From Beginner to Professional: The Best Magic Tricks You Should Track Down

There’s something endlessly fascinating about magic, isn’t there? The way a coin seems to vanish into thin air or how cards appear to defy the laws of physics instantly grabs your curiosity and leaves you wondering, “How did they do that?” If you’ve ever felt that spark of intrigue and thought about giving it a go, you’ve come to the right place.

This blog is your starting point—a guide to discovering the world of close-up magic and those incredible magic tricks that capture imaginations and create unforgettable moments. Magic isn’t just about learning the tricks but crafting moments of wonder. Whether looking for a fun hobby or hoping to captivate a room full of friends, learning close-up magic is as rewarding as entertaining.

I started exactly where you might be now—curious, eager, and uncertain. But what began as a childhood hobby with a Paul Daniels magic kit grew into a career filled with sleight of hand, amazed audiences, and a deep passion for creating the impossible. Along the way, these magic tricks taught me more than just how to perform clever illusions; they showed me how to connect, entertain, and inspire.

If you’ve got the curiosity and just a little bit of patience, magic has a way of pulling you in. With a few simple props and a dash of practice, you’ll surprise your friends, impress a crowd, or even build a life-long passion. Stick with me as we explore the world of magic and discover how these small moments of wonder can lead to something truly extraordinary.

Discovering the World of Magic

Like so many professional magicians, my plunge into the enchanting world of magic began with a humble Christmas gift—a Paul Daniels magic kit. At the time, it seemed like just another toy to add to the chaos of wrapping paper and mince pies. Little did I know this little box of tricks would be my gateway to a lifelong obsession. It had everything a budding magician could dream of—coins, cards, and even the kind of cups that make your parents regret buying them after two hours of practice during dinner.

I still laugh when people ask me how I got into magic. My go-to reply? “Oh, just a hobby that’s got out of control!” And honestly, it has. What started with me fumbling around trying to master a dodgy cup-and-ball trick quickly escalated into late-night practices, living-room performances for reluctant family members, and eventually a full-blown career where I get to share my love of magic with real, live audiences. That simple kit wasn’t just a gift; it flipped a switch. It made me realise that with a little sleight of hand and a lot of practice, I could make the impossible seem possible—a pretty addictive realization for a curious 10-year-old.

Looking back, that kit didn’t just teach me magic tricks. It set the stage for something much bigger—a passion for illusions that leave people wondering if they should applaud or call a scientist.

The Cups and Balls Obsession

One of the first tricks that stuck in my mind from that magic kit was the cups and balls. An ancient illusion, it’s still a star performer in today’s magic sets, and for good reason. The setup was simple—three cups, three balls. One by one, the balls would magically pass through the cups, defying the laws of the universe (or at least the laws of a ten-year-old’s understanding). The secret, of course, was clever sleight of hand—a trick that requires a surprising amount of practice. But at that age? It felt like casting actual spells.

I showed everyone who would watch—Mom, Dad, the cat, Mom again. Each performance had all the enthusiasm of a Broadway opening night, while my audience politely tried to impress me with their gasps of “Wow!” and “Amazing!” (even on the third round). My fingers fumbled plenty as I worked to perfect the technique, but that didn’t stop me from doing the trick over and over…and over.

Looking back, it wasn’t just about mastering this one routine. The cups and balls introduced me to the magic of props, the value of practice, and the thrill of keeping a thumb carefully placed to avoid detection; it also taught me that the real joy of magic isn’t just in performing tricks—it’s in the delight you bring to anyone willing to sit through them. Even if it’s your mom, for the tenth time in under an hour.

Watch this classic magic trick performed by the incredible David Williamson…

The Easy Card Trick with playing cards

Ah, Cornwall—a place of beaches, pastries, and, apparently, market magic. During one of those bustling market days, I stumbled upon a salesman whose audience had gathered in awe. His tool of enchantment? The legendary Svengali deck. For those not in the know, it’s a trick deck so clever, it can make an absolute beginner perform card miracles. Perfect for an eager 11-year-old who just wanted to impress Nan enough to earn some pocket money (purely for further magical investments, of course).

This wasn’t just any random salesman. You rarely watch these types in action anymore, thanks to everything turning online. But this man? He radiated the kind of charisma and showmanship that could probably sell thin air if he pitched it right. His 10-minute demonstration was pure sleight of hand and storytelling genius. I stood there, all smug and ready to declare, “Oh please, I know how this illusion works. Behold, I am the great household magician!”

But no. What followed was a personal schooling in humility. This wizard shuffled, revealed, and manipulated the cards with technique that left me gaping. setup, yet every trick he performed felt like sorcery. My fingers twitched, desperate to try it myself.

I wanted that deck—no, I needed it. But Mom was off at another stall, grip-locked into a demo for the world’s most absorbent dish towels. I hunted her down, arms flailing, half shouting, “Mom, magical emergency!” She listened bemusedly as I pleaded for this essential purchase, while Nan’s approving nod in my imagination pushed me forward.

Spoiler alert—I got the Svengali deck. And if you’re wondering what simple props and easy magic tricks can spark a lifetime of practice and amazement, go get yourself one, too. You’ll be dazzling friends and family faster than you can say, “Pick a card!”

Question: How to make a coin disappear?
Answer: Dynamic Coins

Lichfield wasn’t exactly where you’d expect a magical revelation, but life has a way of surprising you. One Saturday, Mom dragged me to a computer shop. Computers weren’t really my thing—so why were we here? After a hushed conversation with the man behind the counter and a mysterious nod, we were led to a staircase. Up we went, and suddenly, I found myself standing in… a fancy dress department. My curiosity quickly turned to indifference—fancy dress wasn’t my scene then, and it’s not my scene now.

But just as I was mentally clocking out, I spotted it. A glass cabinet glinting like a treasure chest, filled with props of pure wonder. The sign above it said, “Professional Magic Tricks.” Just like that, any shred of disinterest faded. I was a kid in a candy store, except this was sweeter. Drooling may or may not have been involved.

The gentleman in charge wasted no time. He pulled out trick after trick, each more astonishing than the last.
The magic tube – a seemingly empty tube produced a boatload of silks
The magnetic pencil – a “regular pencil” was stuck solid to his hand and not a bit of glue in sight!
Playing cards would levitate high above the table! An incredible optical illusion or was I being naive!

My amazement was only slightly tempered by, well, the prices. A harsh truth was dawning on me—magic tricks don’t come cheap! But then came the pièce de résistance. The Dynamic Coins.

This slick little illusion turned me into a hybrid of James Bond and Harry Potter. Five ten-pence coins would vanish, reappear, and even magically transport themselves with every move. No trick requires less setup while delivering such jaw-dropping results. The coins seemed to melt into thin air, only to reveal their hiding spot a second later. This beautiful bit of kit made me feel unstoppable. It traveled with me everywhere, tucked safely in a pocket, ready for impromptu performances that never failed to impress.

For years, whenever life felt a bit mundane, a trip to that fancy dress shop became non-negotiable. It wasn’t about the costumes or even the computers downstairs. It was about the exciting magic tricks the sleight of hand, and the magic waiting up those stairs.

The Rubber Band Revelation

If you’ve ever spotted a full time professional magician walking around with a bunch of rubber bands wrapped around their wrist, you might’ve wondered—what secret utility is hidden in this quirky accessory? Are they preparing for some bizarre showdown, or is there a deeper, more magical story here? Spoiler alert—it’s the latter.

Rubber bands are, quite frankly, a magician’s unsung heroes. With a little sleight of hand, they can transform these everyday office supplies into props of pure wonder. And trust me, magic and rubber bands go together like peanut butter and jelly—just a little more elastic. Some of the very first tricks I performed as a starry-eyed wannabe magician featured these unassuming loops of potential. To this day, I still perform a few of those tricks, proving that the classics never really go out of style.

The starting point for any aspiring magician mastering rubber band magic is the timeless Jumping Rubber Band trick. It’s as simple as magic gets, which is why it’s perfect. You wrap a rubber band around two fingers, snap your hand shut, and with a dramatic flair, the rubber band hops over to another set of fingers. It might sound basic, but watch someone’s face when you reveal it for the first time—their eyebrows will hit the ceiling.

Here’s the real beauty of it, though. Rubber bands are cheap. Like, “lost down the back of the sofa” cheap. For a 13-year-old, whose magical ambitions often exceeded their pocket money supply, this made them a total lifesaver. While trips to the fancy dress shop in Lichfield were a treat, I couldn’t always afford the high-ticket marvels gleaming in that glass cabinet. Rubber bands, on the other hand? I could grab a packet for pennies and practice to my heart’s content.

The Jumping Rubber Band trick isn’t just about impressing your audience. It’s a gateway—an entry-level routine that unlocks the door to a whole genre of creativity and technique. From bands that pass through each other as though they’re made of thin air to illusions that trap them in impossible knots, the versatility of rubber bands is astonishing. They teach you the fundamentals of rhythm, misdirection, and set-up—the core tools of any magician worth their salt.

For me, those early days of stretching, snapping, and flicking taught an important lesson. Magic doesn’t need expensive kits or flashy gimmicks to leave people amazed. Sometimes, all you require is a little imagination, a lot of practice, and—in this case—a humble rubber band.

Pickpocketing for fun

When I was 18, my world of magic hit a new level—I started booking paid gigs. At one of these events, I had the privilege of working alongside another magician, who also happened to be a skilled pickpocket. While I was nervously perfecting card tricks, he was casually lifting watches and wallets like it was no big deal. Naturally, I had to know his secret. His response? A cheeky grin and a recommendation for a DVD by Chappy Brazil on how to steal a watch.

The moment I ordered it, I was buzzing with excitement. Once the DVD arrived, I didn’t waste a second; the disc was barely out of the envelope before it was spinning in the player. The idea of stealing a watch—without anyone realizing—felt like real-life wizardry. After learning the methods, I needed a victim, and who better than my mom? She became my unwitting accomplice in my quest for perfection. “Put the watch on one more time,” I’d plead repeatedly, to the point where I’m sure she started keeping her wrists bare just to avoid me.

Still, there was a catch. The technique wasn’t the most challenging part; it was the fear of performing it in front of a live audience. Practising on my mom was one thing, but the stakes were wildly different at an actual gig. With a little practice, though, I decided it was time to take the plunge. I’ll never forget that first attempt. My heart practically launched out of my chest, but when it worked—when I actually stole a watch mid-performance—it was pure euphoria.

As the gigs rolled on, I found myself craving the chance to showcase this skill repeatedly. Pickpocketing required more than just technique—it was all about timing, confidence, and razor-sharp social skills. Gauging the right moment in a conversation, reading people’s reactions, and navigating that fine line between thrilling and invasive was nerve-wracking and exhilarating.

Now, it’s undoubtedly one of my favourite tricks. There’s something magical about watching someone’s reaction as you casually return their watch with a grin. It’s a gut-busting crowd-pleaser every single time.

13 Steps to Mentalism: The Mentalist’s Apprentice:

By the time I hit my late teens, magic wasn’t just a hobby—it was my armor, my ticket to coolness, and my secret weapon. My latest obsession? Reading minds. Not because I seriously believed I could crack open someone’s thoughts (fun fact: you can’t), but back then, the illusion of mind reading felt like the ultimate upgrade to my magician arsenal. I mean, who wouldn’t want to walk into a room and have everyone believe you could pluck their secrets out of thin air?

The idea started taking hold after some schoolyard buzz painted me as the go-to wizard for jaw-dropping moves. I could spin a playing card on one hand, or make a coin disappear, and suddenly, I wasn’t the kid dodging bullies—I was the kid the bullies steered clear of. Magic had inadvertently scored me some sweet perks, but I knew I couldn’t rely on just palm tricks and spinning cards forever. I needed a next trick. A showstopper. Something big enough to impress those older kids who had started noticing my little performances.

This is where reading minds came in. The only problem? You can’t exactly Google “How to read minds” when the internet’s still in its awkward pre-teen phase. (Yeah, things were different back then.) Desperate for answers, I wandered into a bookshop and stumbled upon an actual treasure—a book called 13 Steps To Mentalism by Corinda. Talk about fate. This wasn’t some dusty old “magic for beginners” kind of thing—this was a guide into the kind of magic that could make you look like a legit psychic mastermind. For anyone dabbling in mentalism, this book was—and still is—a holy grail.

I devoured it like someone had handed me the keys to Hogwarts. The pages were packed with secrets about creating the illusion of mind reading, subtle ways to gauge reactions, and tricks to make guesses feel like divine insights. Corinda taught me that pulling off these feats wasn’t just about flashy moves or props; it was about reading people, owning your performance, and convincing them that the impossible just happened before their eyes.

For me, learning mentalism wasn’t only about wowing an audience or making a name for myself among my peers. It was about connection—taking something as unbelievable as mind reading and bringing people into the wonder of it all. And while I couldn’t actually peek into someone’s soul, the look on their faces when they thought I could? That was magic enough.

Easy Magic Tricks with Cards

Professional magicians know there’s a certain magic in simplicity, especially when it comes to magic tricks using cards. These little laminated rectangles of wonder are incredibly versatile, and having a few easy magic tricks up your sleeve can turn you into the star of a party—or, at the very least, get you a free pint down the boozer.

For me, my love for cards took a huge leap forward thanks to a pile of DVDs featuring the one and only Michael Ammar. This wasn’t just some random collection of magic tricks. Oh no. Ammar’s series was pure gold. At the time, I was just starting out in the entertainment world, holding my tricks like blunt instruments and hammering through each one. I didn’t have finesse, just a series of “Hey, look at this!” moments that screamed “performer in training.”

Watching Ammar was like an awakening. His handling of easy card tricks wasn’t about flexing complexity or showing off complex moves. Instead, he had this bewitching charm that made even the simplest tricks feel like an elaborate spectacle. The real secret of his magic? It wasn’t just in knowing how the trick worked but in wrapping it up as a mesmerizing gift for the audience. Ammar’s performances were magic lessons disguised as entertainment—proof that showmanship will forever outshine flashy sleight of hand.

This was a game-changer. I realized that learning the secret of a trick was only half the battle. Anyone can pull off a clever move if they practice enough. But turning that move into a moment of awe? That’s where true magic lives. I started thinking less about learning tricks and more about how I could captivate and hold an audience.

If you’re keen to explore easy card tricks that are devastatingly effective and simple enough to master in your free time, do yourself a favour and check out Ammar’s series. You can still find them on digital platforms—the instant download kind that makes access ridiculously easy. Watching those will teach you more than just a handful of tricks. They’ll teach you how to wield those cards like a professional and transform a simple pastime into an unforgettable show.

Remember, great magic isn’t about showing off; it’s about crafting moments of wonder. And trust me—there’s nothing quite like making someone’s jaw drop with a deck of cards.

Final Thoughts on Easy Magic Tricks

Magic, at its core, is about human connection. Whether making a rubber band vanish, mastering a deck of cards, or creating the illusion of reading minds, the real secret lies in how you make others feel. It’s about transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary ones, sharing wonder, and leaving your audience—whether it’s a room of strangers or a close circle of friends—speechless. Every trick, whether simple or complex, is an opportunity to spark joy, curiosity, and amazement.

But be careful to learn magic isn’t just about a well-executed double lift with your left hand or clever props; it’s about the story you tell and the experience you create. With practice, patience, and the right mindset, anyone can turn a humble trick into a lasting memory. Now it’s your turn—go out there, share the magic, and leave the world a little more enchanted!

About Close-Up Chris

Close-Up Chris is a skilled professional magician specialising in close-up magic that’s sure to amaze and captivate. Perfect for weddings, private parties, or corporate events looking to break the ice, Chris delivers unforgettable entertainment with a mix of dazzling tricks and engaging performances.