Tricks of my Trade (The Magic of Doug Conn) book – Paul Cummins

“Tricks of My Trade” is a comprehensive book of close-up magic by Doug Conn, featuring innovative card, coin, and small-object routines suitable for intermediate performers.

“Tricks of My Trade,” written by Paul Cummins, showcases the magic of close-up magician Doug Conn. The book primarily focuses on card and coin magic, with additional routines involving sponges, dice, and small props, making it ideal for table-to-table or strolling performances. It is designed for magicians of intermediate skill, offering both familiar plots and creative variations that add fresh perspectives to classic effects/

Notable Routines and Effects

The book contains 32 routines, including:

• Chameleon Sandwich: A color-changing deck routine with a clever psychological kicker
• Triumph Tools: Doug Conn’s unique handling of the classic Triumph effect, emphasizing visual impact
• ESJoker: A simple yet entertaining routine where a Joker card reveals two spectator selections in a logical and charming way
• Particle Press: A coin production move used in reverse for a surprising effect
• Fit to Be Tie’d: A coin vanishes and is reproduced using a necktie
• Taking it Dice and Easy: Effects combining dice rolls and cards for interactive magic
• Rubber Revelation: A production of four-of-a-kind using a rubber band to locate a selected card
• Tricked Traveler: An Invisible Palm Aces effect using a clever, gaffed card
• Conn’s Fusion: Two selected and marked cards are fused together in a visually striking manner
• Evening Up the Odds: A Matrix-style routine using miniature cards and coins

Doug Conn’s routines are praised for their elegant sleight-of-hand, logical presentation, and creative twists on classic effects. While many plots are familiar, Conn introduces innovative variations, such as using Scrabble tiles, dice, or everyday objects like ties, to create memorable and practical magic book emphasizes real-world performance, making it suitable for casual audiences and professional close-up settings.

“Tricks of My Trade” is a valuable resource for magicians seeking both classic and inventive close-up magic routines. Its combination of card, coin, and small-object effects, along with practical performance advice, makes it a highly recommended book for performers looking to expand their repertoire and add creative flair to familiar tricks.