Starter path

Your first 5 tricks

Never done a trick? Start here. Each one takes an evening to learn, needs nothing you can't find at home (except a Svengali deck for the last), and teaches something you'll use for the rest of your magic life.

Trick 1: The 21-Card TrickA self-working classic. Deal three columns, ask three questions, and their card lands exactly where you need it.You need: 21 playing cards, any 21, A tableLearn it
Trick 2: The 1089 PredictionA mathematical mentalism classic. They choose a random number; you predicted the result before they started.You need: Paper and a pen for your friend, An envelope with your sealed prediction, Optional, for the book-test version, any book you can prepare in advanceLearn it
Trick 3: The Key CardFind a freely chosen card in a cut deck, using one of the oldest and most useful principles in card magic.You need: Any deck of cards, borrowed is bestLearn it
Trick 4: The French DropThe classic coin vanish. Learn the move, then learn the acting that makes it invisible.You need: One coin, the larger the better (a half dollar or similar), A pen or a magic wand (optional, for the ditch)Learn it
Trick 5: Svengali Deck BasicsThe most famous trick deck in the world. What it does, how to look natural with it, and how to make it about the story, not the gimmick.You need: A Svengali deck, available from any magic shopLearn it

Before you start, read Every trick needs a story. It's short, and it will make every one of these five better.