I enjoy performing the Magic Square. However, when I perform it, I never use the term 'Magic Square'.

I just call it a 'Number Grid'.

My reasoning for this is: It is so easy for folks to do a google search for the titles we use for our effects.
Now with I-Pads etc., folks can perform a search instantly right at the performing venue!

Of course my point is: Why should we make it so easy for them? Try it. Google Magic Square and you get everything you ever wished to know about MS's.[ including Magic Square Generators ] Google Number Grid and you get a completely different entity.

I believe using the common names of effects is a BIG mistake ...especially in this 'instant access electronic age'.

Remember the good old days, before computers. A curious guest would actually have to make a trip to a library to take a chance at finding an explanation.[ of course few would ever make such an effort ].

Now...the Super Library of the Internet...is carried in ones pocket.

Thoughts?

Happy trails.
Rich

I do the MS and I've never thought that someone would google it there and then! But if it makes you feel better I think calling it a grid is a good idea. Things were so much easier pre electronics!!

It makes me feel better if performers begin realizing that calling effects by the names 'we' use is not a good idea.....anymore.

Just this past Sunday, after my signature Giant Haunted Key routine [ I of course never call it that ],and as I was leaving the table... a girl was searching away on her I Phone and being prompted by her Dad. Now, if I had used the name 'Haunted Key'....all she would have to do is go to You Tube, and search 'haunted key'...and just the plethora of awful demo's would give away the farm. Try it.

Most folks don't bother, but there always are some who just can't resist wanting to know how something is accomplished.

Thank-you for your reply.

Rich

No.

Yeah... I agree with the original post. Even if it's not too common for people to google names of effects, it does no harm not to mention them.

Apparently people will just do a search for "really boring trick that obviously works by some mathematical principle"

I also wondered in the past if it was a good idea to name the "Magic square" during an act. Mr. Lorayne does so and always obtain a standing ovation with his presentation, so...

I recently presented the David Berglas version (birthday date) during a private party, and there was a mathematics teacher from a well known Paris University. When she saw me drawing the square, and before my explanation of what I was doing, she said "Oh !!! Magic square !!!"
Believe me : during the final counts, I saw her jaw dropping ! Some of her friends asked her if she could do such things...she emphatically said : "Nooo !! Not as advanced as what he just did !!! and so fast !!! "

Morever...for the Internet research thing : If someone write "Magic square", here is the definition he will obtain : "a magic square of order n is an arrangement of n2 numbers, usually distinct integers, in a square, such that the n numbers in all rows, all columns, and both diagonals sum to the same constant"...

Rows. Columns. Diagonals. No other combination mentionned.

So...as far as I'm concerned, I explain before what is a Magic square, insisting on the RCD property. After this, the impact is multiplied by...the number of jaws

Jérôme

Maybe I'm out of touch (yeah, maybe!), but don't most folks (or at least a significant minority) know what a Magic Square is anyway?

Or at least amongst the subset of humanity that would appreciate the effect.

You'll be telling me that modern-day youths don't get a solid grounding in Latin next.

Hi,

Magic square isn't the name of the effect, it is a (fairly) well known mathematical principle. It was used a lot in Dan Brown's most recent book wasn't it (and I think it was repeatedly written that it was nigh on impossible to create one!).

I use the MS in my act a lot and have no problem with people googling it.

I fully agree with Jerome here. Explain what it is and how it works then push the boundries and do the seemingly impossibe with it.

Whatever you do, don't call it a magic square. Call it a "Thumb Tip."

or a "Zombie."

That way, when they google it, they will get confusing results.

Or call it a "Matrix." That will send them into a Google whirlwind.

Here's a thought. Set up a web site that has the term "Magic Square" in the meta tags, but concerns some other effect entirely. It could even have references to Escher.

Lay out a trail of red herrings.

I used MS in a recent performance calling it the "Zen Squares". We also added a fun finale to the whole thing with my partner. He had three audience members select cards before I started my script. Then, when I was done with the interrelatedness and universal belonging bit . . . he then had the card-pullers look at their cards and compare them to the center four squares . . . their cards actually matched the three single-digit numbers in my center square. Amazing. The guy I work with never met an effect he can;t get a card into :o) A little fun extending the effect for a tandem presentation.

The Bill Palmer made my morning.
I call it the Cups and Balls. Now they ask me if all those numbers are really genuine.

Calling it a "number matrix" makes perfect sense since that's what it is. Thanks Rich and Bill! I'll use that.

I've been trying to keep from using "our" terms on everything now. come to think of it, it never was a good idea even before smartphones.

Andre

unfortunately the very FIRST hit on google when you put the term 'magic matrix' is the wikipedia entry for magic square...

I have never used any Term for an effect that comes in the catalogue
as your own routine & script & fun make it a great piece of entertainment...

I use MSq in many private functions to good success I never mention the name.....

cheers

We did magic squares at primary school. I also did them in the final year of a university mathematics degree.

From my experience outside magic I'd guess the term is fairly commonly known, but the properties that magicians use, slightly less well known. Although I'm sure my university classmates could work out with a bit of thought if they felt the need to.

I love performing the MS, but agree, maybe I should use another name for it.