: Beam is famously witty. His books are as much about the "bits of business" and jokes as they are about the mechanics.
The Art of the "Almost" Self-Working Trick: A Guide to Steve Beam’s Semi-Automatic Series Steve Beam's semi-automatic card tricks
Steve Beam defines these tricks as those requiring little to no difficult sleight-of-hand, but still demanding a performer’s touch. While the "engine" of the trick might be mathematical or structural, the success depends on: : Simple moves that hide the method. Psychological layers : Misdirecting the audience's logic. Engaging presentation : Turning a procedure into a story. Why Every Magician Should Study Beam : Beam is famously witty
: By using "semi-automatic" methods, you free up your brain to focus entirely on the audience. Steve Beam's semi-automatic card tricks