Magic Tricks

This is an excellent beginner’s video. However, the explanations and insight are so well done that they may persuade an experienced performer to reconsider performing these basic magic tricks.

For the novice, The Secrets of Magic introduces magic as a fun, SOCIAL activity that is worth a try - and unlike many one and done videos - Rick Lax offers variants and encourages variation, emphasizing that you don’t need the exact props and patter to present these effects. Many can be done impromptu with whatever is on hand.

For the experienced, Rick fills a nice gap by performing and teaching ten simple tricks. Most can be found in a magic book at your library (remember those?). So why get this video? For the performances and explanations.

It is a real eye opener to see a top professional performing these effects. I know the method behind several of these tricks but had to re-watch and pause the video several times to see the moves.

On top of that, Rick still performs these tricks regularly and it is obvious he truly cares about them. This is not a guy who went back to his first magic book and grabbed a bunch of tricks he last performed when he was 10 because he wanted to produce a beginner magic video. Rick teaches the whole trick inside and out – the how, why and when to do things. You may be surprised with the thinking he puts into a simple rubber band or card trick that is usually presented as an almost mechanical effect. This knowledge and approach will help improve your other performances. It’s not about memorizing and parroting, it’s about knowing and understanding.

Rick also does an excellent job of organically introducing concepts as misdirection and conditioning; and slights including the slip cut, cross-cut force and centre tear. This approach reinforces the concept that such things are integral to the flow of a trick instead of a separate item to think about – “gotta do misdirection here” or “need a get ready.”

The set list is well thought out and features a nice variety of impromptu effects – salt shaker through table, rubber bands, bills, cards and mentalism. And NO “PICK A CARD” TRICKS. It’s great to see a card section that starts with throwing the whole deck over the shoulder.

Would I add anything? I miss seeing Rick sitting in the coffee shop with his earbuds on.