There isn’t much to say about this latest video from expert cards man, Jason Ladanye. He controls all four kings through over a dozen false shuffles, and delivers cards with the crisp precision of a Vegas card shark. I’m not even gonna’ give him grief for the stack of Bicycles next to his £200 magic mat, I mean just look at those one handed rifles. He’s very very good, but, of course, we already knew this. 

Ladanye’s DVDs, books, and blog, are all very useful resources for the amateur card magician, but I’d advise you not to use any of his shuffles in an actual casino unless you’e sporting a pair of fake kneecaps. He’s also now offering one-on-one training via Skype for $100 an hour. That might sound costly (because it is), but the reviews have been stellar thus far. 

Good magic takes time and practice, and the best tricks can often take years to perfect. Card magician Jason Ladanye has spent decades on his craft, honing his shuffles and deals to a laser-like precision over the past 20 years. You can watch the fruits of his labor in a recent video he posted to his YouTube channel, and embedded above. 

Watch Ladanye perform riffle shuffle faros and second deals as easily as you or I breathe. It really is like watching poetry in motion. Then, if you want more, check out his website where he regularly blogs about his work, and offers DVDs, books, and other gear to help you practice your own moves.

“How will I make money?” That’s the question just about every entertainer asks themselves before making the leap to full-time professional performer. You may be asking that question yourself after the many hours of practicing your illusions, dreaming of making the leap to a Vegas show or an international tour. We dove into the archives of Jason Ladanye’s blog for some answers. Perhaps the most surprising one is a place where you’d normally be spending money: restaurants.

When it comes to restaurant gigs, the card magician, author, and teacher gave advice pulled from his own real world experience. Ladanye’s overall take of about $1,000 a month is nothing to sneeze at; nor are the jobs he secured from the connections made while dazzling diners.

Dress sharp for meetings with managers, and be prepared to show them a short trick that shows your chops. Ladanye recommends “a short phase ACR [ambitious card routine] that ends with a card to wallet.” And as with any performance field, be prepared to hear “no” a lot before you get that first “yes.”

During a restaurant gig, you’ll need to be alert to when and how you approach tables. Be sure to ask if patrons want the entertainment; you’ll get fired real quick if you become a third wheel on couples’ romantic date nights or on important family moments. If you’re good at the job, patrons may want to hire you. Have your own business cards ready, and Ladanye suggests you be able to take their contact info as well to improve your odds of landing the next job.

Maybe you haven’t been dreaming of doing strolling magic at the local steakhouse, but even your most famed magic idols probably worked their way up from similar roots. Check out the whole blog post here.