For some reason I always thought registration to the Magic Cafe was closed for a long time. Glad I found out it isn't! My name is Rick and I had a magic shop in Brooklyn a LONG time ago. Since then I became a casino dealer in Atlantic City and more recently a poker dealer in Florida. The rule back then (and kinda' now) was you couldn't be a dealer and do magic. Since I needed a steady income I never mentioned magic at all.... BUT... now that I'm retiring this December I'm back into it! Lot's of older tricks have survived the times, as well as many new tricks that are amazing. Magic apps also nice, especially when performed on the spectators phone (Inject 2.0, Realist, and Earworm to mention a few). Can't wait until my collection of new (and old) stuff grows! BTW... If you remember Tannen's Magic shop in NYC back in the 80's they always had a black velvet painting of a cute bunny coming out of a hat hanging behind the middle counter. It's now hanging on my wall because Tony Spina sold it to the shop I had back then.

Howdy and welcome, Rickster!

Great to hear about your shop and your success at a high level as a dealer!

I'm a student of Magic (I guess we all remain in such a state regardless of our accomplishments!) and currently studying with the Academy of Magical Arts in Los Angeles. It's a blast, and I get to see brilliant magicians perform at the Clubhouse throughout the week as well - learning from every single one.

Anyway, glad you're here, enjoy.

Hey Rickster999, the Magic Cafe registration was closed for years for me then one day it allowed me to join. It’s not your imagination. I think it’s wonderful you returned to your passion as many of us have. Be sure to join a local club if you have not already and if you can make it to a convention it would be swell.

I am sure with your dealer experience you could have quite some patter.

Cafe registration is closed from time to time for maintenance but it has never been closed for years at a time. It may be several weeks or a few months. We do limit registration of members using a free server like hot mail or yahoo but again it's only for a short period of time.

Glad to have you with us, Rickster.