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Step 1
Understand the magician's reliance on distraction. Skilled magicians focus your attention elsewhere by using such tactics as charm, speed and beautiful women. While you're distracted, magicians employ subtle movements to accomplish their tricks.
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Step 2
Learn the science behind magic. Magicians exploit scientific principles in uncommon ways to make it appear as if magic forces are responsible. For example, magicians can use surface tension and air pressure to make objects appear to move at will.
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Step 3
Consider the psychology of magic tricks. Magicians take advantage of the audience's desire to understand the trick to direct their attention to a false method. Meanwhile, the magician conducts the real illusion beneath their eyes.
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Step 4
Appreciate the art of the magician's performance. The magician's deft movements cause the audience to form cause and effect relationships incorrectly. Many coin tricks take advantage of this when the magician holds his hand as if it contains a coin, when it doesn't.
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Step 5
Study the math that makes magic tricks come alive for the viewer. Magicians can employ permutation mathematics when they appear to read someone's mind about what card or coin they're thinking of.
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Step 6
Join the Society of American Magicians or the International Brotherhood of Magicians. These organizations trade their secrets with one another, but also pledge to keep the secrets within the private circle of practicing professionals.
