X (My 10 Go-To Card FX)
Book by Rune Carlsen
Enjoy the best card effects from the nearly 40-year career of award-winning magician Rune Carlsen.
Few magicians possess the level of expertise and passion for magic that Rune Carlsen has. The Norwegian magican's deep respect for advancing the art allows him to regularly create magical experiences that not only astound lay audiences, but also his fellow peers. As the legendary Howard Hamburg once said, Rune Carlsen is a "magician's magician."
Rune doesn't often release material, which is why this debut book is such a treat. X: My 10 Go-To Card FX is a gorgeous hardcover book containing detailed explanations for the 10 practical and powerful card tricks Rune adores most and performs regularly. It's the perfect blend of his takes on well-known classics as well as lesser-known gems.
Everything is explained in great detail alongside gorgeous, crystal-clear photos. To enhance the learning process even further, Rune has also created a digital community with video tutorials that you can access through the convenient QR code.
X is so much more than just a compilation of tricks though. Each effect is enriched by Rune's personal notes and essays. You'll get an exclusive look at his thought process and how his magic was evolved throughout an impressive career that has seen him win numerous international awards and make multiple TV appearances, including being the only two-time Golden Buzzer winner on Sweden's Got Talent. Everything is rounded out with contributions from beloved magicians like Shawn Farquhar, John Guastaferro, Vidar Strat, Jason Dean, Steve Ehlers, Tom Daugherty, Geoff Williams, Paul Vigil, Martin Nash, and Jared Kopf,
More than three years in the making, this remarkable collection of professional card effects is a testament to Rune's legacy. It does matter if you were already familiar with his work, or if this is your introduction, every magician will benefit from the incredible value these pages hold.
250 Pages | Hardcover | 9.5in x 8.5in
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Customer reviews for X (My 10 Go-To Card FX)
Oliver
I own far too many magic books and I've written reviews for very few of them. In this case, too, I would like to be brief and leave further information to the questions section. I have to admit that when I ordered the book, I didn't know Rune Carlsen at all. So I didn't know what to expect. So I'm all the more surprised at what I've missed so far. Rune Carlsen is not only a great performer, but has also put together a selection of really great and presentable card tricks in this book. The tricks are well explained and are supplemented by videos (still in production at this moment - only a small number of Videos are currently available). Rarely have I held a book in my hand from which I would perform almost all the tricks. The essays included are too polished for my taste. This is not to say that I think they are bad. However, I would have liked a more personal insight here. Overall, however, I maintain that anyone who likes card magic will really love this book. For me, this book is a very rare 10/10, thank you very much.
Jeff
I picked up Rune's book on a whim. The price was in that sweet spot and the routines looked doable without too much knuckle busting. As it turns out, I was correct! The book itself is probably one of the highest quality books I have seen in a while; the pages are thicker than normal and the book lays flat when trying to read and work through the trick at the same time. I also like the videos that accompany the book. I try to read the trick first to get my interpretation then watch the videos to see what I could be overlooking. I've only through the first 4 tricks due to time constraints but have been pleased with the level of difficulty. The only one that I have skipped is one with a mem deck. I don't do mem deck work yet but the video shows and alternate handling so that is cool. All in all this book is well worth the price for the caliber of tricks contained in it and I doubt you will regret having it on your shelf.
Gerhard
This is a great book. First and foremost the production values are stunning. The explanations are very good the photos are excellent and helpful. Really like the idea of the digital community for the book. Just completed reading it. My favourite effect is the Anniversary Waltz rendition. It's devious. Get this, it's great!
Jouko
Even though the tricks in this book do not require difficult sleight of hand, I was terrified after reading the first two performance explanations: I never succeed in reverse fan (used in the first trick Optical Opener) or count rapidly the distance from one card to an other in memorized deck (second trick Invisible Triumph). The first problem was solved: I have to use new deck and not the large index Phoenix one which I usually use for magic. But how quickly can your mind change! Even though the book itself has only ten carefully selected tricks there is also constantly updated digital source for these tricks and their variations. In his book Rune states that you cannot do the second trick without learning a memorized deck. Go to digital source and you notice that also Rune has changed his mind: there are two variations which do not require memorized deck! And they are as convincing as the original version. In addition to digital source there is also Facebook group which you can join if you own the book (you need to send a photo to prove your purchase). This kind of combination of book, video and social media will hopefully be adapted more widely in magic community.
Adam
Please don't buy this book! Rune, along with some of the most incredible card magicians in the world, have created an amazing book of amazing magic. The routines vary, are perfectly detailed and hard hitting. The online user community you get access to is so welcoming and helpful.
I was heartbroken though to see one of my all time favorite routines that I use at conventions all the time to DESTROY other magicians, with their own deck of cards, included in here. I thought it was a beautiful buried treasure but of course Rune would love it too. So again I beg you, please don't buy this book, I selfishly want to keep these effects to myself.
I was heartbroken though to see one of my all time favorite routines that I use at conventions all the time to DESTROY other magicians, with their own deck of cards, included in here. I thought it was a beautiful buried treasure but of course Rune would love it too. So again I beg you, please don't buy this book, I selfishly want to keep these effects to myself.
Paul
Excellent book with very impressive and powerful effects, which I have found easy enough (with practise) with my current skill set. I'm simply a hobbyiest / beginner with a strong interest in card magic who enjoys performing to friends and family. I'm learning all the time and I have learnt a great many new concepts from what I have read so far. I think all of the tricks will appeal to the beginner, who has a basic foundation of terminology and moves, as well as the confident and accomplished professional.
The videos which accompany the book, via a Face Book Group (proof of purchase needs to be shown) are very well produced. The presentation and discussion is very in depth. I was confused by a minor point in one procedure and Rune was very happy to point me in the right direction via the facebook group.
The book itself is lovey looking and feels great to hold from the cover to the high quality pages inside. As well as the tricks there are some very interesting essays as well as some new sleights taught.
I look forward to further books by Rune in the future.
The videos which accompany the book, via a Face Book Group (proof of purchase needs to be shown) are very well produced. The presentation and discussion is very in depth. I was confused by a minor point in one procedure and Rune was very happy to point me in the right direction via the facebook group.
The book itself is lovey looking and feels great to hold from the cover to the high quality pages inside. As well as the tricks there are some very interesting essays as well as some new sleights taught.
I look forward to further books by Rune in the future.
Greg
This is a book, which honestly, I picked up for no other reason than the title. I was not familiar with Rune's work nor were there tons of reviews out there for me to know what I was purchasing. Needless to say, I was excited from the beginning and when it arrived in the mail, and I opened the book for the first time, I was blown away by the quality throughout the book. From cover design to flow of the material. Everything was done with the end user in mind. It's easy to read and navigate through and overall without opening the book, you can expect based on the look alone that this book is going to be good.
The effects themselves are really enjoyable and easy to learn. There is little in the line of complicatedness like some of the other marketed products available. I don't use a Mem Deck (yet), which 2 effects do require, however the online forum does offer non mem deck options. The essays are insightful, short and again, not complicated to understand.
The cherry for me is the Facebook group where all the owners of this book come together and can use the space to share thoughts and ideas and Rune is readily available to assist where need be. The Vimeo videos are enjoyable to watch, produced in good quality and offer wonderful insights.
There were some printing errors with pictures and some grammar mishaps, which I feel a bit of extra attention to the editing would have solved, but on the whole, the writing and explanations are well written and in detail.
Overall, a top quality product with a variety of effects the working magician can use!
Well done Rune and I look forward to your next set of 10 FX!
The effects themselves are really enjoyable and easy to learn. There is little in the line of complicatedness like some of the other marketed products available. I don't use a Mem Deck (yet), which 2 effects do require, however the online forum does offer non mem deck options. The essays are insightful, short and again, not complicated to understand.
The cherry for me is the Facebook group where all the owners of this book come together and can use the space to share thoughts and ideas and Rune is readily available to assist where need be. The Vimeo videos are enjoyable to watch, produced in good quality and offer wonderful insights.
There were some printing errors with pictures and some grammar mishaps, which I feel a bit of extra attention to the editing would have solved, but on the whole, the writing and explanations are well written and in detail.
Overall, a top quality product with a variety of effects the working magician can use!
Well done Rune and I look forward to your next set of 10 FX!
Masterclassmember
Torsten
Absolutely fantastic! Please keep going!!!!
Petit-Lamy
Incredible card tricks!
Every trick is really good and praticable!
I really love it!
Every trick is really good and praticable!
I really love it!
Ricki
This was my best book of 2024 I use 80 percent of the material in this book and online materiel that accompanies this book is excellent
Yohann
According to me, this book deserves more than five stars! As a magician amateur who focuses on natural handlings to share small miracles with a deck of cards, the tricks and principles in it are pure gold. After a first read, my brain is already exploding of new ideas of presentation.
This is my favourite kind of book: Well written, with solid and well documented material, and beautiful.
I also really like the access to the digital source which provides us with some great additional informations.
Thank you Mr. Carlsen
This is my favourite kind of book: Well written, with solid and well documented material, and beautiful.
I also really like the access to the digital source which provides us with some great additional informations.
Thank you Mr. Carlsen
Dean
I have nearly every magic book you can name, and X is unbelievably great. Instead of the old standbys, Rune has graced us with 10 brilliant effects, many using a Shuffled deck. Stellar. I would give more than 5 stars if possible.
This review is my first even though I have been acquiring magic and magic books from Vanishing Inc. for many many years — many of which were quite good — but none has moved me to write before this. It is destined to become a classic. I remember getting a similar feeling going through it as when I read Scarne on Card Tricks as a kid. Thanks to all the contributors as well. Kudos!
This review is my first even though I have been acquiring magic and magic books from Vanishing Inc. for many many years — many of which were quite good — but none has moved me to write before this. It is destined to become a classic. I remember getting a similar feeling going through it as when I read Scarne on Card Tricks as a kid. Thanks to all the contributors as well. Kudos!
Martin
Amazing book can’t wait for the next one
Brett
I don't normally write reviews on here but for this book I feel compelled to. Just Wow! I cannot think of another book that packs as big of a commercial punch and hits as hard magically as "X: My 10 Go-To Card FX". Rune Carlsen has exception taste, and he is thankfully sharing it with us. I could honestly perform all 10 of these effects with pride. The book offers an assortment of some of Rune's favorite routines and some of his own. There are some killer mem deck routines as well so another reason to memorize a stack! The book is easy to follow, with really hi def photos to follow along AND an informal supplementary video link where Rune demonstrates and discusses the routines. It's more of a discussion about the history and the basic handling with less emphasis on the performance, which actually is better in my opinion. You are then forced to not parrot a presentation but rather come up with your own. So buy this book now and thank Rune later!!
Masterclassmember
Richard
Right up my alley! If you can do a reverse fan and have mastered a mem deck stack everthing in this book is well within your reach. If not, no problem. Several of the tricks are FASDIU (from a shuffled deck in use) and others require only trivial setup. A couple require standard gimmicked cards. There. are no pipe dreams and each effect is straightforward and effective. A few require some thinking on the fly, but nothing unmanageable, even for those, like me, in their dotage. In addition to the tricks, there are a couple of essays. one on the role of technology in magic and one a personal saga. The bonus section includes six useful moves/sleights that are not generally known. X is a feast of a book for experienced magicians and at least a nourishing breakfast for the neophyte.
Dean
Such an excellent book! It's very rare that I read a book from start to finish from one sitting, specially a magic book. It was so engaging how the tricks are written and the essays. The only downside for me is you need a Facebook account to access the additional content and I dont have one. (Yes, I'm one of those people) other than that looking forward for the next book 👍
