Magic is as much fun to perform as it is to watch. You do not need a big audience: these tricks work best in a small group. The next steps give you hints on getting started and explain some useful skills and expressions.

How to learn tricks
First choose one tricks you would like to learn, and try it our as you read the instructions. The pictures usually show the tricks from your point of view. Then practice the trick without the book. Once you have conquered one trick, start on another.

Where to practice
Start by practicing your tricks on your own. Make sure you practice in front of a mirror to see what your audience will see when you do each trick. As you gain confidence, try showing them to your friends, and ask them to criticize your performance.

What to say
What you say while performing is called your patter. It is a way you can add a personal touch to your magic. You can tell your audience about the history of the tocks or invent stories which the tricks fit into.

What you need
You do not need lots of expensive equipment to do magic tricks. All the props are easy to come buy and cheap to buy. People are often more impressed by magic done with familiar things. Use bright new coins rather than older ones. They always look good and attract people's attention. Playing cards come in lots of different colours and styles. New cards are easiest to handle, as they are quire slippery.

Where to find props
You can make props for some tricks, and others are cheap to buy. You may need to borrow the rest, make sure you ask first and always be very careful with borrowed props.

How to find something to wear
You can dress how you like to do magic. A good way of getting clothes quite cheaply is going to junk shops and flea-markets. You may find some unusual bargains.

Who to perform for Almost everybody likes magic tricks, so there is no limit to the people you can perform for. Start with your family and friends, nut try to pick a time when they will want to see some tricks.

Looking after your props
IF you use a lot of props, make sure you know where everything is. Your audience will get bored watching you search for a prop before each trick.

Where to perform
Magic is very versatile. You can do a truck or two wherever you are, as long as you have the things you need. You do not have to be on a stage or in front of a camera.

Keep in secret
Do not tell anyone how your tricks are done unless they are also real magic enthusiasts, Magicians do not reveal their secrets to anyone except fellow magicians.