Hi.

Should I read the book or watch the DVDs first?

:)

I'd read the book first. The DVDs are a great companion but there's so much more in the book. First step is to learn the stack, though. Both sources have Tamariz' tips on this.

Absolutely read the book first. I would view the DVD as a supplement to the book - a "visual aid" rather than a sole learning source. I think the best part of the DVD is watching how the maestro himself works when he routines these effects together in performance.

Definitely the book first.

In my opinion, the book has tons of intricate details which were kind of left out on the video, which might be attributed to the medium of using words than actual action.

Then again, getting the chance to witness Juan rocking his stack in person is no doubt one of the best experiences and lessons you can learn.

I have to agree with the previous posters: first read the book and, then, enjoy watching how the Maestro puts in practice all his arsenal of subtleties.

If you have them both then watch the DVDs. At least the performances anyway so you can take notes and use them as a reference when reading the book. That way you can focus your learning on what immediately appealed to you during the performances. The book is really great but I'd wager there are a lot of things in there you won't be willing to try out. It's a long read if you follow along with cards in hand. Quite a bit of the routines in there require complete and I mean COMPLETE mastery of the stack. Immediate recall under fire and decent estimation skills. The routines he put on the DVDs are the most practical ones out of the book. And yes there are a few VERY impractical routines in that book no matter what anyone may tell you. Just read some of the explanations yourself. Still my favorite book on mem deck magic though.

Tamariz says on the DVDs that the book is a much better way to learn. But he also acknowledges that not everyone is going to do that, and that the DVD's are complementary anyway. Hate to split the baby, but the best approach is to get them both, IMO. The DVDs may turn you onto some things you might have otherwise overlooked, but the book is much better at giving a clear explanation of how to actually do the effects.

I do agree with Bobby. The book is the heart and soul of the combo, but the DVD's are such great motivators. Watching Tamariz at any time is a treat, but having him teach you the stack you will use forever makes the work required easy and fun.