Close-up card magic is a fascinating form of entertainment that has captivated audiences for centuries. One notable figure in this field is Harry Lorayne, a renowned magician known for his proficiency and innovation in card magic. Lorayne's close-up card magic is truly awe-inspiring. With just a deck of cards and his impressive sleight of hand techniques, he is able to create mind-boggling illusions and leave spectators in disbelief. What sets Lorayne apart is not just his technical skill but also his ability to engage and connect with his audience. He has an uncanny knack for making each trick feel personal, as if it is being performed exclusively for each individual spectator.
He has an uncanny knack for making each trick feel personal, as if it is being performed exclusively for each individual spectator. One of Lorayne's most famous card tricks is "Out of This Universe." In this trick, the magician demonstrates his unparalleled ability to separate red cards from black cards without ever looking at them.
Harry Lorayne (1926-2023): An Unpublished Interview and a Tribute
On Friday 7 April came the sad news of the passing of American magician Harry Lorayne, at the age of 96. He was just a few weeks away from his 97th birthday. Even at his advanced age, he continued to be active in online forums and email correspondence. To celebrate his 90th birthday, he even presented a terrific lecture on card magic, including some mind-blowing performances of his trademark card magic.
Few magicians are as respected and prolific as Harry Lorayne. He was known for being the world's foremost expert in memory training, and frequently did demonstrations where he would remember the names of large audiences of 1000 people or more. But his first love was card magic, and he enjoyed a very successful career as a magician and entertainer. Combined with his natural talent and his charismatic personality as a showman, and a genuine ability to entertain and also to teach, as well as to create and innovate, he quickly became one of the leading names of his time.
Millions of his books on memory techniques and on card magic are also in print. He's highly regarded in the magic community for his immense contribution to magic literature, with many fine volumes bearing his name, including his classic Close-Up Card Magic (1962), and other influential works that are included in The Classic Collection (Vol 1-5), as well as his fine DVD set Harry Lorayne's Best Ever Collection (Vol 1-4). His books demonstrate a remarkable ability to teach card magic via the written word, and his skill in doing this cogently and clearly was rarely matched.
To get an idea of his talent and showmanship, treat yourself to watching this performance of one of his signature routines, "Magician vs Gambler":
This classic Harry Lorayne trick does a great job of showcasing his skill in sleight of hand, as well as his larger-than-life charismatic persona that was typical of his performances. A true story-teller and entertainer, Lorayne tells the story of a bet between a magician and a gambler, in which the magician is challenged to produce a four-of-a-kind after multiple cuts. He almost succeeds, but when the final card turns out to be a miss, only magic can save the day. And the result is truly magical, as cards not only mysteriously change, but then prove to have been in his pockets all along.
I've corresponded with Harry numerous times, and he was always generous in his responses, which were typically filled with wit, anecdotes, and of course his well-known encouragements to read "the good stuff". Five years ago I did an interview with Harry about playing cards, which you'll find here . Later that same year I did an interview with him about magic. Bear in mind that he was over 90 years old when he did this, and he was still sharp as a tack, and his mind was filled with valuable insights, and his pen with good advice.
Due to circumstances at that time, that interview was never published. I'm pleased to share it now, as a tribute to a man who was truly one-of-a-kind. Thank you Harry Lorayne for everything that you gave us.
Despite being seemingly impossible, Lorayne executes this trick flawlessly, leaving the audience astounded and bewildered. Another remarkable feat in Lorayne's repertoire is his expert manipulation of a deck of cards. He can effortlessly shuffle, cut, and control cards in a way that seems almost supernatural. His skillful handling of the deck allows him to perform tricks such as predicting a chosen card or making a seemingly random card appear in a predetermined location. Lorayne's contributions to the world of close-up card magic go beyond his captivating performances. He has also authored several books on the subject, sharing his techniques, tips, and tricks with aspiring magicians worldwide. His books, such as "The Magic Book" and "The Card Magic of Harry Lorayne," have become revered resources for those looking to enhance their card magic skills. In conclusion, close-up card magic is a mesmerizing art form, and Harry Lorayne is undoubtedly a master of this craft. His incredible sleight of hand techniques, engaging performances, and valuable contributions to the field make him a true legend in the world of close-up card magic. Whether you are a fan of magic or simply appreciate the skill and creativity required for such performances, it is impossible not to be in awe of Lorayne's talent..
Reviews for "Elevate Your Card Magic Skills with Harry Lorayne's Close-Up Techniques"
1. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Close up card magic by Harry Lorayne". The tricks were not as impressive as I had expected and the explanations were unclear. I felt like I wasted my money on this product. I would not recommend it to others who are looking for high-quality card magic tricks.
2. John - 1/5 stars - This product was a complete letdown. The tricks taught in "Close up card magic by Harry Lorayne" were basic and unoriginal. The presentation was also lacking, making the tricks feel dull and unimpressive. I was hoping to learn some advanced card magic techniques, but this DVD did not deliver at all. Save your money and look for better card magic resources elsewhere.
3. Emily - 3/5 stars - While "Close up card magic by Harry Lorayne" had a few decent tricks, overall, I was not impressed. The explanations were rushed and there were no alternative methods or variations offered. I felt like I was just watching someone perform tricks without gaining any real understanding of the techniques involved. It's an okay resource for absolute beginners, but not worth the price for more experienced magicians.
4. David - 2/5 stars - I found "Close up card magic by Harry Lorayne" to be quite underwhelming. The tricks taught were outdated and didn't hold up to the standard of modern card magic. The production quality of the DVD was also poor, with unclear visuals and muffled audio. Overall, I would not recommend this product to anyone looking for high-quality card magic instruction.