So over the last few weeks I have performed a couple of mathematical magic tricks which I have put on my Youtube channel.
As part of the 24 Hour Maths Magic Show, when I was hosted by the amazing Chris Smith, I performed a trick based on the curious phrase "David Lovel in yon abbey". You can watch the trick and find out how it relates to the phrase.
At the virtual MathsJam 2020 Gathering, with the help of Ruth, I performed my favourite Martin Gardner card trick - you can watch this one here.
While I love both these tricks, I feel that the real magic may not be apparent to the viewer. The first trick relies on the kind of linguistic / mathematical properties that appeal to many mathematicians (see for example Alex Bellos's wonderful new book The Language Lover's Puzzle Book) while the second one depends on the magician dictating the sequence of play in a game of knots and crosses. Are these tricks are more interesting to perform than to watch?
No comments:
Post a Comment