Magic For Dummies

Develop the knowledge, skill, and showmanship you need to thrill audiences of all ages Magic For Dummies is your introduction to mystifying friends, family, and the world at large with the art of the magic. Emmy award-winning author David Pogue teaches you dozens of fun, inexpensive tricks that you can do with everyday objects like office supplies, clothing, food, and even your phone. Card tricks, sleight of hand, disappearing tricks—it's all in here. You'll also learn how to practice and improve your skills, so you can take your magical performances to the next level. Plus, this book includes tips on how to refine your techniques, so you can dazzle any live or virtual audience. This entertaining introduction to the world of illusion is a must for aspiring magicians. Get easy instructions on how to perform and perfect basic magic tricks Become a more entertaining magician, with tips on connecting with your audience Discover the fun of performing magic tricks for friends and strangers, in person and online Wow people of all ages with card tricks, optical illusions, and beyond This book is for readers of all ages who want to learn the art of magic, including beginners and those who have already tried a trick or two.

Introduction 1 Part 1: Becoming Magical 7 Chapter 1: All Form, No Content 9 Chapter 2: The Instant Gratification Chapter 29 Part 2: Wizardry Anywhere 43 Chapter 3: The Financial Wizard 45 Chapter 4: What to Do with Other People’s Clothing 59 Part 3: The Restaurant Zone 73 Chapter 5: Cutlery Is Your Friend 75 Chapter 6: Playing with Your Food 91 Chapter 7: Matches Made in Heaven 109 Part 4: Pick a Card Trick 123 Chapter 8: I Could Have Dealt All Night 125 Chapter 9: The Build-Your-Own-Card-Trick Kit 159 Part 5: Group Hysteria 171 Chapter 10: I Knew That! 173 Chapter 11: Bigger Magic 201 Part 6: The Part of Tens 229 Chapter 12: Bonus Magic 231 Chapter 13: Ten Basics of Good Magic 247 Chapter 14: Ten Dead Magicians Worth Knowing 253 Chapter 15: Ten Things to Say When Things Go Wrong 259 Part 7: Appendixes 261 Appendix A: How to Get More into Magic 263 Appendix B: Magic Words: A Glossary 267 Appendix C: Trickography 275 Index 281