Learn Easy Magic | EP1 : Who Is The Greatest?

We all know that anyone can learn a trick. But it takes an artist to turn a trick into a “work of magic”. So, character development, proper speech, and stage skills are something we all need to learn and master. 

While teaching one of my students some magic, during our second week together, instead of showing what he had learned so far, he was ready to learn something new. In asking him to perform what he learned the week before I saw that he needed much more practice. He needed to work on developing and scripting the routine. He did have the mechanics down but still had no presentation. 

At first, he was mad about it. As we reviewed what he was taught, he suddenly saw what was needed to take the trick and make it magical.  This discovery created a great learning experience.  We need to see a magic trick like Michael Angelo saw a block of marble. We can shape anything into art once we apply the rules of theater to the effect. 

Who is the greatest magician?

Have a sheet numbered 1 through 10 and at each number write the name of a famous magician.  Now say “I will be writing down a prediction about one of these greats”.  Write Houdini on a paper and do not let anyone see it yet. Tell them “This is my prediction.”

Magic's Greats, but who is the Greatest?

• Doug Henning
• Slydini
• Dai Vernon
• Bill Malone
• David Copperfield
• David Blaine
• Matt Franco
• Rocco
• Houdini
• Harry Blackstone Jr.

Do the following:

1) Think of a number between 1 - 10

2.) Multiply it by 3. 

3.) Add 3 to your total.
 
4.) Then again multiply by 3... I will wait if you need a calculator
 
5.) You will get a 2- or 3-digit number.

6.) Add the digits together so now you should have a single-digit number. Look at the magician that corresponds to that number.

7) Show them your prediction and say, “Even from beyond Houdini can still influence us in our thinking.”

Of course, this is all math magic. Your prediction will always be who or whatever you place at the number 9.  Let’s run through it to make sure it works.

Pick a number 1-10 let us use 7

Multiply by 3 = 21

Add 3 = 24

Multiply by 3 again =72

Now add the digits together 7+2 = 9.

You can adapt this in many ways, and it is great for virtual shows. For example, you can tell your helper to imagine you had a dice that had nine sides. Tell them, “Imagine all the numbers 1 through 9 are on it. Now roll the die onto the table and tell me what number you rolled.”  This type of magic encourages you to create some great stories. So, create something fun from this and enjoy the magic.