The $100 Challenge
We gave a young magician $100 to buy some current magic. See what tickled his fancy and what he thought of his purchases.
Reviews
Expert assessments of new tricks, books, gear, and performances.
Book Review
The Particle System
This innovative new system from Joshua Jay revolutionizes memorized deck magic. It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced stack worker or have never attempted to use a memorized deck before. There's something for everyone.
Book Review
Unexpected Agenda
A beautifully produced book, written with passion and knowledge. A book that will make you think.
Book Review
Conjuring the Spirit World
The Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, has woven together artifacts and ephemera of magicians, seance mediums, spirit photographers, visual artists, and ghost-show operators that explore our multi-faceted fascination with the dead.
Trick Review
Bammo Buddha Time Machine
As part of his continuing “Bammo” series, the prolific Bob Farmer has produced a download document that explains his clever mash-up of the Princess Card Trick.
Trick Review
Simon Says
This Celebrity Edition of the trick is by Simon Lipkin. It’s very well made and doesn't look like a magic trick at all.
Trick Review
Three Card Monte Stand
This Jeki Yoo prop is a version of Mike Skinner’s wonderful Three-Card Monte routine.
Trick Review
Super Drink
In Juan Pablo’s clever opening effect you give a plain silk handkerchief a little shake and the image of a glass of liquid appears printed on the silk.
Best In Show
The Perfect Shuffle
Magic isn’t just in the performance—it’s in the tools. From tapered cards to bias coins, meet Eoin O’Hare: the craftsman behind The Perfect Shuffle, who’s turning a century-old craft into modern magic with precision-made jigs, passion, and fire.
Book Review
Mentalism Incorporated: Volume Two
If Volume One was the undergraduate study of performing mentalism for the corporate crowd, this is the post-doc exploration.
Book Review
Mentalism Incorporated: Volume One
Corporate mentalist Chuck Hickok released two books, in 2002 and then 2005, designed to guide prospective pros in a market. Now in re-release, the two volumes mostly have a lot to offer.
