Card Tricks vs Card Magic - What's the Difference?

Occasionally when people contact me they ask if I "just do card tricks?" This is often said (I think) negatively, and I believe they ask it because they've seen someone perform a series of boring card tricks.

ARE CARD TRICKS BORING?

NO.

In and of themselves, it's not the card tricks that are boring, it's the person performing them.

As a professional close up magician, and expert in card magic, I feel I am well placed to offer advice on this question.

In fact, I give this advice to the magicians that I mentor too. Sometimes they say to me, "my audiences don't like card tricks." That seems crazy to me. The response I would like to say, is harsh but true (and often I tone it down a little) - it's not the card tricks that are boring, it's you!

There is a whole world of difference between the card tricks that an amateur might do versus the card magic that a professional performs.

- Ed Sumner (that's me).

A family member standing up on Christmas day showing you a card trick where you deal the cards into three piles, three times and then eliminate piles of cards until they know which card you chose, is boring.

A professional magician finding fifteen cards, making one card change magically from one to another, making your signed card appear on the ceiling, all whilst weaving in comedy that has been honed over 1000's of performances is something completely different. It's a fantastic sight to behold, and an incredible experience to be a part of.

In short, it's not the medium (card tricks) but the piece of art (the performance) that makes the difference. To use an analogy, there are boring, repetitive, uncreative pieces of music, and then there's music that moves you, ignites you, stirs your emotions [insert your own favourites here].

An often that comes down to the performance. As an example, here's some fun card magic from non other than David Blaine:

Notice how everyone is crowded round to see what's going on. Notice how much laughter there is. People are having a good time! David Blaine sometimes gets criticism for being a boring performer, but I disagree. He has a certain style but he also knows how to work a crowd.

This close up magic style of performance is similar to the style of magic that I perform. But no, I will not be eating glass!

Here's a video of one of my performances with playing cards:

The difference you get when you hire a professional is that they know instinctively what to do. I know how to bring your event to life. I do that by getting your guests laughing along with each other and enjoying each other's company. Sure, they might have a good time without a magician at your event, but what is a party without entertainment. A pleasant, but unforgettable, get together if you ask me.

I've been performing magic for over 20 years now, and in that time I've worked hard to make sure my routines are polished. That has meant putting myself out there in situations that tested my performance skills, and at times, making mistakes. That's all part of the journey though and has helped me to become the performer I am today.

I mean to use an analogy, I can make a pretty good Sourdough Loaf, but I bet Paul Hollywood can make a better one. He's just vastly more experienced, and bakes more often than I do.

TRICKS VS MAGIC

Taking this one step further there is a difference between tricks and magic in general. One of my favourite quotes about magic is:

There's a whole world of difference between not knowing how something is done and knowing that it can't be done.

- Simon Aronson

You can read more about my thoughts on this subject here.

ARE YOU A CARD MAGICIAN?

NOT JUST A CARD MAGICIAN.

I can be if that's what you want, but most of the time I am a close up magician. That means I provide magic in social situations such as weddings, private parties and corporate events.

This is an important point. While card magic is included in the close up magic that I provide it's not the only thing that I do. Instead, I know when to perform what for maximum effect. Here's another piece of my magic (without playing cards this time) for you to enjoy:

CONCLUSION

It's of course important to cover all of your bases when organising an event, but if this was one of your concerns, then hopefully I've helped to put your mind at ease.

Close up magic, including professional card magic is a fantastic choice to bring your event to life, and if you're still not convinced, just take a look at some of the photos and reviews below:

Want to find out more? Reach out to me here and I would be happy to talk about how I can help your wedding, corporate event or private party to be a huge success.

Ready to find out more?

Get in touch today for an accurate quote or more information.

Click Here

    
   156 reviews  
 
  
    
        Posted on Google  
   
   JB Foundation 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  We had a fantastic evening on 2nd August for our first ever JB33 Ball. Ed had been recommended to us and exceeded our expectations. Ed wandered around the tables engaging with people, they were blown away from the magic. We were also looking for someone to compare the evening and although Ed hasn’t done much of this he happily took on the challenge, the evening flowed as it should. Would highly recommended and will definitely use Ed next year.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Louise Almond 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Very entertaining and funny!
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mohammad Sesay 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  I saw Ed at a TedX talk. He smashed it. He displayed all the tenets you associate with a public speaker and I really enjoyed his presentation about embracing chaos and responding to what happens when things don’t go to plan. And the magic trick at the end was maaaaad!
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jim Kelly 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  We recently had Ed perform at my father’s 80th birthday dinner, and it was absolutely amazing! He did a fantastic job connecting with guests of all ages, keeping everyone entertained with his incredible tricks and close-up magic. Moving from table to table, he had everyone in awe, from the kids to the grandparents. His charm, humor, and impressive skills made it a truly memorable experience. It was the perfect touch to a special day, and I can’t recommend him enough for any event! We will definitely be visiting him at one of his shows in Lichfield in the near future.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   madeline tripp 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Ed was very fun and catered to his audience very well. Had some great tricks and made us laugh 😁 thank you!
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Chris Probert 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  This is our second time of using Ed to entertain at a birthday. A great evenings entertainment for an eighteenth birthday. A mix of family and friends, with ages ranging from 2 to 75. Ed easily and professionally managed to entertain everyone. Simple straightforward booking process. Will not hesitate to use Ed again in the future.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Judith Franklin 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Ed is MAGIC. Stunning performance
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   inta parker 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  I'm  so glad I took the gamble and asked Ed to visit our group to perform his talent.  It was Magic! This was a mid week, mid afternoon booking in a community hall. Not what you'd consider to be 'show biz'. He gave us a performance that amazed us all. His tricks covered mind reading, disappearing items, card guessing, predictions  and more. He engaged with many members of our audience,  which thrilled everyone. We were all amazed that even being up close, we couldn't work out how he did the tricks. I would hire him again.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   MrsBear03 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Excellent magician! Ed came to our family home on New Year's Eve for my brother in-laws birthday! Ed kept all ages entertained with his amazing magic show. Very professional but with a friendly manor. Highly recommend.

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YOUR INCREDIBLE EVENT IS
JUST A FEW STEPS AWAY

1. CONNECT

It's easy to get in touch with me, either:

email ↓

ed@edsumner.com

call ↓

07792 129 828

or fill in an enquiry form.

2. DISCUSS

During a short phone or video call, we'll talk about your event and your initial ideas. Don't worry, if you're not sure. I've helped to plan many events so I can advise on the best use of magic and other events entertainment.

3. AGREE

Once all the details are agreed, I'll send you a booking confirmation and ask you to make the first payment which confirms your date in my calendar. Then it's time to start looking forward to your big event.

4. ENJOY

I'll check in with you in the week before your event, and on the day of the event. All you need to do now is enjoy the magic, mind reading and conversational comedy.