Arcane Crumbs #1 (October 2024)
by Alexander de Cova

Lost ideas, concepts and tidbits of legerdemain.

This issue presents a collection of practical concepts, techniques, and ideas for serious magicians.

• Theory & Concepts: The D‑E-C-O-V‑A formula revisited, the five steps of deception, false assumptions and their use in magic.
• Sleight-of-hand techniques: Advanced false transfers, structuring a performance, and an alternative method for the card stab effect.
• Presentation & Scripting: The art of writing scripts, character development, and how to craft compelling magic routines.
• Exclusive Effects & Routines: The worldwide card trick, Slippy Tip, Buddha Card, and the Key Card for Idiots.
• Letters from Eternity: A special letter from Eugene Burger with insights into the art of magic.
• Conventions & Competitions: A discussion on the real value of magic conventions and lectures.

Table of Contents

• Editorial
• The Worldwide Card Trick
• The D-E-C-O-V-A Formula Revisited
  • Different Forms of Magic
  • Clownish Magic
  • Theatrical Magic
  • Virtual Magic
  • Magic is a Technology!
  • The Five Steps of Deception
  • False Assumptions
  • The Structure of a Programme
  • 1. Compile the Trick Lists
  • 2. Compile A-Material
  • 3. Set the Show
  • 4. Create a Folder
  • 5. Practising the Tricks
  • 6. Create a Script
  • 7. Performing the Routine
  • 8. Tighten up the Show
  • 9. Develop new Material
  • 10. Smooth out the Show
  • Learning Process and Automation
  • Rehearsing a Move
  • Five Steps to Mastery
  • Putting Together a Routine
  • About Stage Fright
  • Conventions and Competitions
  • Lectures
  • Conclusion
• A Cheeky Card Force
• False Transfers—Only Better!
• The Bible of E.S. Andrews (S. W. Erdnase) Presentation Ideas
• The Slippy Tip
• Buddha Card
• Scripting (1)—The Art of Scriptwriting
  • Special Features
  • Character Development
  • Dialogues and Presentation
  • Visualisation in the Script
  • Stay Flexible!
  • Revision and Fine-tuning
  • Legal Aspects
  • A Letter from Eugene Burger
• Card Stab Impossible
• A Key Card for Idiots

1st edition 2024, PDF 36 pages.
word count: 14202 which is equivalent to 56 standard pages of text