Hello all,

I am looking for the perfect "Starter" routine for learning manipulation. Any hints as to learning this magical technique is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

I've always wanted to be a dancing pepper

Go for Jeff McBride tapes...

1)The Art of Card Manipulation.

2)The World Class Manipulation act.

These tapes are great, more than enough to learn for amateur/beginner.

Symmatrix

I have to agree with Symmatrix. I have all the tapes and they are great. Then spending time with Jeff was also awesome. Everything I do in manipulation I learned from Jeff either by tape or in person.

Jeff McBride inspired a few "IMPOSSIBLE" card productions that I've mastered. I initially had nothing but books as he did and stated in Vol.3.

To see the work in action sparked a huge fire! Jeff McBride is the way to go! Huge fella when it comes to manipulation.

If you find the McBride series too expensive I saw someone else in another topic recommend 'Routined Manipulation' by Lewis Ganson. A few other books that you may find interesting (that are mentioned on the McBride series— I take it that's where he learnt them) are: Card Fan Productions (Ed Marlo), Exhibition Card Fans (I have this book and it is great but the author has slipped my mind) and Cards as Weapons (Ricky Jay - of course only if you can afford it).

For thimble work there is a book called 'Digital Effects' by Steve Beam known as the Encyclopedia of Thimble Magic.

Just a few suggestions, although I would prioritise the McBride videos.

Yeah the McBride videos give very detailed explanations on the manipulation moves. I strongly recommend it. Jeff not only shows you the technical aspects of the moves but also gives insight on how to present them, which is very important in card manipulations. Otherwise you will just look like a fool pulling cards out of the back of your hand. Have fun practising, you will find it very rewarding.

Hey, Scot, that was me recommending Lewis Ganson's books. That's what I learned from when I was a kid so I have a soft spot for them.
Take care,
Jim