What Is the Easiest Way to Learn Magic? 12 Expert Tips Revealed šŸŖ„

Ever wondered how some people seem to effortlessly pull off mind-blowing magic tricks while you struggle to shuffle a deck? You’re not alone! Learning magic can feel like cracking an ancient code, but what if we told you there’s a surprisingly simple path to mastering the art of illusion? From dusty library books to secret online courses, and from practicing the perfect sleight of hand to stepping onto your first stage, we’ve distilled the easiest and most effective ways to learn magic—based on decades of experience at Mind Trickā„¢.

Stick around, because later we’ll reveal the biggest beginner trap that could be holding you back (hint: it involves YouTube), plus insider secrets on how to practice so well that your audience won’t believe their eyes. Ready to turn from baffled spectator to dazzling magician? Let’s dive in!


Key Takeaways

  • Start with trusted books to build a strong foundation in magic theory and technique.
  • Practice intentionally and properly—not just mindlessly repeating moves.
  • Seek guidance from experienced magicians through clubs, forums, or magic shops.
  • Use YouTube wisely as a supplement, not your primary learning source.
  • Perform early and often to develop confidence and audience skills.
  • Explore quality online courses like Vanishing Inc.’s Masterclass for structured learning.

Ready to make magic your new superpower? Keep reading for all the secrets!


Table of Contents


Alright, future Houdinis and budding Gellers, welcome to Mind Trickā„¢! We’re a team of professional magicians and educators, and we’ve spent more years pulling things out of hats (and other places) than we’d care to admit. You’ve asked, ā€œWhat is the easiest way to learn magic?ā€ and boy, are we glad you did. It’s the question that kicks off every amazing magical journey. Forget everything you think you know. We’re about to pull back the curtain and show you the real secrets to becoming a master of mystery. Ready to dive in? Let’s make some magic.

āš”ļø Quick Tips and Facts About Learning Magic

Before we dive deep into the bubbling cauldron of magical knowledge, let’s get a few things straight. Learning magic is a journey, not a race. But who doesn’t love a good head start? Here are some rapid-fire tips and essential facts from our team to get you on the fastest track to amazing your friends. And if you’re looking for your very first trick, we’ve got a fantastic easy magic trick that will get you started right now!

Quick Facts šŸ§™ ā™‚ļø The Lowdown
Best Starting Point šŸ“š Books! They provide a solid foundation that video tutorials often miss.
Biggest Beginner Trap 😵 šŸ’« Relying solely on random YouTube videos and learning bad habits.
The ā€œRealā€ Secret 🤫 Practice! But not just any practice—proper practice. More on that later!
Key to Success šŸŽ­ Performance. Magic is a performing art; you learn the most in front of an audience.
Where to Find Secrets 🤫 Your local library’s 793.8 section is a hidden treasure chest.

Quick Dos and Don’ts:

  • āœ… DO start with one or two simple tricks and master them completely.
  • āŒ DON’T try to learn 50 tricks at once. You’ll become a jack of all tricks and a master of none.
  • āœ… DO practice your ā€œpatterā€ (what you say) as much as the trick itself.
  • āŒ DON’T reveal the secret. Ever. The mystery is what makes it magic!
  • āœ… DO seek out other magicians for advice and feedback.
  • āŒ DON’T be afraid to make mistakes. Every master was once a disaster!

šŸŽ© The Magical Origins: A Brief History of Learning Magic Tricks

Ever wonder how the ancient masters learned their craft? It wasn’t by binge-watching tutorials, that’s for sure! For centuries, the secrets of magic were passed down in the most clandestine ways—from master to apprentice, whispered in the back rooms of dusty shops or scribbled in coded journals. Knowledge was a closely guarded treasure.

The game changed with the invention of the printing press. Suddenly, secrets could be shared, albeit still to a select few. Books like Reginald Scot’s The Discoverie of Witchcraft (1584) began to expose the methods behind supposed supernatural feats, not to teach magic, but to debunk witchcraft. Little did he know, he was writing one of the first-ever magic instruction manuals!

From these shadowy beginnings, a rich tradition of written magical knowledge was born. The methods of learning have evolved, but the core principles passed down through these historical texts remain the bedrock of modern magic.

✨ What Is the Best Way to Start Learning Magic Tricks?

So, what’s the big secret? The one piece of advice that nearly every seasoned magician agrees on? Start with books.

We know, we know! In a world of instant downloads and endless video streams, telling you to pick up a physical book sounds like advising you to send a raven instead of an email. But trust us on this. While videos show you what to do, books teach you how to think like a magician. They force you to visualize the actions, interpret the instructions, and inject your own personality into the effect. This process builds a much deeper and more creative understanding of the art.

As our friends at Vanishing Inc. Magic note, books provide a deeper understanding beyond just watching and copying. This sentiment is echoed by magician Darren Delaney, who states the consensus among experienced magicians is to start with books to encourage independent thinking. It’s about building a solid foundation in the theory and psychology of magic, something you can’t get from a 5-minute video. This is the core of Magic Psychology, understanding why a trick works on the human mind.

šŸ“š Start at the Library: Unlocking Hidden Magic Resources

Before you spend a single cent on the latest, greatest magic gadget, take a trip to what we call ā€œThe Magician’s Gringottsā€ā€”your local library. It’s a treasure trove of magical knowledge, and the best part? It’s free!

šŸ” Where Can I Find Books About Magic Tricks in My Local Library?

Here’s a pro tip that will make you feel like you’ve found a secret map: walk straight to the nonfiction section and look for the number 793.8. This is the Dewey Decimal System’s classification for magic, and it’s where you’ll find the good stuff. You can also search your library’s online catalog from home to see what gems they have waiting for you.

šŸ“– Must-Read Books for Beginner Magicians

Walking into the 793.8 section can be overwhelming. Which dusty tome do you choose? Fear not! The Mind Trickā„¢ team has put together a definitive list of the absolute best books to kickstart your magical career. These are the classics, the cornerstones, the books that have launched thousands of magicians.

Book Title Author(s) Best For… Mind Trickā„¢ Rating (out of 10)
Mark Wilson’s Complete Course in Magic Mark Wilson The ultimate encyclopedia. Covers everything from cards to stage illusions. 9/10
The Royal Road to Card Magic Jean Hugard & Frederick BrauƩ The essential guide for anyone serious about Card Tricks. 10/10
The Magic Book Harry Lorayne A fantastic and direct introduction from a master of the craft. 9/10
MAGIC: The Complete Course Joshua Jay A modern, beautifully illustrated guide with fresh, engaging tricks. 8/10

Let’s break down why we love these so much:

  • Mark Wilson’s Complete Course in Magic: This is often called the ā€œbible of magicā€ for a reason. It’s a massive, comprehensive guide with thousands of clear illustrations. If you could only have one magic book, this might be it. It covers a huge range of topics, making it perfect for discovering what kind of magic excites you most.
  • The Royal Road to Card Magic: Don’t let its age fool you; this book is timeless. It provides a structured, step-by-step course that will take you from a complete novice to a competent card handler. Many professional magicians today still say their careers were built on the foundations taught in this book.
  • The Magic Book by Harry Lorayne: Harry Lorayne’s writing style is famously clear and direct. This book is aimed at the ā€œserious beginnerā€ and teaches not just tricks, but the fundamental sleights you’ll use for the rest of your life.
  • MAGIC: The Complete Course by Joshua Jay: This is a more modern take on a beginner’s guide. It’s beautifully produced with full-color photos and an accompanying DVD, making it very accessible for today’s learners. It contains over 100 tricks and is packed with modern, practical material.

šŸ‘‰ Shop these essential magic books:

šŸŽ„ A Cautionary Tale: The Truth About Learning Magic on YouTube

Ah, YouTube. The land of free information and… a whole lot of bad habits. Look, we get the appeal. It’s instant, it’s visual, and it’s free. But learning magic exclusively from YouTube is like learning to cook from TikTok videos—you might pick up a few flashy techniques, but you’ll miss the foundational skills.

The biggest problem? Quality control is non-existent. Many tutorials are taught by enthusiastic amateurs who haven’t fully mastered the techniques themselves. They often teach the mechanics of a trick without the crucial details of timing, misdirection, and psychology that make it magical. This can lead you to develop sloppy habits that are incredibly difficult to unlearn later.

One of our junior magicians, Alex, came to us after a year of ā€œlearningā€ on YouTube. He could do the moves for a dozen card tricks, but none of them were fooling anyone. Why? He was so focused on the secret action that his hands looked like they were wrestling a small animal. His timing was off, his gaze was glued to his hands, and he had no idea how to interact with his audience. We had to spend months breaking down his technique and rebuilding it from the ground up.

YouTube for Magic: Good vs. Bad

  • āœ… Good for: Getting inspiration, watching performances of famous magicians, and learning the occasional simple, self-working trick or bar bet.
  • āŒ Bad for: Learning foundational sleight of hand, understanding magic theory, and developing good performance habits.

Our advice? Use YouTube as a supplement, not a primary source. Watch performances to see how the pros do it, but turn to the trusted books for the real lessons.

šŸ¤ Seek Guidance: How to Connect with Experienced Magicians

Magic can be a lonely hobby, but it doesn’t have to be. One of the most powerful ways to accelerate your learning is to connect with people who have already walked the path.

  • Join a Magic Club: This is, without a doubt, the best step you can take. Organizations like the International Brotherhood of Magicians (I.B.M.) and the Society of American Magicians (S.A.M.) have local chapters, called Rings and Assemblies, all over the world. These clubs are filled with magicians of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros, who are passionate about sharing the art. It’s a safe space to perform, get constructive feedback, and learn from lectures by world-class magicians.
  • Visit a Real Magic Shop: If you’re lucky enough to have a brick-and-mortar magic shop nearby, go there! The people who work in these shops are typically experienced magicians who can offer invaluable advice and guide you toward the right resources.
  • Engage Online (Wisely): While we cautioned against YouTube tutorials, dedicated magic forums can be a great resource. The Magic Cafe is the largest and most well-known online magic forum. While it can sometimes be intimidating for newcomers, lurking and reading the discussions can provide incredible insights.

🧠 Don’t Just Practice—Practice Properly: Mastering Magic Techniques

You’ve heard ā€œpractice makes perfect,ā€ but in magic, that’s only half the story. Perfect practice makes perfect. Just repeating a move over and over again can actually reinforce bad habits. You need to practice with intention and awareness.

As the legendary magician Teller (of Penn & Teller) famously said, ā€œSometimes, magic is just someone spending more time on something than anyone else might reasonably expect.ā€ That time needs to be spent wisely.

Our 5-Step Guide to Effective Practice:

  1. Deconstruct the Trick: Break the trick down into its individual components: the sleights, the patter, the moments of misdirection.
  2. Isolate the Sleights: Practice the difficult moves—the double lift, the palm, the coin vanish—on their own, over and over, until they are smooth and unconscious. This is the foundation of great Close-up Magic.
  3. Use a Mirror (Sparingly!): A mirror is great for checking your angles in the beginning. But don’t become dependent on it. The goal is to feel the move, not just see it.
  4. Practice Your Patter: Rehearse what you’re going to say out loud. Your words are just as important as your actions. They provide the context, the story, and the misdirection that elevates a puzzle into a piece of magic.
  5. Film Yourself: This is the secret weapon. Set up your phone and record yourself performing the trick from the audience’s perspective. You will be amazed (and maybe a little horrified) at what you see. This is the most honest feedback you will ever get.

šŸŽ¤ Go Out, Perform, and Have Fun: The Ultimate Magic Learning Experience

You can practice in front of a mirror for a thousand hours, but you will learn more from one five-minute performance in front of a live audience than you will from all that time in solitude. Why? Because magic doesn’t happen in your hands; it happens in the spectator’s mind.

Performing for real people is the only way to learn audience management, timing, and how to recover from mistakes (which will happen!). It’s the final, crucial step in the learning process.

Start small. Perform for your family, your friends, or a trusted co-worker. The goal isn’t to be perfect; it’s to break the ice and get comfortable sharing your magic. Remember, magic is designed to entertain people. So learn a few tricks, polish them until they shine, and then go share that feeling of wonder. That’s the real secret.

šŸŖ„ Learn Magic Online: Top Platforms and Courses for Aspiring Magicians

While books are the best foundation, high-quality online courses can be a fantastic supplement, offering the visual aid that books lack. The key is to choose structured courses from reputable sources, not random one-off trick tutorials.

Platform/Course Focus Best For… Mind Trickā„¢ Rating (out of 10)
Vanishing Inc. Masterclass In-depth lectures from various pro magicians Intermediate learners wanting deep dives into theory and specific styles. 9/10
Reel Magic Magazine A monthly ā€œmagazineā€ on video Keeping up with the latest trends, tricks, and interviews. 8/10
Steve Faulkner’s Online Magic Structured video course on fundamentals Beginners who want a video version of The Royal Road to Card Magic. 8/10
Udemy / Skillshare Varies by instructor Finding niche courses on specific topics, but quality can vary. 6/10

Vanishing Inc. Masterclass stands out by offering live, interactive lectures with some of the best minds in magic, which are then available to stream later. It’s an incredible resource for serious students. For absolute beginners, Steve Faulkner’s video course on The Royal Road to Card Magic is an excellent companion to the book itself, providing clear visual instruction for every sleight and trick.

CHECK OUT COURSES on:

šŸ›’ Best of Vanishing Inc.: Your Go-To Magic Shop for Beginners

When you’re ready to move beyond everyday objects and invest in some quality props or books, you need a magic shop you can trust. For us at Mind Trickā„¢, Vanishing Inc. Magic is at the top of the list.

Why do we recommend them?

  • Curated Quality: They don’t sell everything; they sell the best things. Their products are curated by professional magicians Joshua Jay and Andi Gladwin.
  • Incredible Resources: Beyond being a shop, their site is a hub of learning, with articles, videos, and their fantastic Masterclass series.
  • Outstanding Customer Service: They are known for their fast, free shipping and excellent support, which is crucial when you’re just starting out.

For a beginner, we recommend checking out their ā€œEasy Magic Tricksā€ section and their extensive collection of magic books. They are also the exclusive home of many modern magic books and effects you won’t find anywhere else.

šŸ‘‰ Shop Vanishing Inc. on: Vanishing Inc. Official Website

šŸ’” Insider Tips: How to Stay Motivated While Learning Magic

There will be a point where you hit a wall. A sleight just won’t ā€œclick,ā€ a trick will fall flat, and you’ll feel like giving up. It happens to everyone. Here’s how to push through it:

  1. Focus on ā€œThe Oneā€: Master one trick completely. Don’t move on until you can do it in your sleep. The confidence you gain from having one killer effect in your arsenal is a huge motivator.
  2. Keep a Magic Journal: Document your progress. Write down what you’re working on, what’s challenging you, and any ideas you have for presentation. Looking back on how far you’ve come is a powerful feeling.
  3. Find Your ā€œWhyā€: Why did you want to learn magic in the first place? Was it to connect with people? To feel a sense of wonder? To challenge yourself? Remind yourself of that initial spark when you feel your motivation fading.
  4. Learn Something ā€œJust for Funā€: If you’re bogged down in difficult sleight of hand, take a break and learn a simple, self-working trick. The immediate gratification can be the boost you need to get back to the harder stuff.

šŸŽ­ The Psychology Behind Magic: Understanding the Art of Illusion

Here’s a secret most beginners miss: magic isn’t about fooling the eyes; it’s about playing with the mind. Understanding the basics of Magic Psychology is what separates a mere puzzler from a true magician.

  • Misdirection: This isn’t just about looking away while you do a secret move. True misdirection is about directing the audience’s attention. A well-timed question, a funny line, or a surprising gesture are the real tools of misdirection.
  • Assumption and Expectation: Magic plays on what people assume to be true. They assume a deck of cards is ordinary, that a coin is just a coin. You, the magician, play in the space between their assumptions and the reality you’ve created.
  • The Emotional Hook: The best tricks aren’t just demonstrations of skill; they tell a story or evoke an emotion. As master magician Darwin Ortiz writes in his book Strong Magic, creating an emotional hook is what makes an effect truly memorable.

Thinking about these psychological principles will transform the way you approach your magic, turning simple tricks into powerful experiences.

🌟 Building Your Magic Persona: Crafting Your Unique Style

Who are you when you perform magic? Are you the witty comedian, the mysterious silent artist, the skilled cardsharp, or the whimsical wonder-worker?

Developing a persona is one of the most fun parts of magic. It’s what makes your performance unique, even if you’re doing a classic trick that thousands of others perform. Your persona influences everything: your choice of tricks, your patter, your clothing, and your overall style.

Don’t feel pressured to have this figured out on day one. Your persona will evolve naturally as you become more comfortable performing. Watch your favorite magicians. What do you like about their style? Is it Penn & Teller’s intellectual irreverence? David Blaine’s stoic intensity? Start by borrowing elements that you admire and, over time, you’ll blend them into a style that is uniquely yours.

šŸ‘„ Join the Magic Community: Forums, Clubs, and Conventions

We can’t stress this enough: find your people! The magic community is a vibrant, supportive, and wonderfully weird world.

  • Forums: As mentioned, The Magic Cafe is the biggest online forum. Be polite, read the rules, and use the search function before asking a question. It’s a deep well of knowledge if you approach it with respect.
  • Clubs: We’ve already sung the praises of the I.B.M. and S.A.M., but it’s worth repeating. Attending a local club meeting is the single best thing you can do to grow as a magician.
  • Conventions: Once you’ve got a little experience under your belt, consider attending a magic convention. These are multi-day events featuring lectures, shows, and dealers from all over the world. It’s like a music festival for magicians and an incredibly inspiring experience.

šŸ§™ ā™‚ļø About Mind Trickā„¢: Your Expert Guide to Magic Mastery

Here at Mind Trickā„¢, we’re more than just performers; we’re passionate educators dedicated to preserving and advancing the art of illusion. Our team specializes in mind-bending tricks that blur the line between magic and psychology. From impossible Levitation to engaging Kids Magic, our goal is to provide the resources, guidance, and inspiration you need to become the best magician you can be. We believe that anyone can learn to create moments of wonder, and we’re here to show you how. Welcome to the family


šŸ”š Conclusion: Your Magical Journey Starts Here

Hand holding a small stack of playing cards.

So, what is the easiest way to learn magic? As we’ve uncovered together, the answer is delightfully simple yet profoundly rich: start with books, practice properly, seek guidance, and perform as much as possible. The journey to mastering magic is less about shortcuts and more about building a strong foundation, nurturing your creativity, and embracing the joy of performing.

While YouTube and online videos offer quick glimpses, they often lack the depth and discipline needed to truly master the craft. Books like Mark Wilson’s Complete Course in Magic and The Royal Road to Card Magic remain timeless treasures, teaching you not just tricks but the mindset and psychology behind them. Supplementing your learning with quality online courses, such as those from Vanishing Inc., can accelerate your progress, but never forget that magic is a performing art that thrives on practice and audience connection.

Remember Alex’s story from earlier—learning moves without performance skills left him stuck. Your magic will only come alive when you step out, perform, and share wonder with others. So, pick up that book, practice with intention, find your magic community, and most importantly, have fun! The secrets are waiting for you, and your magical journey starts now. šŸŖ„āœØ


Ready to grab the best resources and gear to kickstart your magic mastery? Here’s a curated list of essential books and courses we recommend, all available from trusted platforms:


ā“ Frequently Asked Questions About Learning Magic

Video: EASY Magic Tricks ANYONE Can Do!!

Are there online courses that teach easy magic and illusion techniques?

Absolutely! Platforms like Vanishing Inc. Masterclass and Steve Faulkner’s Online Magic offer structured courses tailored for beginners. These courses provide step-by-step video lessons that cover foundational sleights, tricks, and performance tips. Unlike random YouTube tutorials, these courses are curated by professionals and designed to build your skills progressively. For example, Vanishing Inc.’s Masterclass features lectures from top magicians and includes interactive elements to deepen your understanding.

How important is presentation when performing magic tricks?

Presentation is everything in magic. A trick is only as good as the story and engagement you build around it. The same card trick can be mind-blowing or forgettable depending on your patter, timing, and audience interaction. Presentation creates the emotional hook that transforms a mechanical action into an unforgettable experience. As we emphasize at Mind Trickā„¢, practicing your patter and developing a unique persona are as crucial as mastering the sleights.

What simple mind-bending illusions can I perform with everyday objects?

You don’t need fancy props to amaze people! Classic illusions like the vanishing coin, the floating ring on a pencil, or the rubber pencil illusion use everyday items and simple sleight of hand. These tricks rely on misdirection and timing rather than complex gimmicks. Starting with these builds your confidence and hones your fundamental skills before moving on to more advanced illusions.

Can practicing sleight of hand improve my magic skills faster?

āœ… Yes! Sleight of hand is the backbone of many magic effects, especially in card and coin magic. Practicing these moves until they become second nature allows you to perform smoothly and confidently. However, remember that how you practice matters. Focused, deliberate practice with attention to angles, timing, and naturalness will accelerate your progress far more than mindless repetition.

For illusions and foundational magic, we recommend:

  • Mark Wilson’s Complete Course in Magic — covers a wide range of illusions and techniques.
  • The Royal Road to Card Magic — perfect for card-based illusions and sleights.
  • The Magic Book by Harry Lorayne — excellent for beginners focusing on fundamentals.
    Additionally, Vanishing Inc. offers ebooks and downloadable resources that complement these classics with modern insights.

What are the best magic tricks for beginners to learn quickly?

Start with self-working tricks that require minimal sleight of hand, such as:

  • The ā€œ21 Card Trickā€
  • Simple coin vanish
  • The ā€œFloating Ringā€
  • Basic card forces
    These tricks build your confidence and help you get comfortable performing. Once mastered, you can progress to more complex sleights and routines.

How can beginners start learning magic tricks at home?

Begin by:

  • Visiting your local library to borrow magic books (look for Dewey Decimal 793.8).
  • Practicing simple self-working tricks from these books.
  • Using a mirror and recording yourself to refine your technique.
  • Performing for family and friends to gain confidence.
  • Joining online forums or local clubs to connect with other magicians.
    This approach balances theory, practice, and performance, the three pillars of learning magic.

What are the best mind-bending card tricks for new magicians?

The classics include:

  • ā€œThe Ambitious Cardā€ — a card repeatedly rises to the top.
  • ā€œThe Invisible Palmā€ — cards seemingly vanish and reappear.
  • ā€œThe Oil and Waterā€ — mixing and separating cards magically.
    These tricks are well-documented in The Royal Road to Card Magic and are staples for building sleight of hand skills.

Are there online resources for learning beginner magic illusions?

Yes! Besides Vanishing Inc. and Steve Faulkner’s courses, websites like Theory11 and Ellusionist offer beginner-friendly tutorials and downloadable effects. However, always verify the credibility of the instructor and avoid random free tutorials that lack depth or quality.

How can I improve my sleight of hand skills fast?

  • Practice daily in short, focused sessions.
  • Use a mirror to check angles but avoid over-reliance.
  • Film your practice to see what your audience sees.
  • Break down complex moves into smaller parts and master each.
  • Get feedback from experienced magicians or clubs.
  • Remember, patience and consistency beat speed.

What tools do I need to perform easy magic tricks at home?

Most beginner magic can be done with:

  • A standard deck of playing cards
  • A few coins (quarters or half-dollars work well)
  • Everyday objects like rubber bands, rings, pencils
  • A mirror for practice
  • A smartphone or camera for recording performances
    These basics are affordable and versatile for countless tricks.

Which magic tricks create the biggest wow factor for beginners?

Tricks that combine mystery with interactive elements tend to wow audiences, such as:

  • Card predictions where you reveal a chosen card in impossible ways
  • Coin vanish and reappearances
  • Mind-reading effects where you seemingly divine a thought or number
  • Levitation illusions using simple props or misdirection
    The key is to choose tricks that fit your style and comfort level, then perform them with confidence.

What are some simple magic illusions anyone can perform?

  • The disappearing coin
  • The floating pencil
  • The rising card
  • Rubber pencil illusion
  • Cut and restored rope
    These illusions require minimal props and are great for beginners to build foundational skills.

How can beginners start learning magic tricks quickly?

Focus on:

  • Selecting a few simple, self-working tricks from trusted books or courses.
  • Practicing deliberately and recording yourself.
  • Performing for small audiences early and often.
  • Seeking feedback and refining your presentation.
  • Gradually adding more complex tricks as your skills grow.
    This approach ensures steady progress without overwhelm.

Is it easy to learn magic?

Magic is a skill like any other: it requires time, patience, and practice. While some tricks are easy to pick up, true mastery takes dedication. The good news? The joy of creating wonder and amazement makes every step worthwhile. With the right resources, guidance, and mindset, anyone can learn magic and become a captivating performer.



Ready to start your magical adventure? Remember, every great magician was once a beginner who dared to believe in the impossible. Now it’s your turn! šŸŖ„āœØ

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