Q&A for How to Do Magic Tricks

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  • Question
    How can I do the fire-in-hand magic trick?
    Christophe Fox
    Magician and Mentalist
    Christophe Fox is a Magician and Mentalist based in Virginia. He travels around the country as a full-time performer, providing various entertainment programs, from headline shows as a keynote speaker to close-up magic. He specializes in pressure management, teaching clients and audiences how to live more productively and creatively. His speaking clients have included PBS, Bloomberg, Deloitte, J.P. Morgan, the U.S. Army, and many more. Christophe’s programs deliver jaw-dropping entertainment with a signature blend of magic, mind-reading, and audience interaction.
    Magician and Mentalist
    Expert Answer
    First, you need to gather the necessary props which you can purchase online or from your local magic store. These props come with detailed instructions that you can follow. Before you start, ensure you understand all safety precautions and have a fire extinguisher or a bowl of water nearby. Apply the special solution or gel to your hand as instructed, making sure to cover the area evenly without using too much. Now, carefully ignite the solution on your hand using a lighter or match, keeping the flame away from anything flammable. Perform the trick by showing the flame to your audience in a dramatic way. When you're ready to end the trick, extinguish the fire by either shaking your hand gently or using the recommended method. Handling fire is dangerous, so always prioritize safety and practice thoroughly before performing. 
  • Question
    How can I do the mind-reading magic trick?
    David Martinez
    Professional Magician
    David Martinez is a Magician based in San Jose, CA. David has over 20 years of experience and has performed throughout Northern California at weddings, private parties, team-building events, and more. He has notably performed for some of the biggest companies in the world, including Apple, Google, Facebook, and Uber. David previously served as President of the Silicon Valley Chapter of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and has received awards for Close-Up, Walk-Around, and Stage performances. In 2023, he co-authored Amaze and Delight: Secrets to Creating Magic in Business, aimed at helping individuals and organizations nurture healthy and happy business cultures.
    Professional Magician
    Expert Answer
    One technique is called cold reading. This method involves starting with a general statement and then using cues from the participant's responses to delve deeper into their thoughts. For instance, you might ask them to think of their favorite vacation destination and then gauge their reactions to your statements. Begin by suggesting that their chosen destination is a place they've long desired to visit. If they respond positively, continue by making more specific guesses based on their reactions. For example, you might infer that the location is sunny and outdoorsy, potentially tropical in nature. Throughout the interaction, pay close attention to their verbal and nonverbal cues. Adjust your statements accordingly, using their responses to guide your next guesses. If they indicate that your assumptions are incorrect, pivot by offering alternative possibilities until you land on something that resonates with them. However, true mind reading typically involves a secret method for obtaining information. One approach is to have the participant write down their thoughts on a piece of paper, which is then concealed from view. You might tear up or burn the paper, ostensibly erasing any trace of the information. In reality, you retain a portion of the paper with the written content, allowing you to sneak a peek at it when the opportunity arises. This technique, known as "peeking" or "endurance," is a common practice among mentalists and magicians. By subtly obtaining the information while appearing to be distracted or engaged in another task, you create the illusion of mind reading. In summary, while cold reading can simulate mind reading by observing and interpreting cues, true mind reading often involves covert methods for obtaining information, such as peeking at written responses.
  • Question
    I want to become a magician. How can I find help with what to do to make it happen?
    Community Answer
    Ask friends if they know anyone who likes to do tricks and check out YouTube videos that how many magic tricks performed and explained. Find magic forums online to ask questions and learn from. Purchase a magic kit or set that comes with instructions to learn the basic tricks. See further: How to Become a Magician .
  • Question
    How do I do magic tricks using money?
    Community Answer
    You can do the vanishing coin trick with a matchbox. Measure one end of the matchbox, then cut it with scissors. Then practise putting a coin in the matchbox and shutting it quickly. The coin will come out of the cut in the matchbox. Remember to keep the cut bit of the matchbox facing you.
  • Question
    What trick should I show my friends if they want proof that magic is real?
    Community Answer
    The disappearing coin into someone's ear or hair is one that might convince them!
  • Question
    How can I do magic with everyday objects?
    Community Answer
  • Question
    What do I do if my spectators figure out the trick?
    Community Answer
    Just make a joke about it and keep going with your show.
  • Question
    How do I move a ball from one hand to my other hand in a magic trick?
    Community Answer
    You have to have a ball in the pocket closest to your empty hand. Then, you'll have to slip that ball out at the same time that you make the first ball disappear, likely into another close pocket. This will make it look like you made the ball magically disappear from one hand and reappear in the other.
  • Question
    How do I do the rabbit in the hat trick?
    Community Answer
    You would use a hat with a hidden compartment in the top. Consider using a stuffed rabbit toy instead of a real rabbit, though.
  • Question
    Do I have to use a real rabbit for the rabbit in the hat trick?
    Community Answer
    No. This trick has also been done with stuffed animals. However, it is more dramatic with a real rabbit.
  • Question
    How do I make money disappear while doing a magic trick?
    Community Answer
    You can use misdirection, where you ask your spectator a question or tell them your power comes from their energy, so they need to look into your eyes. Then, while they aren't looking at your hands, you just put the money in your pocket.
  • Question
    How to do magic with cards?
    Community Answer
    Check out the wikiHow article Do Easy Card Tricks . There are also tutorials for specific card tricks here, such as Do the 4 Kings Card Trick ; just do a search on card tricks for more.
  • Question
    Why doesn't a magician tell his or her secrets?
    Community Answer
    Because then everyone would know how it was done, and they could even do it themselves. Magicians work hard at their craft, and if everyone could do the trick, they'd be out of a job!
  • Question
    What's a good website to do magic tricks?
    Community Answer
    Do a search for "magic tricks" on YouTube and you should see loads of tutorials. If you're a beginner, try searching for "easy magic tricks."
  • Question
    What is the easiest magic trick to do?
    Community Answer
    Try the tricks in Do a Simple Coin Magic Trick ; they're all pretty easy.
  • Question
    How do I make a coin fly in the air?
    Community Answer
    You can use loops, almost invisible strings, to attach to your hand and the coin to make it look like the coin is flying!
  • Question
    How to float a card in magic trick?
    JP1078
    Community Answer
    Use some fishing wire because that is invisible and cannot easily be seen. I wrap the wire around my fingers and place a card between my hands. It is very hard to get the positioning of the wire right. With practice, you can do it.
  • Question
    Are there any other ways to make yourself levitate?
    JP1078
    Community Answer
    Get some old shoes and old long pants. Cut through the pants and glue the pant leg that you cut through (must be a vertical line) and glue the other pant leg to the other shoe. Grab a blanket and hold it in front of you when performing. When you perform, take your leg out of the pant leg through the line you cut. Use that leg to stand on the ground and lift your other foot. Make sure to make it look like you are levitating, not just stand still. This is just 1 way. That is the best for a very small crowd - max 5 for a crowd. Don't stay in the air for too long.
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