I was wondering how many tricks are usually necessary for about an hour of walkaround magic (for example, at a smorgasbord, not table hopping)?

Sorry if this is in the wrong forum, but I don't think this belongs in the Street magic forum, and this seems to be the section that fits the best.

I would say it all depends on how long you can do a trick for. Maybe rephrase your question to be "How long should a set be for walk around?"

My answer to that question would be around 5-7 min tops. That can translate into 3 relatively short tricks (ie: Cannibal Cards, Biddle,, Chop Cup), or one long trick (ACR ending with a card to wallet).

You don't want to take up too much of peoples' time, but you also don't want to only do one short trick and move on.

Just my $0.02

I don't know what a smorgasbord is?

A good strolling set should be about 7-10 minutes IMO. Nothing should require a table and everything should reset quickly/automaticly.

LOL. Basically it's a very large buffet where people take appetizers and eat before the main meal at a party or dinner.

There are usually some small tables set up big enough for 3-4 people so they can sit, talk, and eat, but most people just stand, talk, and eat.

I guess it's an American thing Paul.

Oh sounds tastey.

i've been to a ton of smorgasbord parties before and never even knew they had a special name now I can confuse others with my enriched vocab...

You can always confuse others by calling them jaunty as well (means Edited as in happy).

As for how many effects you should carry around: besides a deck and some coins, maybe three or four other gimmicks, at most. In all, I would see only the need for nine effects total. That is how many effects I have on hand for a standard close-up performance. As long as they are hard hitting effects, you should be good.

Thanks a lot everyone! You all had great advice! Thanks

I couldn't agree more.... you want to leave when they want more, does two things
1. make them come back good for the owner and you.
2. they won't forget you, if you over stay your welcome they probably will forget you.

Another reason that it is good is because the manager doesn't want you to keep his customers there longer than they need to be. And you will be able to go around to more tables (which is very good if you are working for tips). Just make sure that you get their attention VERY QUICKLY and end with a BANG! that will of course as said earlier, want them wanting more. Which would be very good.

-Jordan Merrick