, to control the human mind. It is sometimes also referred to as mental magic.
• Card magic: A term used to describe card tricks.
• Levitations: The action of making a body float in space without apparent attachments.
• …

Finally, since we're talking about categories, know that the magical art extends to a vast array of objects. In fact, almost all everyday objects can serve as a pretext for a magic trick: playing cards, dice, sponge balls, rope, scarf, coins, etc.

Classic Magic Tricks

If you want to learn magic, perhaps you'd be interested in knowing the most classic magic tricks, those that every beginner magician should know how to do. We obviously can't be exhaustive in this list, but we can mention a few:

The Chinese Linking Rings

The magician presents several metal rings to the audience and invites a spectator onto the stage. The magician gives the spectator some of these rings and asks them to repeat the movements he will perform. While the magician magically links the rings (which are solid and have no apparent openings), the spectator cannot. The magician usually ends by successfully linking all the rings together to the applause of the audience. This trick, despite its name, is not Chinese at all, and is at least half a millennium old. Proof of this is an excerpt from Jérôme Cardan's book De la subtilité, subtiles inventions, ensemble les causes occultes et raisons d’icelles, dating from around 1550: "to tie iron chains, the rings remaining whole: nay, throwing them up, I have seen three fallen rings entwine, which before were whole and separate [...]".

The Cut and Restored Rope or the Hindu Thread

As its name suggests, a thread is presented to the audience, and it is cut into several pieces. The magician forms a ball with it, and after a few magical passes, the magician unties the thread from the ball: the thread is now restored. Another version of this trick involves using a rope that is cut into three pieces, which then link and unlink on command. This version of the trick, called "The Three Ropes," was notably popularized by Jacques Delord, who describes a sublime version in his books for beginners.

Card Through Window

Another classic magic trick involves having a spectator choose a card, sign it, lose it in the deck, and then throw the deck against a window. At that moment, as the deck falls to the floor, a card remains stuck against the window: the chosen, signed card! But even more impressively, the card is not stuck on the window, but behind it. If we remove this last element, then this trick is remarkably similar to the card to ceiling, where the signed card remains stuck to the ceiling after the deck has been thrown against it.

The Vanishing Scarf

A scarf is presented to the spectators, and this scarf is placed in the magician's fist. After a few magical passes, the hand is opened: the scarf has disappeared! At the magician's command, the scarf can then reappear in any other place.

Learn magic with videos

Do you want to impress your audience but need video guidance? Of course, that's possible, and many magicians started their learning by watching Bernard Bilis's DVDs. He created various series of very well-produced videos. The first series is called La magie par les cartes (Magic with Cards) and is perfect for starting close-up magic. It details techniques, progressively increasing the difficulty, and explains simple but very impactful tricks.

If you'd rather turn to coin magic, then David Stone's DVDs are a goldmine. Titled La magie des pièces (Coin Magic), you'll learn how to create astonishing illusions with simple coins. The program includes techniques and tricks achievable by beginners, but which professionals can also incorporate into their acts.

These two DVDs (which are now available for legal download) are excellent starting points, both easy to understand and explaining every movement step-by-step. The manipulations to learn and integrate are well explained, step by step, and images are generally worth a thousand words. Video is useful for learning the most subtle techniques, but one must avoid falling into its pitfalls and trying to parrot the exact movements and gestures of the filmed magician. The person watching the video must force themselves to add their personal touch to this exercise, to their art.

Obviously, we cannot talk about video without talking about the internet. As with all fields, there is good... and not so good. Far be it from us to rehash the debate about the rampant publication of secrets on the web, but this has a devastating effect on our art and even on you who are just starting magic! Tell yourself that if you were able to easily access a video explaining a trick you worked on, it will be just as simple for your spectators! How would you feel if you performed a magic trick for someone who immediately interrupted you to explain how you just did it...?

Magic Shops

You might almost think you're in Harry Potter, but there are specialized magic shops. These magic shops are true Aladdin's caves where hundreds—even thousands—of tricks are available for purchase. Some shops produce their own creations (as we do with Le Cabinet d’Illusions), while others simply resell products like a merchant.

Similar to more traditional shops, there are two types: physical and online.

Physical stores

They are becoming rarer, but they have a charm that online stores do not. This is the perfect place to meet people who share your passion during a visit. In Paris, there is Mayette Magie Moderne which, despite its name, is one of the oldest magic shops in the world! Run by the Duvivier family, you can find it at 8 rue des Carmes.

If you are near the Eiffel Tower, then an essential stop will be Magic Dream, located at 16 rue George Bernard Shaw, which has a catalog of several thousand items.

Other shops are also open all over France, including Le Petit Magicien which has opened its doors in Sanary.

The undeniable advantage of brick-and-mortar stores lies in the connection they manage to create with customers. It's easy to ask for advice when you visit, and looking at the window displays can give you ideas for your next magic tricks.

Online magic stores

With the advent of the internet, most shops that previously had a physical store have converted to digital versions, and for some, this is their only option. The previously mentioned shops obviously have their websites, which we provide here:

• Magic Dream: https://magicdream.fr (we wrote an article about them here)
• Le Petit Magicien: https://lepetitmagicien.com (we wrote an article about them here)
• Mayette Magie Moderne: http://mayette.com (the oldest magic shop!)

But there are obviously many other shops. Here is an unordered list of some of these shops:

• Marchand de Trucs, which also publishes a large number of books on magic.
• CC Éditions, which also publishes some books.
• Bigmagie
• Magicaplanet
• Artfisik
• …

Obviously, the list is not exhaustive, and here we are only listing French shops. Many other magic shops exist around the world, both online and physical. Giants like Penguin Magic are a reference in the American market, for example.

Le Cabinet d’Illusions also offers magic tricks available for online purchase, for all skill levels. Take a look at our Our Creations page to discover the tricks we create for magicians!

Learning through magic clubs

This is probably one of the best ways to become a magician: clubs dedicated to this art! It is worth noting that there is the Fédération Française des Artistes Prestidigitateurs (FFAP), which oversees a large number of associations scattered throughout France. Almost all regions of France have one or more official associations, and sometimes unofficial, equally friendly, gatherings.

TO FIND THE NEAREST FFAP AFFILIATED CLUB, YOU CAN VISIT THIS PAGE

These clubs generally bring together enthusiasts of all ages, whether children or adults, and allow you to develop your network of acquaintances. It is a real accelerator for anyone who wants to progress or learn magic, because even the best videos or books will never replace an exchange between enthusiasts. You will meet magicians who have experience in the field, the very people who can best advise you on your learning journey.

There are also magic clubs, or at least gatherings of magicians, that are a little more informal. This is the case, for example, of the DMC (the Digital Magic Club), which is a group of digital magic enthusiasts who meet regularly in Paris, in a bar, just before the Illegal. The Illegal (whose real name is the Illegal Magic Club) is in a way the afterparty of the DMC. It takes place right after and continues until... very early in the morning! An experience to live (and relive!) where you can meet many magicians, jam together and show each other a whole host of tricks or new techniques you are working on. In short, an unmissable haunt of French magic where big names regularly come to bring their deck of cards.

In general, and whatever your passion, clubs are usually a very good place for beginners but also for enlightened amateurs eager for discovery.

Magic classes and magic schools

This point is somewhat related to the previous one, but not entirely. There are magic training programs and courses designed to teach the secrets of professional magicians. Some magic clubs have magicians in their ranks who are often willing to dedicate their time to training someone in the performing arts. This type of informal training is the most common and allows for an in-depth exploration of different types of magic (close-up, stage, mentalism, etc.) according to one's goals. The delicate point for beginners is to find these professionals willing to share their knowledge. That's why magic clubs are often a good option for meeting people and having a "real magician" take you under their wing.

Physical stores are also places conducive to meeting professionals who can then become your teacher. You can also visit museums dedicated to illusionism; these are also places where you can get advice on starting in magic.

Magic training to become a professional magician

Recently, there have also been state-certified training programs! This obviously comes with a cost, but the advice provided is that of a true artist's training, to discover the profession of magician. This is the case of Double Fond, a famous bar where magic shows are continuously performed. Directed by the Duvivier family (the same family that owns Mayette Magie Moderne), Double Fond offers a diploma-granting training equivalent to a BAC+2 (two years of post-secondary education). A true school of magic, you will learn all the fundamentals that will make you a professional: magic for children, close-up magic (with or without cards), stage magic, mentalism, but also audience management, staging, regulations surrounding this discipline, etc. This theoretical support is followed by several practical sessions to progress quickly.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS DOUBLE FOND TRAINING

Thus, the training is based on learning four main blocks of skills:

1. The culture and practice of magic
2. Preparation of an act
3. Interpretation of an act
4. Development and management of a magician's activity

It is worth noting that this training can, among other things, be financed by your CPF (Personal Training Account), so you can train to become a professional magician without paying anything! The training center is located at n°1 Pl. du Marché Sainte-Catherine, 75004 Paris.

As we said, it is not absolutely necessary to take magic classes with a teacher, but it is highly recommended and is a significant accelerator in your training rather than studying alone with books or videos.

Also, at Cabinet d’Illusions, we offer consulting services to help you stage your show and create custom original and new effects. Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions on this subject.

Various magic websites and blogs

Just a few years ago, the internet was full of forums where enthusiasts gathered to discuss magic. Today, most of these sites have disappeared, but some have managed to survive.

Virtualmagie

In France, the most important forum on the theme of magic is Virtualmagie, managed by Thomas Thiebaut. A veritable goldmine of information, absolutely everything you might be looking for is certainly on this forum, often found within a topic created by an enthusiast. A section of the forum, called La chambre des secrets (The Chamber of Secrets), even brings together a select circle of members, a group in which sensitive secrets and information can be shared without restriction, invisibly to Muggles.

Link to the forum: http://virtualmagie.com

The Magic Cafe

The English counterpart of Virtualmagie is undoubtedly The Magic Cafe, which brings together a very large number of magicians around their shared passion. An unmissable place for discussions about magic.

Link to the forum: https://www.themagiccafe.com

Artefake

With Artefake, we move away from forums and into the category of information and documentation websites. Through numerous articles, you will find biographies of magicians, interviews, historical research on specific points in the history of our art, and much more.

Link to the site: http://artefake.fr

Facebook pages

Magic has evolved with the times, and forums have gradually given way to various Facebook pages. The main ones include: Le coin magie; L’agora magique de la FFAP (the official group of the French federation); and L'Alliance magique, which is a group built on principles of benevolence and mutual aid.

The best equipment to start magic : from playing cards to books

You've found the best way to train yourself (DVDs, online videos, books, private lessons, etc.), but you don't know what equipment to use to start? Don't panic, this is normal for any beginner. First, you'll need to resist the temptation to buy everything. In magic shops, it's indeed tempting to want to acquire the latest trendy trick. Also, know that you simply won't be able to get everything that comes out; hundreds of tricks are published every week worldwide, and it's better to acquire solid foundations than to waste your time and money on everything.

If you're starting card magic, then your choice will logically turn to Bicycle brand playing cards, which are a reference in the magic world. Published by USPCC (the United States Playing Card Company), their quality in terms of glide and flexibility is well-established. These decks are very popular in the United States (they are widely used in poker games) and are starting to become more common in France for the general public. This same company publishes various other decks with similar qualities: Bee or Tally Ho.

The significant advantage of Bicycle playing cards is that if you buy a magic trick that provides you with a gaffed card, then there's a very high chance that this card will be in Bicycle colors to blend in. A profitable investment, especially since a Bicycle deck only costs a few euros.

YOU CAN FIND BICYCLE PLAYING CARDS HERE

If you are starting coin magic, half dollars are often used. This is surprising because these coins have long been out of circulation in the United States, but tradition dictates that magicians use such coins. This is not so much due to their use but rather to their ideal size for performing certain manipulations. Also, just like Bicycle cards, if you buy a magic trick that provides a gaffed coin, there's a good chance it will be a half dollar. These coins can be found for a relatively low price in all magic shops.

Euros, on the other hand, are slightly smaller than half dollars. It is, of course, still possible to perform tricks with euros (thankfully!), but you'll find that the majority of magicians use half dollars.

Some tips and advice

To help you in learning magic, here are some tips that may assist you:

• Always practice enough before presenting a trick to your audience.
• Rehearse in front of a mirror or film yourself to see areas for improvement.
• Don't spread yourself thin in your learning; first take the time to master something before trying to learn something else.

Conclusion

Whatever methods you use for your learning, one thing is certain: to progress, you will need to practice, which is invaluable. First by practicing alone at home, once the trick is mastered, you can then perform it in front of your first spectators and amaze them!