Usually whenever somebody asked me to show him magic, the 2CM would be the first effect that comes to my mind, for the fact it's the easy (in terms of handling) and strong.

Even in a walk-around performance, I would normally perform whatever that comes to mind first, and they are usually these 4: 2CM, ACR, Biddle and maybe Here and There (if I have a dupe). Then after that, I usually struggle to think of what to perform next.

But I realized with my haphazard way of showing effects, I will always be doing the strongest one at the start (which usually be the one easiest to remember) and end up closing with a relative weak effect. Not exactly the best way to end it.

So how would you usually structure your effects in a formal performance?

Hi Axl,

Actually it depends on where you perform. If it is a walk around magic, i would mix several effects like rubber bands, coins, cards or even mind reading.

The reason why i choose a mixture of different effects to the same audience is because i try not to do so many card tricks one shot. From my opinion, the audience might eventually get bored of seeing so many card tricks.

Normally i would prefer to start an effect like using impromptu objects like coins first. Well, you need to have a great opener to keep the audience interested. Thats why your opener must be STRONG.

I would normally do an ice breaker using coins and eventually end it with a handphone production. After the audience have witnessed your ability of the magic, then you can try using cards, rubber bands or any other stuff. If you want to avoid any remembering of sequence in card tricks, then you may try to do visual effect using objects.

Every magic effect needs to be end with a great kicker, or else the audience won't remember you. :D

Just my opinions, hopes it can clarify your doubts.

Cheers
Invisible

Ok, actually I have made a list of the effects I usually do and tried to group them in to 3 sets. Within each set there is a opener, body and closer. I tried to incorporate different things (eg: cards. coins, mental) in each one. This concept I is something I took from books.

Tell me what you all think of my grouping: (mostly for walk-around)

Set 1:
1. Two Card Monte
2. Copper/Silver
3. Coin Across w Jumbo Production for ending

Set 2:
1. Crazyman Handcuffs
2. ???
3. Stigmata

Set 3:
1. Sandwich Effect
2. Ambitious Card
3. Biddle Trick

I was actually thinking about should I do all coins or cards for 1 set or should I mix to have some variety?

Actually, it depends on your preference. Some people like to start with cards then proceed to other stuffs or vice versa.

Normally, I find that doing two strong effects per set are enough to amaze the audience. The most important thing is to build up the climax by improving on the pattering, presentation etc. You must bring the audience into your story. Then they will be really amazed.

Set 1 :

Its ok to start with 2 CM(haha..never underestimate this trick.. :D) because its kinda visual followed by some coins stuff and the kicker jumbo production.

Set 2:

I feel that you can do Stigmata first followed by crazy man handcuff, then end with a linking rubberband and hand it for souvenir.

Set 3:

I find that Set 3 is kinda duplication because all are just card effects. I have tried once performing few card effects one shot and they kinda tired already. haha.. :P Perhaps, i can suggest to do one here and there card routine with signature signed by audience, followed by move/levitate objects...

Bascially, there are a lot of combinations. It depends on the way of how you present/structure your routine. :D

Cheers
Invisible

Actually I think its far more useful to structure your routines by themes rather than "Cards" or "coins" etc.

For example, "Pure sleight of hand", "this is real magic", "totally impromptu", "borrowed stuff" etc.

Example:

"Borrowed stuff" Set
1) Borrowed coins through borrowed glass
2) Cigarette through coin
3) Sinful (aka Coin in soda can that was purchased from a vending machine)

"Totally Impromptu & can Perform Naked" Set
1) Psychological force (card)
2) Stigmata (aka weird red bruises on random body part. If the psychological force fails, still got impact.)

"Pure sleight of hand"
1) Here then there
2) 2CM (use the same 2 cards)
3) Uncle Bob's Dream Card (use the same 2 cards from before)

"This is real magic"
Any multi-phase spoon bending routine.
a) Bend the spoon fast
B) Bend the spoon slow
c) Spectator bend
d) Corkscrew (or break)

The routines themselves all can be better of course, but this is just to illustrate how an approach like this might work.

An added advantage is that during walk around, you can choose a routine that you think will entertain your spectators the most. For example if the table has a majority of guys, talk about gambling and then go into a pure sleight of hand routine. If the table you approach has people just beginning to drink, they probably have clean glasses and unopened beer cans that you can borrow...etc.

The point is that sorting your routines like that allows you to make these decisions faster. Of course this is just the tip of the iceberg. If you think a bit harder you probably will come up better themes that better suit your personality than the few I just outlined.

I think all the advice given here is sound. Really, no one concept/ style fits everyone, so a lot will have to be worked out yourself through repeated performances to different audience groups.

The concept of creating sets and different groupings of effects is 100% on the spot. Having 3 groups of 3 is more than enough for any given situation or performance setting.

One note is to be flexible and also see your sets as modular; meaning - you can do all 3 effects in set 1 but if the audience is not reacting or you are running out of time, you can just perform effect 1 & 3 or just 1 and it will still feel like a performance.

To add to the above suggestions - you can consider grouping your efffects into sets based on 'type of audiences' and 'situations'. If you have some performance experience, you will realize different effects work better for different age/ gender/ education etc. Different effects also work better if the group you perform for all know each other or are strangers.

So, in this case effects may be catergorized based on audience appeal. Eg. Flashy visual, skilled based on younger teen audiences, mentalism and more 'sophisticated' effects for older crowds, fun effects like sponge balls for family audiences where the adults can be entertained through the child.

J C

Yes, I agree with what everyone had mentioned. It also depends on what are the age/ gender group of the audience. Different effects may suit different kind of audience.

Sometimes, you need to consider of the environment and also their reactions at that point of time. If they really react well, why not performing another effect too? :)

Cheers
Invisible

REally thanks for all your input!!

Anyway...

1. Yes, I have decided to group my routines according to themes. Now cracking my head on how to "themify" (if there was ever such a word) them.

2. Yes, structuring for different groups and situation is a good idea too. But so far, my audience are generally 20s to 30s, which is my age group, so my guess is those effects that interest me should interest them too.

3. Yes again, I realized opening with a gambling effect for a bunch of blokes is a good way. Guys generally love gambling effect, not those which might make them look stupid (from their perspective).