Magic Tricks

During my career as a semi professional magician, I have come across 2 excellent magic books. The first one was Strong Magic by Darwin Ortiz and Psychological Subtleties #1 (PS1) being the second book. I give PS1 4 Stars. PS1 is a compilation of quick, direct and short mentalism effects that one can use to warm the audience up before the show. If we were to make an analogy to restaurant food, PS1 tricks are appetizers before the entrees. The tricks in PS1 are designed to be introduced as "friendly tests" rather than full-fledged tricks designed to make people feel tricked. To me, "not to make your audience feel tricked" a principle worth exploring. Also, since these things are designed to be presented as tests, I do not feel down or stuck anymore when I fail in forcing the 4 of Hearts in the "Princess Card Trick." PS1 is full of information and statistical data that one can use to build one's own little test. I use the nickel and dime test to read my friends' minds over the phone every time I have the chance, big deal if I do not get it right.