First of all, what are impromptu card tricks? Impromptu simply can be broken down to being able to perform the trick at any given moment, using any given deck of cards. These are my personal favourite style of card tricks, because they stop me stressing about elaborate set ups or getting gimmicks into exactly the right position.
That being said, there and pros and cons about both impromptu and non-impromptu tricks (any trick that can’t be performed on the spot, so gimmicked tricks and those that require set ups fall within the category), and I thought I would spend a bit of time breaking these ideas down. So without further ado, here you are:
The Pros of impromptu card tricks / the Cons of non-impromptu card tricks-
- Perhaps the most obvious pro is that they can be performed at any time, in any location, using any set of regular playing cards.
- They are often less stressful, as you only have one thing to concentrate on, and that is the trick itself, not the set up.
- They are better ice-breakers or conversation starters if you can borrow someone else’s cards- it gives it a more personal connection and feel.
- They take up less space- you don’t have to carry additional items to assist the trick.
- They often give you a greater feeling of accomplishment, as you’ve achieved an effect using only your two hands.
- They are examinable- you can (most of the time) hand back the cards afterward. You have much less to hide, and can prove that you aren’t using gimmicks, which will usually impress you’re audience more!
The Cons of impromptu card tricks / the Pros of non-impromptu card tricks-
- They are often more difficult, as they often require you using a more complicated method for a result that a gimmick could solve in seconds.
- As a result of this, they are often more likely to mess up.
- A lot of impromptu tricks don’t deliver the same ‘WOW’ factor that set up or gimmicked tricks can.
- Gimmicked tricks are most often easier, which leaves you with more time to practice other effects.
- They are often longer, as you need to justify giving yourself enough time to mess around with the deck enough to pull them off.
- Some would argue that gimmicked tricks are better ice-breakers, as they are usually more flashy and immediately impressive.
At the end of the day, however, it just comes down to personal preference. Have a play around; experiment with both impromptu and gimmicked tricks.
Some people prefer the natural style of impromptu, others prefer the eye catching gimmicks, but the only way to develop that taste is to go out there and use both!
So don’t let me keep you!
Wow! Ok, I thought the impromptu card tricks would be easier to learn and perform but you clearly explained that is not the case. I’m easily amazed by any card trick, guess my brain just can’t seem to grasp how these tricks are performed. I’ve always been interested in magic card tricks but never had the patience to learn properly. Do you have any recommendations or methods that can help a newbie learn a simple card trick?
Absolutely! There are still a whole host of impromptu card tricks that ARE easy to learn- I would recommend you take a look at my Quick and Easy Card Tricks post, which has both impromptu and gimmicked tricks outlined!
I have always been intrigued by card tricks, especially the really difficult ones. The card tricks about getting the deck set up to be able to perform the “story-telling” tricks using every card in the deck are my favorites. Good article and best of luck to you.
Those tricks are great to watch!