Theory11's April Cerca Trova Posted

"Greetings! This months topic is one that several members have expressed interest in discussing / debating. Where does XCM fit within the art of magic? Does it have a place within the context of a magic performance? Is XCM nothing more than juggling with cards? I think that these are all great questions and I think this debate will be a very interesting one.

So... what do I think? I personally see Cardistry as an art in and of itself. It can certainly be used to enhance a magic routine but I have personally seen Cardistry or XCM stand on it's own - with no magic at all. But does XCM belong in a magic routine? This is a very old debate - many will argue that showing that kind of skill with a deck of playing cards will tip the audience off that what you are doing is not magic - I can certainly appreciate this line of reasoning. It is my personal opinion that the answer to this questions depends upon what you want your audience to think of your magic. If you truly want your audience to believe that you may indeed have some form of magical power, then XCM could certainly work against that image. If, however, you want your audience to believe that you are a skilled sleight of hand artist who creates the illusion of magic then, it is my experience, that XCM or Cardistry can be a fantastic addition to an act or routine.

One other thing to keep in mind is that from your average layman's perspective fanning the cards to have a "card selected" is just as "flourishy" as performing a Sybil. Laymen do not make the same distinctions between the two arts that we do - sure the distinctions exist, but that line is very blurred in the eyes of a layman.

Those are my thoughts - what are yours?" -Wayne Houchin

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In my opinion i believe that incorporating XCM into your magic routine would automatically make the spectator believe that when you do your magic tricks you use extraordinary sleight of hand which cant be seen, which would make the spectator not be as amused and amazed as when you don't show them XCM. If you show them all the flashy and amazing handling of your cards they'll just think that you don't have real magical powers as to when you don't show them those flourishy moves, they might think that you have real magical powers.

Tell me what you think...Leave a comment.