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Magic is Play by Brandon Toh

Created by: Brandon Toh

Magic is Play is a book that blends essays and card magic routines, targeting intermediate to advanced magicians. It offers a mix of philosophical insights on magic and unique card tricks, such as 'Déjà Vu 2.0' and 'The Blunt Card Trick'. The book is available on Gumroad for $28, printed and shipped directly to buyers. It's designed for those seeking fresh, personalized material in the realm of card magic.

Key features

  • Mix of essays and card magic routines

  • Targeted at intermediate to advanced magicians

  • Includes unique routines like 'Déjà Vu 2.0' and 'The Blunt Card Trick'

  • Features essays on magic philosophy

  • Available on Gumroad for $28

Pros

  • Offers unique material unlikely to be widely performed

  • Ideal for magicians seeking fresh routines

  • Good value for the price and originality

Cons

  • Small typeface may deter some readers

  • Lack of beginner instructions

  • Requires foundational knowledge of card magic

Effect

The book Magic is Play by Brandon Toh presents a collection of card magic routines and essays aimed at intermediate to advanced magicians. The effects vary, including a four-ace routine (Déjà Vu 2.0), a poker-themed trick ending with Uno cards (Playing Heavy Demo 2.0), and a universal card plot (The Blunt Card Trick). The book also includes philosophical essays on magic, such as Card Magic as Metaphor, which critiques the overuse of metaphor in card magic.

Full details

The book is 96 pages long and available in paperback. It contains a mix of tricks and essays, with no beginner-level instruction. The routines assume prior knowledge of foundational card techniques. Some notable entries include:

  • Déjà Vu 2.0: A four-ace routine with a twist.
  • Magic is Play: An essay on procedure in magic.
  • Playing Heavy Demo 2.0: A poker demonstration ending with Uno cards.
  • Home Truly: A variation of the homing card effect.
  • Ligma 2.0: A take on Tyler Wilson’s Updog.
  • The Blunt Card Trick: A universal card plot inspired by the film Her.
  • Eternal Burn 666: Patter for fire wallet effects.

The book does not provide step-by-step guidance for basic moves, instead referencing other sources for technique.

Who should consider the trick

This book is best suited for intermediate to advanced magicians who want unique, lesser-known material. It is not recommended for beginners due to the lack of foundational instruction. Those interested in magic theory and essays alongside practical routines will find value in this book.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The difficulty level is intermediate to advanced. The book assumes familiarity with card sleights and does not explain basic moves. Some routines require prior knowledge of techniques referenced in footnotes. The small typeface may also make reading challenging for some.

What magicians say

David from Magic Orthodoxy describes the book as a "steal" for its price and originality. He praises the niche material, stating that "nobody else is doing this stuff." However, he notes that the lack of beginner instruction and small typeface may deter some readers. He recommends the book for magicians seeking fresh, personalized material.

The book is ideal for those who want creative routines and thought-provoking essays on magic philosophy. If you are looking for widely performed effects, this may not be the best choice. If you prefer unique, lesser-known material, Magic is Play offers strong value.

What people are saying about Magic is Play

magicorthodoxy says...

When a magician takes the time to write out their own version of tricks, especially a magician who's been around a while and it's kind of like a one-time thing, books like this become real gems because nobody else is doing this stuff.

Review videos