Magic is a type of entertainment enjoyed by almost all people. There are those who simply enjoy the illusion, accepting it as true magic. Others recognize that it is illusion and enjoy it anyway. Still others get enjoyment out of figuring out how the illusion could have been created. There are even a few people who see the magic trick done and become inspired to follow the same path as a magician, whether for their own enjoyment, to entertain friends and family, or to follow the professional route.

Magic tricks come in several different types. First is the magic you perform up close. This might be in your home or a friend's house. You probably wouldn't stop and say "Oh, now I'm going to do a magic trick" before doing it. An example would be the match trick. You take a box of matches out and start to light a candle or cigarette. But when you open the box it appears that all the matches are used. At that point you can make a comment like "I hate it when people put used matches back in the box." Then you proceed to take out the used match and strike it to light the candle.

You could say something about saving money by using the matches twice, but your guests will not be able to figure out how you did it.

The secret to this trick is easy to learn but will require some advance planning. First, you must dip new matches in black ink, and wait for them to dry. After they are thoroughly dry, gently rub them in a little bit of ash and either put them back in the box, or stash them in an ashtray. It will appear that you have been able to strike a previously used match. The key to making this trick successful is to be totally offhand about it.

Another type of magic tricks is those performed from a platform. These are the kind of tricks where you cut a person in two, then reassemble them, or you may cause a person or object to levitate.

The third type of magic trick is known as stage magic. These are the David Copperfield type of extravaganzas where the Statue of Liberty disappears or a 747 jet plane. Usually in this type there will be a lot of visual effects, smoke, lights, maybe even fireworks to add to the excitement level.

When you set out to learn magic tricks, you can start with a book or beginner's magic kit. This will give you a concept or two to practice with. But once you've learned the concept, make it your own by figuring out how can use the secret in a different way to make it original. People won't continue to watch the same trick over and over again. They'll either decide it's too boring or they'll figure out how you did it which is even more boring.

Once you've learned a secret, it's also important that you not tell everyone how that trick is accomplished. Not only does it mean you can't do the trick again, but the performance of other magicians is spoiled as well. When you take the Magician's Oath, you should be prepared to keep your word.

Finally, any trick no matter how simple should not be presented until you are prepared to present it flawlessly.