Getting Started

Rule number 1: BUY A DECENT DECK OF CARDS

You may have seen numerous internet people and/or real friends tell you that you need a proper deck of cards, yet you think you are above it and use those half size free cards with picturesque views of the lake district on the back. Throw these away.

I recommend you buy a deck (or two) of bog standard poker style playing cards (I use bicycle playing cards), these are not expensive, check out eBay you can buy good deck for next to nothing and bikes for about two quid a pack, if this is not available there is probably a magic shop or an independent greetings card shop (you know the ones) which sell these or something similar

Why are these cards so much better?

A couple of reasons actually. They have a good few millimeters of border which help for concealing double lifts and hidden, reversed cards. They have a nice feel and slide which is good for flourishes and for maneuvers you don't want the audience seeing. They are a good, holdable size, not a bit too small or too big, this is good for flourishes again and to reduce chances of dropping them.

Will these need replacing often?

No, Pros like David Blaine etc. may use a different deck for every hour of the day but amateurs don't need to, as long your not ripping them up or throwing them on floor and walking on them, your in good shape, although the ownership of two identical decks could be useful. (I own four decent decks in total because I'm posy like that and often end up cutting cards for tricks then need them for a poker night).

Do I need to purchase any other equipment?

No, well not initially, I may include invisible string or other things but nothing of any large cost (invisible string is a good thing to have, even for a trivial flourish, you can get about 100m or so of it for like a quid of eBay).

So buy some cards and get back 'ere for the magic fantastic.