Stairway by Markobi

“Stairway” is much more than a book about magic; it’s an initiation into the captivating world of world champion Markobi. Although it may seem specialized, this book is designed for everyone: whether you perform on stage or close-up, whether you love card tricks or not, and whether you are passionate about competition or not. Written at a crucial moment in his career, this book unveils the secrets behind his meticulous preparation and his rise to the title of world champion. It stands out for its unique approach, blending magic techniques, personal reflections, and practical advice to help magicians refine their art and create unforgettable performances.

In “Stairway,” Markobi shares not only his techniques and tricks but also his philosophy of magic. For him, cards and other props are merely tools to evoke deep emotions and create moments of profound connection with his audience. He describes each performance as a unique sensory and emotional experience, where every gesture and word are carefully orchestrated to astonish and move the audience.

The book is divided into several chapters that detail the various stages of creating and perfecting an act. Markobi guides readers through his creative process, exploring the psychological and technical challenges faced when preparing a magic act. He offers practical advice on overcoming obstacles and continuously improving performance.

In addition to his personal reflections, Markobi takes readers behind the scenes of his FISM act, a cartomagic masterpiece that earned him the title of world champion. Delving into the theory behind each trick, he reveals the secrets of his character, the creation of a captivating atmosphere, and the importance of improvisation in adapting to audience reactions. Markobi details key techniques such as MDL and subtle forcing, explaining how he manipulates perceptions to maintain the illusion of controlled chaos. Each carefully orchestrated sequence builds to a spectacular climax. By sharing his psychological strategies and conditioning techniques, Markobi provides an invaluable source of inspiration and expertise.

Dive into this fascinating exploration and discover how Markobi’s magic transforms every performance into an unforgettable experience. “Stairway” offers a treasure trove of inspiration and practical advice for those seeking to perfect their craft and create memorable performances. This book will undoubtedly accompany you on your own ascent to greatness.

A Few Chapters in Detail

The Creative Process: Markobi delves into his creative process, highlighting the importance of the notebook. For him, a notebook is an indispensable tool for capturing and organizing raw ideas. He explains how to fill this notebook without self-restriction and how to use these notes to develop innovative and memorable acts.

Overlaying Dreams and Reality: One of the book’s key concepts is the idea of overlaying dreams and reality. Markobi describes how to draw inspiration from dreams to create performances that transcend everyday reality. He shares techniques for bridging the gap between these two worlds, using concrete examples to illustrate how this approach can enhance creativity and motivation.

Analysis and Structure of Acts: The book offers a detailed method for analyzing magical performances, both successful and unsuccessful. Markobi has studied numerous winning acts to identify the common elements contributing to their success. He provides practical advice on incorporating these elements into your own work, emphasizing the importance of originality and authenticity.

Tools and Points of Vigilance: Markobi also explores the technical and psychological aspects of preparing an act. He discusses practicing in public, managing ego, fears, and limits, and the importance of resilience in the face of challenges. He offers practical exercises for overcoming obstacles and continually improving performance.

Competition Preparation: Markobi gives specific advice on mental and physical preparation. He talks about the importance of rituals and gentle superstitions, stress management, and the physiological parameters to consider before a performance.

FISM Act Details: Finally, Markobi shares a detailed analysis of his FISM act, explaining the theory behind each step, the structure of the performance, and the artistic and technical choices he made. This provides unique insight into the rigor and creativity required to create a world championship-winning act.

“Stairway” is more than just a magic book; it’s an introspective journey into the mind of a passionate, perfectionist magician. By sharing his experiences, thoughts, and techniques, Markobi offers an invaluable source of inspiration for magicians of all levels.

Quotes:

“Why did Markobi win the Cartomagic World Championship? The answer can be summed up in three words but requires some elaboration: he’s intelligent, hard-working, and humble.”
– Jean-Jacques Sanvert

“When Markobi performed, I couldn’t stop laughing. He has a wonderful “never mind attitude” where nothing disturbs him. I admire him completely.”
– Lennart Green

“Markobi is brilliant. All the psychological and technical virtuosity of the Tamariz school, but seeming like he just staggered, hilarious, out of a French surrealist movie.”
– Teller

“Wow, just Wow. This is not just a book on ridiculously amazing card magic. The biggest treat is learning how Markobi thinks. It is a road map to his thought process on thinking, creating, and breaking the norm. EVERYONE should read this book. I guarantee it will be a future classic.”
– Chris Kenner

Photographs by Valentin Hébert