Close-up Card Magic

Close-up Card Magic is a comprehensive instructional book on card magic techniques published in 1962. The book contains over 120 card tricks and sleight-of-hand methods developed by magician Harry Lorayne. The content progresses from basic card handling to advanced routines and performance strategies. Each effect includes step-by-step instructions accompanied by illustrations to guide practitioners through the required movements and timing. The text covers false shuffles, palming methods, controls, forces, and other fundamental techniques of close-up magic. Lorayne provides detailed guidance on presentation and misdirection for each routine. This volume has become a foundational text in card magic literature, emphasizing the connection between technical skill and engaging performance. The principles explored continue to influence how close-up magic is taught and performed today.

Readers emphasize this book's clear instructions and detailed illustrations that show exact finger positions. Many note it serves both beginners and advanced magicians through progressive difficulty levels. Likes: - Step-by-step photos make moves easier to learn - Contains both basic and complex sleights - Practical effects that can be performed impromptu - Index helps locate specific moves quickly Dislikes: - Some find Lorayne's writing style verbose - A few effects require specially prepared cards - Several reviewers mention the binding falls apart easily - Photos are black and white only Ratings: Amazon: 4.7/5 (103 reviews) Goodreads: 4.4/5 (29 ratings) Sample review: "The photos showing exact thumb placement made all the difference. I finally mastered the Skyliner move after failing with other books." - Amazon reviewer "The technical details are there but you have to wade through lots of unnecessary text to find them." - Goodreads reviewer

Expert Card Technique by Jean Hugard, Frederick Braue. The techniques taught build a foundation for close-up magic with cards through methodical instruction on sleights, controls, and advanced handling.

Card College by Roberto Giobbi. This encyclopedia contains instructions for card magic fundamentals, from basic shuffles to complex sleight-of-hand manipulations used in close-up performance.

Royal Road to Card Magic by Jean Hugard, Frederick Braue. The progressive learning system takes readers from basic card handling through advanced manipulation techniques used in close-up magic.

Encyclopedia of Card Tricks by Jean Hugard. This compilation presents card tricks from multiple contributors, focusing on close-up effects that can be performed with a standard deck.

Card Magic by Richard Kaufman. The book contains techniques for close-up card magic, including false shuffles, controls, and routines used by professional magicians.

🎴 Harry Lorayne taught himself card magic at age 11 while bedridden with a severe illness, launching his lifelong passion for the craft. 🎩 The book introduces Lorayne's famous "Flash Retention" memory technique, which many magicians use to remember the order of an entire deck of cards. ♠️ Close-up Card Magic (1962) was Lorayne's first magic book and became one of the bestselling card magic books of all time, remaining in print for over 40 years. ♣️ Many of the effects in the book were originally developed for Lorayne's performances at New York's Mostly Magic nightclub, where he regularly amazed celebrity audiences. 🃏 The book features Lorayne's signature "HaLo Cut," a false cut that has become a standard move in modern card magic and is used by magicians worldwide.