Card Magic "101" Update

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to pass along an exciting update about the course. Given the type of material coming up soon, I figured I'd share some thoughts on where the course is at now and where it will go in the future.

When I began creating this course about 4 years ago (it took a few months to film and edit the core curriculum), the goal was to focus on the basics and, as I've said in past videos, the "highest value" techniques. I define value as "usefulness" divided by "difficulty." So, the break is the highest value technique in all of card magic (super useful, not too difficult in the grand scheme of things). The break is followed closely by the double lift and the pinky count. Techniques like the table faro are very low value -- limited applications and extraordinarily difficult to do well (consistently).

There will always be some funny downstream effects when you stick to a certain core principle. For example, we covered a push through shuffle in chapter 24, but only got around to the corner crimp in chapter 40. Like, what?!? But still, that order makes sense if we're talking about 'value' rather than the precedent, according to other magic sources, of what to cover first.

While I still think that using this 'value metric' is the best overall approach to learning magic, there are only so many super useful yet easy(ish) to learn moves. Eventually, you have to start learning more difficult techniques if you want to continue focusing on the most useful sleight of hand. We've recently begun to stray farther from the fundamentals -- that's the reason for the quotation marks around "101" in the title of this post.

I have the next two years of content planned out (although the exact order is TBD). While I can't promise I will necessarily cover every single one of these moves, potential topics include: the strip out shuffle with a block transfer, the Zarrow shuffle, advanced slug controls, riffle stacking basics, advanced palming techniques, passes, multiple shifts, and perhaps even a strike second deal. As always, each technique chapter will have a corresponding chapter where I teach a trick using that move.

Please note that for many of these upcoming techniques, it will likely take far more than a month to learn them. We've already experienced this kind of learning trajectory with moves like the pinky count, faro shuffle, spread cull, push through shuffle, bottom palm, etc. But you will find that happening more and more, because to continue to progress technically, you eventually have to tackle some of the tougher (but still extremely useful) moves. That said, becoming proficient at these techniques and seeing your progress can be really gratifying! I would recommend taking a reference video of yourself doing these moves at least every month. That way after 6 months (or even a year), you can look back and see signs of results.

What this means for you:

If you're a beginner, keep working on the material in order, starting from the fundamentals and working your way towards the more advanced techniques. Don't worry about some of the more difficult content just yet. Stick to the basics (for now!) and keep practicing.

If you're more intermediate or advanced, I'll start delving into topics that will be a better fit for your current skill level. You may have encountered some of the upcoming techniques in other sources, but the number of unique refinements I have to share only increases as the sleights get more nuanced.

Happy Practicing!