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the correct tension; bending them precisely.

      The obedient deck

      Another operation that every magician should be able to perform is the rotation of the cards. Align all the prepared cards perfectly from a deck showing the reverse: each card covers three quarters of the previous card. The cards must be well prepared and perfectly aligned. With a lifted card in the first row and with a regular gesture, flip all corners: the obedient cards will rise, fall and twist. This is a game that should not be played on too bright a table and slippery surfaces.

      Magic wand

      It is the magician’s calling card and, at the same time, a precious instrument: attracting the attention of observers, keeps their prying eyes away from the point where the trick is developed. In the general version it is a dark wooden stick with white tips at the ends. Whoever wishes so, can create a customised version with flashy colours or decorations. It may be appropriate (and has a hook) to have more than just a wand. A sort of hollow magic wand, made of cardboard, offers probably more variations on the theme. Like the magician’s hands, the wand is always moving, but it should be a soft, slow, harmonious movement and easy to follow.

      Handkerchiefs

      If you are a novice magician, sew the handkerchief, which you intend to use, yourself. The colours have to be eye-catching and contrasted. You can freely choose a natural, soft cloth as long as it is not slippery. Synthetic or transparent materials are unsuitable, while opaque and slightly rough ones are a valuable aid for many tricks. Creating such material yourself will allow you to make scarves in sizes and shapes matching exactly the games that have been chosen. The hem needs to be regular, unless the trick requires otherwise, such as some games do.

      Balls, coins and banknotes

      Balls, coins and banknotes are utensils that are hardly subject to initial treatment that alters its structure, although frequently used with special utensils built for the occasion. Where balls are concerned, the standard is the ping-pong ball. If you choose another kind of ball heavier and less slippery, you should avoid rubber ones, which bounce too much and also make irregular trajectories. Compact foam rubber balls or soft rubber balls (normally used as ‘anti-stress’ balls) are ideal for some games.

      Cardboard

      To make some utensils, especially for games aimed at children, coloured cardboard is recommended. The ideal one is the finest and softest that folds well without forming secondary wrinkles. Instead, thicker cardboard can be useful for making boxes, cartons, and other articles intended for frequent manipulation. In this case work with the material, following the natural crease.

      Ropes and rubber bands

      Natural fiber ropes are hard to find in stores. But nylon ones have the defect of being very rigid and slippery; continuous use will improve their features, but they will never be ideal. Coloured ropes are less suggestive, but they are a good substitute for games played at a little distance.

      Besides coloured rubber bands essential for some tricks, specialised stores sell fine and resistant threads, fully transparent and without reflection. They can be used to perfectly perform games in which fishing line is advised, more robust and visible, but easier to find in case of a house party.

      Envelopes

      For some games it is necessary to resort to using tampered envelopes. The risk of discovery of the rigged envelope is rather minimal and visible only to a trained eye. For example: a marked point in a corner of the envelope made with a toothpick; an angle cut half millimetre in the fold of the flap, or a slight cut in the adhesive edge, etc. (fig. A). All will work well to secretively marking the envelope.

      Table and accessories

      The magician almost always needs a supporting surface to perform a show. Besides accessories, which we will discuss later, you can use any table covered with a cloth that also reaches over the table legs, preferably all the way to the ground.

      On the table the necessary accessories to perform the show are placed in an orderly manner as well as a box to hold the materials that will be needed later. Below, if it is necessary, place two baskets: one for the materials you will actually throw away and one for the other materials to be recycled. If you cannot prepare the table in advance, equip yourself in the same way with a two level trolley, which you can take wherever you want to.

      The storage box

      The storage box is a strongbox which is hooked on the edge of the table, which the magician relies on. It must be of the same colour as the cloth that covers the table and placed in a way that it is invisible. In specialised establishments several models are sold. If you do not have any special requirement, a handmade model can be produced, building a sturdy carton, of a shape (square or rectangular, flat or deep, wide or narrow) and adapted to the proportions and the size of the table and the space available. The box is attached to the table with hinges (fig. A), which are sold at hardware stores or in DIY stores, ora hook (fig. B). The latter solution is less complicated and allows you to move the recipient without problems.

      The drop hole

      Most shops sell ready-made tables equipped with a falling hole, i.e. an opening in the middle of the work area where you can drop the objects to disappear from audience view (fig. C). Anyone in possession of a table that he does not need, can cut a part in the centre and then place in it a bag of the same fabric of the tablecloth (fig. D). Evidently, the front of the table has to be covered so that the audience cannot see the container.

      The bag

      On the table, which is covered with a cloth, you can build a bag. A false hem is created in the fabric, which is closed with two paper clips or two small stitches (fig. E).

      You can hide flat objects inside as, for example, cards, banknotes or scarves. Someone who is skilled in sewing can make a real bag that can be placed in a fold of the cloth. Done well, the bag will be completely hidden.

      Costume

      After choosing the games and the necessary accessories, you have to decide how to dress: a jacket and a shirt with a sweater or something lighter. Depending on the colour you choose for your wardrobe, you will choose the colour of the rubber bands and threads to be used. Pay particular attention to the organization of the material in the pockets and sleeves so that objects do not get entangled, and the game can take place correctly.

The magic word

      The magic word is the distinctive “house mark” of the magician. Sim-salabim and Abracadabra are rather effective, but they’re also overused. You can find one that fits your requirements: synthetic, bombastic, effective… but acceptable. A word sounding harsh, unadulterated, hard, will not motivate the audience to take the right attitude. With a little imagination, you will certainly find one that suits you: Barlabí-Barlabá, Barbanzé-Barbanzé, etc. It’s not difficult!

      Games with the magic wand

      The flying magic wand

      EFFECT

      The wand stays near the magician’s hand although his fingers do not hold it.

      NECESSARY MATERIAL

      • A magic wand

      • A small very fine rubber band

      PREPARATION

      Place the rubber band on the base of your middle and ring finger

      PERFORMANCE

      Simulate that you placed the wand in the palm of your closed hand, and slide it over the rubber band so that it is maintained in equilibrium. Move your hand and fingers

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