Mathematical Card Magic: Fifty-Two New Effects (AK Peters/CRC Recreational Mathematics Series)

There are interesting parallels between mathematics and conjurors' magic. Both are realms of wizardry and - appropriately for realms of wizardry - both produce writings that are difficult to read. Often even excellent math students gain most of their technique from the live demonstrations of teachers and fellow students. Similarly, for magicians there is nothing like being let in on a secret by another magician, since magic "moves" are often so subtle that they are difficult to describe in words, even when those words are helped along by well-drawn diagrams. Learning to read math books or magic books with good understanding is worth a lot of effort, a big step from sorcerer's apprentice towards fully proficient sorcerer. We might also say that mathematics and magic share keen insights into human nature. Magic understands what people will find plausible without detailed examination. A magic trick proceeds almost like a mathematical proof. A series of simple steps, each beckoning the assent of the viewer, leads inexorably to an astounding conclusion. Mathematics also understands what people will find plausible, but in this case what they will find plausible even with the most detailed examination. A mathematical proof is like a magic trick in which the viewer is allowed to ask as many questions and perform as many examinations as she might desire, a series of simple steps again leading to an astounding conclusion. Magic sometimes takes advantage of mathematics. The patterns hidden in even simple mathematical systems can be disclosed to make magicians' miracles. This book by Colm Mulcahy presents a brilliant collection of newly invented card tricks that simultaneously leverage mathematical theorems and magical principles, transporting the reader into a Gardnerian, Nabokovian space of festive delight.

More card tricks for my collection of magic effects. As stated in the introduction these are not great card tricks but interesting principles

I have to confess that I know Colm Mulcahy. But, it's because he's fun and exciting that we are friends and thus I write a good review, not the other way around. Colm has a way of making these ideas fun and tantalizing, while bringing mathematics into the discussion. If you are looking for a way to make mathematics exciting for someone who loves magic, or if you enjoy mathematics and want to see how some magic tricks work based math, then buy the book!

Not very clear to follow

Great examples of using math to perform seemingly magical tricks - all the while exposing you to the fundamental properties of mathematics. This isn't the first book that explains the math behind certain 'magic' tricks, but it does include some new methods developed by the author and is one of the most accessible and easy to digest.

Good tricks, but hard to read unless you are a math major.

Just wasn't what we wanted. Thought I was getting a book of card tricks. I never read any pages before buying....My Bad.

Colm Mulcahy writes clearly and elegantly about card tricks based on mathematical principles. Of great interest to practicing magicians or math teachers from high school on up who want to find interesting enrichment material.

E' il testo ideale per gli appassionati di matematica e di giochi con le carte. Ad una prima lettura si possono saltare le spiegazioni matematiche che stanno dietro ai giochi, ma la bellezza del libro sta proprio in queste spiegazioni che, se comprese a fondo e approfondite, possono stimolare la creatività di ciascun cartomago.

My brother in law loves this.

Good value

really dreadful, unoriginal, and presented in an unnecessarily complicated way presumably to show you how clever this idiot is.