Notice we do not have a Parlour Magic section?
Parlour magic is a blend of both stage and closeup, definitely more towards the closeup side. But would you consider Parlour as Closeup?
The more I think about the IF competition, I wonder about their true definition of closeup and it is very subjective. Hmm, feel free to pour your thoughts into this thread.

Huron

It is indeed confusing. :unsure: Here's my take on it....

Classifying magic this way, by Close up and Parlour (and Stage, for the matter) is classifying an effect by audience size (i.e. visibility) and audience distance (i.e. technical handling and secret).

Audience size (or visiblity) suitability of an effect depends on how many can see and appriciate the effect (without big screen projections and things like that).
So close up effects has the least restrictions, should be effects that can be appriciated by at least 1 and up to 10 specs? And parlour maybe 10 - 30? I'm just pulling these figures out of my head so don't quote me on this.
Audience distance is how far away the nearest spectator is to the performer. Close up effects are those that allows the spec to be as close as they like, sometimes the closer the better. And parlour effects may require the spec to be a short distance (2 - 5 metres?)away, because certain handlings needs that distance cover.

Going by these rule of thumbs, Crazy Man's Handcuff will be a very typical close up effect. It can be shown effective to up to about 8 persons at 1 time, and the specs can get as close as they like.
A lot of card tricks are close up effects.

And the cups and balls is quite a good example of parlour magic i think. It can be performed effective to 15 - 20 specs maybe? And certain final loads would be more effective if the nearest spec is a LITTLE distance away.

This type of classification is not exhaustive of course. Some tricks just doesn't fall into any category. (Eg. Balcuddi Levitation, small audience, parlour distance).
Also, many tricks falls into multiple categories. :huh: For example, the Miser's Dream is typically thought of as a stage effect. But it can also be performed effectively in a Parlour setting, and even close up ala McBribe's Miser's Dream with a volunteer (albeit not surrounded, it is still with a volunteer at close up distance).
The Linking Rings (the various versions) and mentalism is another good example. Most mentalism effects are as effect whether in stage, parlour or close up settings.

These are of course my own opinions and i know there is some other way of defining these Close Up, Parlour and Stage categories by the type of handling, the type and size of the props/gimmicks, and the nature of the magic effect. That is extremely complicated and I am very unfamiliar with that.

I know Huron's worried because he wonders if some of the effects he is doing is more parlour or close up. But I think no point worrying about that now B)
If you think the effects you are doing are more suited for parlour but can be as effective performed in a close up setting, I'd say dun worry about it and go right ahead, it's probably gonna be ok. Don't let it affect you. :)

UGH... *falls to ground clutching heart*

huh? :huh: I don't get.....why?

Haha... he thought that was a pun.
Rule of thumb? Crazy man's handcuff with the fingers and all.
I THINK.
Either that or I'm just too shaky about tonight.
Huron

I mean... Crazy man handcuff and THUMB!? Closely LINKED.