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Cups and Balls in Balls, Eggs, Dice & Cups

The Cups & Balls is perhaps the effect most closely associated with magicians. Magicians doing cups and balls are depicted in paintings and illustrations of yesteryear. Done well it is one of the most amazing feats of sleight-of-hand. There are countless moves and routines from which to choose.

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Sam Dalal
Indian Cups and Balls Primer by Sam Dalal

Like the Billiard Balls, and Linking Rings the Indian Cups and Balls have become a classic of Magic. The apparatus is "designed" exclusively for Magic... (like the Linking rings), one does not come across such things in everyday life. While this may not find favour with many performers, whose idea of magic is to perform miracles with "everyday" objects,...their very design makes possible miracles of a type not possible with many other objects. For unlike Silk Cabbies, and Ghost Tubes, there is nothing fake about the apparatus itself...but their shape and construction make possible a surprising...

$8
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Someeran
Cups and Balls (Western) Magic Tutor by Someeran

This manuscript explains two routines, one which does not require any sleight-of-hand, and a second one that requires some basic moves such as a vanish, false and secret loading.

1st edition 1993, 14 pages; PDF 11 pages.

$4
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Ken Muller
Scout Around by Ken Muller

One cup effects using a silicone collapsible drinking cup.

Innovative sleights, moves, and effects created when the Boy Scouts changed to this cup in 2009. Now, many silicone cups are available. These methods work with them all. One can use crochet balls, or nuts, candy, pebbles - most any small objects. No need for the expensive versions from Europe. This came first and is much simpler.

Chop Cup? Yes, several ways to gaff this cup, but you don't have to. Many exciting magic effects without the limitations of the traditional gaff. Move beyond a Chop Cup. Move beyond a solid cup. Always...

$12
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John Mendoza
John Mendoza Lecture: 1982 in United Kingdom by John Mendoza

On August 2nd, 1982, Martin Breese organized a John Mendoza lecture, which was taped for later release as a video. But Martin being the busy publisher he was had so many other projects to work on that he never got around releasing this recording. We rescued the recording from two old Umatic tapes Martin gave to me. Since this was recorded in the early 80s do not expect a high definition video. But it is nevertheless a good recording of Mendoza's lecture. The video has some flaws here and there with stripes, ghost images, and an occasional blackout. The audio track has no noticeable blackouts or problems....

$25
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MP4 (video)

Brick Tilley
Crumbz by Brick Tilley

Rene Lavand became known around the world for his version of this classic "Two in the hand, One in the pocket" sequence. Using only one hand, a few small balls of some soft substance and a lone coffee cup, he was able to fool and entertain all types of spectators for decades. This, then, is a streamlined, shortened version lasting less than a minute. It plays up the surprises without becoming monotonous. It can be performed silent or using brief patter.

EFFECT: Three small pieces of foam rubber are used along with a coffee cup. Two of the foam balls are placed into the cup. The remaining...

★★★★★ $10
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Michael Lyth
DIY Cheep Three Coconut Hindu Shell Routine by Michael Lyth

Learn how to make your own coconut cups for a three ball routine.

1st edition 2017, 16 pages.

★★★★ $0
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Brick Tilley
Chinese Cups and Balls by Brick Tilley

Brick Tilley learned this routine in China from Mr. Fu in 1980. It is a 'cups and balls' routine but is performed with two rice bowls and three balls which appear to be small pieces of fruits. They are not really pieces of fruits but that is what they look like. Details of what they are and how to make them is in the ebook.

The video below is part one of a four part routine.

1st edition 2017, 5 pages.

★★★★ $10
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Eddie Joseph
Eddie Joseph on Cups and Balls by Eddie Joseph

This ebook is a compilation of the following titles:

  • A Practical Lesson in Cups and Balls
  • Advanced Lessons in Cups and Balls
  • Last Word on Cups and Balls
  • My Favorite Routine with Cups and Balls
Four great books on one classic subject in one great volume. It contains all the material and all the illustrations of the four older books, but in an edited and slightly abridged form. Also, the material has been re-formatted so that all the moves and sleights are in one section, all the novelty effects and special apparatus cups are in another section and all the routines are together in the final section.

Over sixty...

★★★★ $10
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Eddie Joseph
The Last Word on Cups and Balls by Eddie Joseph

From the introduction:

Every piece of information - idea - suggestion and routine has been independently created, developed, exploited and tested by the author some time or other. The reader is therefore assured, he is not getting any "second-hand" material in consequence.

The colossal amount of material crammed between these covers, will provide the progressive manipulator with a wealth of valuable assets.

The book has been divided into three parts. The first supplies detailed explanation for nearly forty new moves and passes. The second is kept apart for the creation of novel effects...

$5
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Thomas (Tom) Osborne
Cups and Balls Magic by Thomas (Tom) Osborne

Tom Osborne writes:

Cups and balls have been giving pleasure, as a magic trick, to generations of spectators. It is still regarded as one of the most outstanding of all magic effects. My gratitude to Dr. Henry Ridgeley Evans and to John Mulholland for writing the story of the cups and balls, so that all may appreciate the history of this classic of magic. Thanks to Bill Hanna for the illustrations which do so much to make the book come alive.

All the basic ball moves are described in detail using clear illustrations. A section of routines is described that will get you started on your way to devising your own methods and plots....

★★★★★ $2
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Roy Fromer
The Cups: a manual of cups and balls magic by Roy Fromer

Contains over 100 ideas, tricks, routines and novelties with the Cups and Balls. Contains over 40 illustrations, engravings and photos. Includes the original Mohammed Bey routines and three authentic Easy Indian Cup routines. For beginners and experts alike.

Contents:

  • Acknowledgements
  • Publisher's Note
  • Introduction

    About 'The Cups'

  • The Basic Routine

    My Cup Runneth Over

  • Pot Holes
  • The Society Cups And Balls
  • The Traveling Skulls
  • Emergency Cups
  • Close-Up Cups
  • Impromptu Close-Up Cups
  • Avant-Garde Cups
  • Thimblerigging
  • Mechanical Cups
  • The Foo Cup
  • The Walking Cups
  • ...And Talking...
★★★★★ $2
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Antonio Romero
The Transparent Cups by Antonio Romero

A stunning routine of unparalleled talent! The cups and balls with clear glasses - transparent cups. Antonio breaks new ground in close up magic with this effect. What an idea and what entertainment.

"Antonio breaks new ground in close-up magic. What a fabulous idea." - Arturo de Ascanio

"In my lifetime, I've seen some of the greatest "CUPS N BALL" routines performed by Dai Vernon, Mike Ammar, John Thompson, Charlie Miller, Johnny Paul and the many others with brilliant routines and moves & sleights. Antonio's routine is smashing and completely blew me away! You don't need an expensive set of cups for the cups and balls routine!...

★★★★★ $20
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MP4 (video)

Lewis Ganson
Lewis Ganson Cups and Balls by Lewis Ganson

This is a silent film produced by Harry Stanley's Unique Magic Studios. It shows Lewis Ganson performing his Cups and Balls routine as well as an effect with a glass plate, three transparent cups and three silks.

1st edition 1960s, length 9 min.

★★★★ $6
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MP4 (video)

Cameron Francis
Ken Brooke Cups and Balls Routine by Cameron Francis

Here you have a unique cups and balls routine created by Ken Brooke, using just three cups and three balls with a surprising climax: The production of a fruit or vegetable. This routine is not difficult to do and is performed by Cameron Francis as part of the Aldo Colombini Tribute series.

★★★★ $10
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MP4 (video)

Paul A. Lelekis
Defective Cups and Balls by Paul A. Lelekis

Paul presents his multi-staged routine, Defective Cups & Balls which he has been performing for almost two decades!

Even Houdini once said, "You can't consider yourself a magician unless you can perform the Cups & Balls!"

Defective Cups & Balls has Paul's complete, hilarious patter and each stage of this routine becomes more and more "eye-popping" as the story goes on. Best, yet, this routine ends with not just a double - but a TRIPLE revelation that will have everyone, including the kids, completely FREAKED OUT! It just seems IMPOSSIBLE!

PLUS, this routine will get you a huge applause from...

★★★★★ $8
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Aldo Colombini
Mo Howarth's Growing Under Glass by Aldo Colombini

It's a sort of Cups and Balls routine, yet it is done with only one cup which is actually a glass. It's a Two In The Hand And One In The Pocket routine, using the glass instead of the hand. The glass has a paper cover yet things happen without cover and under cover. It is one of those brilliantly unusual effects that you will use most of the time. A glass covered with a piece of paper and three sponge balls are shown. One after the other the balls disappear and reappear under the glass. If you like, one appears BETWEEN the glass and the cover. Two balls are placed under the glass and one in...

★★★★ $10
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MP4 (video)

Leo Leslie
Triple Colour Cups and Balls by Leo Leslie

From the Foreword

When the manuscript arrived from Denmark, Edwin asked me to look through it and give him an opinion. I was intrigued when I read it; whilst the moves appeared to be based on the old "Cups and Corks", Leo had added tremendous impact to it by the introduction of COLOUR. The whole routine seemed to 'live', and there's not a single sleight involved.

Admittedly, the 'Cups and Balls' has been done before in colour, but not with the clean simplicity of the present routine. So rake out that set of cups you have in the cupboard (or nip out and buy three plastic beakers), obtain...

★★★★★ $5
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Medjid Kan Rezvani & Michael Landes
The Cushions of the Princess: or the tomato game by Medjid Kan Rezvani & Michael Landes

This is a translation and reformatting of Les Coussinets de la Princesse by Medjid K. Rezvani.

"... it was quite a surprise, a positive one, when I received a preview copy of the ebook of this wonderful booklet. Translated by Michael Landes, it provides a clear interpretation of the routine. The routine, itself, is called "les Coussinets de la Princesse" -- the little cushions of the princess -- and is also known as "The Tomato Trick." It's a nice piece of story magic, as well as a darn good trick. The book goes into how to construct the close-up mat, the construction of the "cushions," the...

★★★★★ $25
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PDF & EPUB

Laurie Ireland
Ireland's Original Cup and Ball Routines by Laurie Ireland

The original routines of one of the greatest cup and ball men of all time. Completely revised, edited, amplified and co-ordinated. The whole field of cups and balls in one comprehensive ebook.

Illustrated with dozens and dozens of clear line drawings and written so you can follow the routines with clarity and simplicity. One of the big features is the Double Load used by so many professionals. You will enjoy learning to use your cups and balls with the aide of this great ebook.

Part first released in 1937. 1st edition 1961; 1st digital edition 2013, 74 pages.

★★★★ $7.95
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Maestro Leonardo
Maestro Leonardo Cups and Balls by Maestro Leonardo

This is one of the most innovative cups and balls routines. Maestro Leonardo featured the routine in his IBM competition entry in 2008 in the UK and received a standing ovation from the audience. There are no moves in the routine that relate to any other cups and balls effects. The loads are invisible, and there is virtually no way that they can be spotted. Anyone who plans to use this routine and is prepared to put in the work perfecting it, could have a short act that is suitable for any kind of show venue. The Medieval Cups and Balls routine culminates with the production of water, a long...

★★★★ $20
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Sean McWeeney
Cups and Balls in 18th Century France by Sean McWeeney

English translations of the seminal 18th century French works on Cups & Balls by Ozanam and Guyot, respectively, with editorial commentary and explanatory notes by the editor, Sean McWeeney. Ozanam and Guyot are to be credited with the first full-length "blow-by-blow" detailed explanations in any language of the oldest sleight-of-hand trick in all of magic - the Cups & Balls (complete with illustrations from the original texts). Translations by Jane Poveromo.

1st edition 2012, 71 pages.

★★★★★ $15
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Michael Ammar
4 Minutes of Fame by Michael Ammar

This is an introductory offer. It will soon go to $14.95

A unique twist on the Cups and Balls that puts the spectator center stage! 4 Minutes of Fame is a very special Cups and Balls routine.

Based on a concept by Dick Williams. Starting about 12 years ago Michael and Dick corresponded about Dick's concept for having a spectator perform the routine while fooling himself, and Dick urged Michael to work out some of his ideas on it.

Long since retired, Dick loved to see a working professional spending time with his creation. His enthusiasm was contagious and inspirational. He was hoping...

★★★★ $9.75
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Kent Gunn
The Fun Shop Cups and Balls by Kent Gunn

The Cups and Balls done a little differently than most. This is an unusual, direct and very magical cups and balls routine. A white ball, a blue ball, and a red ball magically gather under one cup in different ways.

1st edition 2008, 36 pages, photo illustrated.

★★★★ $30
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David Devlin
Devlin Cups and Balls by David Devlin

This is not an ordinary Cups & Balls routine. In this routine the balls are three different colors. The cups are ordinary, yet many magicians will suspect a chop cup set. This routine is nice for the trade show performer in that it resets instantly.

Includes a bonus routine with the Rub-A-Dub-Dub patter.

1st edition 2009, 35 pages, photo illustrated.

★★★★★ $8
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Trevor Lewis & Fred Kaps
Fred Kaps' Cups and Balls by Trevor Lewis & Fred Kaps

As taught by Fred Kaps to Trevor Lewis.

"This Cups and Balls routine has several Vernon touches; but there are alternative strategies which are truly outstanding and characteristic of the master, Fred Kaps." - Trevor Lewis

The warm, bright Mediterranean sunshine and Phillipe Fialho's delightful villa looking down on Nice in the French Riviera was the setting for Fred Kaps to teach Trevor Lewis his Cups and Balls routine and generously tell Trevor he could do what he liked with it. Trevor had a video of Fred performing the routine and had written it up in rough notes.

Twenty years...

★★★★★ $15
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Rachel Colombini
Tri-Color Cups and Balls by Rachel Colombini

An unbelievable routine using tissue paper rolled into balls.

The routine is basically Leo Leslie’s “Technicolor Cups and Balls” published many years ago by Supreme Magic Co. It is a very colorful routine, easy to do, easy to follow and with a logical finale. We added a finish that is both funny and baffling.

You show three cups and three pieces of tissue paper, say one red, one yellow and one green. You roll the paper into small balls and these balls penetrate through the cups, first one, then two and then all three. Finally the balls disappear and reappear under the cups! One...

★★★★★ $10
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Victor Farelli
John Ramsay's Routine with Cups and Balls by Victor Farelli

John Ramsay was called "The Magician's Magician" because even for those in the know he could create miracles. He consistently fooled his peers with his incredible skill, misdirection and unique thinking. Here are a few quotes about him:

"... We are not given to uncritical boosts.... But it is difficult to write with moderation of the work of Johnnie Ramsay. His sleight of hand is unexcelled, perhaps even unequalled. Performers who know all there is to know about the Cups and Balls are not merely puzzled, but utterly baffled by Ramsay's presentation. His Cap and Pence is a masterpiece of...

★★★★★ $15
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Scott F. Guinn
Table-Hopping Cups and Balls by Scott F. Guinn

This is an exceptionally hard-hitting and very magical routine. Scott developed it with the Table-Hopping environment in mind, but it isn't limited to table-hopping venues--Scott also performs this with full sized cups in a variety of different performing conditions! If you work in the real world…this is definitely worthy of your consideration.

The Cups and Balls is probably the most-performed effect in magic's long history. However, it is rarely seen by the public these days, especially by table-hopping close up performers. Table-hopping magicians aren't willing (or able) to dedicate so...

★★★ $10
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Dr. Kurt Volkmann & June Barrows Mussey
The Oldest Deception: Cups and Balls in the Art of the 15th and 16th Centuries by Dr. Kurt Volkmann & June Barrows Mussey

This ebook is a treat for any magic historian as well as for anybody who likes to learn more about the history of the cups and balls. A collection of 20 woodcuts, copper engravings and oil paintings from the 15th and 16th century depicting conjurers with cups and balls is described in great detail by Kurt Volkmann, the president of the German Magic Circle from 1952-1958.

For example, you will find the famous oil painting "The Juggler" by Hieronymus Bosch as well as an imitation and a very similar copper engraving. Read what we can learn from the various depictions of the cups and balls. One...

★★★★★ $20
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P. K. Ilango
Indian Cups and Balls (Know-How Series) by P. K. Ilango

The Indian Cups and Balls trick is as old as Indian Magic itself. It is angle proof and traditionally performed seated on the ground cross-legged surrounded by spectators.

The cups vary according to class status. The wealthy Indian conjurer uses gleaming brass cups. The middle class conjurer uses cups made up of wood. The poor conjurer uses the cups made up of coconut shells. They make a hole on the top of a coconut half-shell and through it they will stuff rolled cotton clothes to serve as knobs to hold the cups.

Even today Indian conjurers from Kashmir to Cape Comerin are doing this Cups...

★★★★ $9.50
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Lewis Ganson & Aldo Colombini
Colombini's Cups and Balls Teach-In by Lewis Ganson & Aldo Colombini

Aldo Colombini teaches the routine with which he won the close-up competition at FISM 1976 in Vienna, Austria. It includes ideas by Dai Vernon, Charlie Miller, Pete Biro and Larry Jennings, as well as many original elements by Aldo himself.

This was part of the famous Ganson Teach-In series originally published by Supreme Magic Inc. Rights are now owned by Martin Breese whom we thank for the kind permission to reproduce this booklet.

[Get the full collection of all 17 Teach-Ins at a huge discount.

1st edition 1977; original 26 pages; PDF 35 pages.

  1. CONTENTS
  2. DEDICATION
  3. INTRODUCTION
  4. THE COLOMBINI PRESENTATION
  5. REQUIREMENTS
  6. SET-UP
  7. GETTING READY
  8. PERFORMANCE
  9. - THE...
★★★★★ $9.50
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R. Shane
The Sting by R. Shane

This routine made me dust of my cups after many years of dormancy. Read for yourself from the introduction how this routine came into being and you will understand that this is not your typical cups & balls. (This routine besides a few further comments already appeared in Pentalogy.):

It's funny how things go, sometimes. Back when I started in magic, the Cups and Balls was the one routine I spent hours and hours on, trying to get everything just so. We're not talking some Vernonesque, sleight mad piece of craziness; this was the basic routine I found in The Amateur Magician's Handbook. But there was something about it that just...

★★★ $6
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