Why Magicians Use Cards – 13 Reasons
When someone hears that I’m a magician they ask to see a card trick. Cards are synonymous with magic.
Card tricks are my passion. I never leave home without a deck in my pocket. You can say I’m obsessed. I’ll explain why.
Reasons Why Magicians Use Playing Cards
- Playing cards are associated with magic.
- Playing cards are very recognizable and relatable.
- Playing cards are easy to find.
- Playing cards are inexpensive.
- Card tricks are extremely entertaining.
- Playing cards can be used in all genres of magic.
- Card tricks play big and carry small.
- A deck of cards is easy to transport and practice.
- Practicing playing cards is fun and addictive.
- There are many amazing card tricks that are easy to do.
- Sleight of hand card tricks are challenging to master.
- There are a ton of available learning resources.
- There are endless possibilities with a deck of cards.
Playing cards have been around for over 1,000 years. Everyone in the world recognizes them, which makes playing cards an excellent prop.
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Playing cards are easy to find and inexpensive to buy. You can usually find a deck in someone’s home, at a bar, or restaurant.
Reasons I Prefer Bicycle Brand Playing Cards
- They are recognizable
- They are good quality
- They handle well
- They are inexpensive
- They are readily available
- Most gimmicked cards match the back design
When I perform I use red back Bicycle playing cards. I like to work them in so they are soft. I find softer cards are better for advanced sleight of hand.
Card Tricks
Everybody loves a good card trick. I have based my whole career on this. I still remember seeing my first card trick when I was a kid in camp.
I was familiar with a deck of cards and believed I knew everything. I was wrong! When a magician does a card trick and there is no explanation, it is mind blowing. Since a deck of cards is very simple, card tricks seem impossible.
There is something special about playing cards. They are colorful, compact, and appealing to the eye. Card tricks are extremely powerful. Even bad card tricks usually get a good reaction.
Playing Cards Are Perfect for All Types of Magic
- Close up magic
- Stand up magic
- Stage magic
- Mind reading
- Mentalism
- Card manipulation
- Cardistry
- Kid’s magic
Being able to entertain an audience with a deck of cards is unbelievable.
When watching close up magic, your spectators expect to see card tricks.
Stand up magic is generally performed in front of the room for 25-75 guests. Card tricks have to be up in the air so they can be seen. You cannot place cards down on the table. One of my favorite stand up card tricks is cards across.
Stage magic is when a magician performs on stage, for up to about 200 people. The trick has to play big enough for a large crowd. Two of my favorite stage card magic tricks are the tossed out deck and Cardiographic.
WATCH ME PERFORM MY FULL STAGE SHOW AT A PAID EVENT
There are many great mind reading and mentalism card tricks. Check out my all time favorite mind reading card trick below.
There is a fairly new genre of card magic called cardistry. It is incredible! Cardistry is visual manipulation of the cards, sort of like juggling. It is a combination of unbelievable flourishes, creativity, and massive amounts of skill.
First time I saw cardistry was at a convention where I met the Buck twins. They were 12 years old and performed stuff never seen before. The Bucks are the pioneers of this art form. I perform some card flourishes yet have never gotten into cardistry.
Card manipulation is another form of card magic performed on stage. The magician produces cards from nowhere. It is pretty unbelievable and takes a lot of practice.
When doing a card trick for kids it has to be visual and simple. I have seen kid’s show magicians use a deck of cards with cartoon characters on them. This is a great idea.
Card Tricks are Practical
A deck of cards is easy to carry. Compare this to someone who plays the piano. I always have a deck in my pocket and practice constantly. If I am in line at the bank or watching a movie, cards are in my hands.
I enjoy practicing and playing with a deck of cards. There are certain card sleights I’ve been working on for years. I like working on card moves and mastering them over time. I am results driven.
Learn a move that took me 20 years to learn correctly – Mastering the Classic Force.
Not All Card Tricks Require Sleight of Hand
There are many amazing card tricks that don’t require any sleight of hand. This is great for beginners, actually great for anyone. Check out: 8 Easy Card Tricks That Look Hard & Will Blow Your Mind.
Mastering card sleight of hand is extremely difficult. It takes time, energy, practice, failing, thinking about, and constantly working on card moves.
Though this might deter many people, it is one of the things I like most. I love hard work and I always welcome a challenge. This weeds out magicians who aren’t willing to put in the time.
I have found that the better I get at card magic, the easier it is to improve. Initially it takes a long time to get good with a deck of cards. Once you get good, learning card magic becomes much easier.
A magician should be judged by his ability with a deck of cards.
Where to Learn Card Magic
Before the internet, magicians had to secretly meet with other magicians and trade ideas. This is no longer the case. There are currently endless online resources teaching card magic.
Magicians publish their techniques and routines. It is best to learn someone’s trick and adapt it to your own style.
LEARN MORE: How to Do Cool Card Tricks (Some Skill Required)
Conclusion
The possibilities with a deck of cards are endless. Cards change, cards switch places, cards are torn and restored, cards disappear, cards multiply, and cards levitate.
I have been practicing and performing card tricks for over 25 years and constantly see new card magic. Card tricks are very exciting and there is always room for improvement.
