Magic Tricks

This video isn’t for hobbyists or move collectors—it’s for working performers who want to add proven, commercial material to their repertoire and understand *why* it works. Paul’s handling of *Free Will* is a masterclass in timing and structure. While the principle is well known, his refined presentation shows how to elevate a familiar idea into something genuinely engaging. His tabled take on *Chicago Opener/Red Hot Mama* is interesting, though less suited for table-free work. The *3-Card Monte* and *Fast & Loose* segments are standouts—each updated with subtle touches that make them play stronger and feel more like interactive theater than “gotcha” puzzles. Paul teaches a Fast & Loose set up that requires just a small corner of a table ... makes it much more practical to do a cocktail parties where table space is limited.

What ties the whole project together is Paul’s cohesive theme of deception, scams, and the psychology of influence. Every routine—whether it’s *Thou Shalt Not Steal*, *The Mind-Melding Magician*, or his take on Tarbell’s classic safety-pin restoration (*The Phantom Returns*)—supports that narrative. His persona is quirky, mischievous, and completely his own, and the lessons here are about performance, not imitation. Even if you know the mechanics, you’ll learn how to turn tricks into theater. Five stars from a full-time working magician.