Expert at the Card Table

Effect

"Expert at the Card Table" is a foundational book in card magic, teaching sleights, techniques, and routines that form the backbone of professional card handling. To an audience, the effects range from impossible card controls to deceptive shuffles and flourishes, all executed with precision. The book enables magicians to perform routines where cards vanish, change, or appear in impossible locations, often with a natural and deceptive handling style.

Full Details

The book covers essential card sleights such as the pass, false shuffles, palming, and forces, along with complete routines. It is structured to build skills progressively, starting with basic techniques and advancing to more complex moves. Many professional magicians consider it a must-read for mastering card magic.

Who Should Consider the Trick

"Expert at the Card Table" is ideal for:

• Beginners who want a structured approach to learning card magic.
• Intermediate magicians refining their sleight-of-hand skills.
• Professionals looking to deepen their understanding of classic card techniques.
• Magicians who prefer books over video tutorials for learning.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The difficulty varies by section. Basic techniques can be learned quickly, while advanced sleights require dedicated practice. Some moves, like the pass, may take months to master smoothly. The book is best approached methodically, practicing one technique at a time before moving to the next.

What Magicians Say

• AlakazamMagicUK highlights that the book includes "strong layman's impact" effects, making it useful for close-up performances.
• EruditeMagic calls it a "foundational text" for technique, recommending it as part of a balanced magic library.
• Henry Ferris, a young magician, chose it as his desert island book, praising its depth and endless study potential.
• SaturnMagicShop included it in their fan-voted collection of classic magic books, showing its enduring popularity.

The book remains a respected resource in magic, offering timeless techniques that continue to influence modern card handling.