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Hey guys.

I've just started practicing some card tricks, and am now looking to buy a mat that I can perform in front of small groups.

Basically, I need some advice on what to look out for. Is there an ideal fabric? A thickness? I've been watching a lot of videos from CardMechanic and Jeremy Tan, among others, and they have thick looking mats.

I'm probably stuck to buying from Amazon.co.jp, with their list mainly looking like cheap crap, unfortunately., though it's possible I could buy from Penguin Magic instead, or search at some obscure Japanese magic internet shops to buy from.

I have two very serviceable types - one very inexpensive and flexible and the other is hard backed

Inexpensive - rolls up - cheap enough to buy one regardless - I have one of these in medium green

https://www.penguinmagic.com/p/10875 - black
https://www.penguinmagic.com/p/14883 - green
search for “Deluxe Close-Up Pad” for the rest


hard backs - much pricier - totally worth it - all great, just a matter of color and size. I have 3 in medium and large sizes - small is a bit too small for my needs:

https://www.penguinmagic.com/p/S36164 - orange crushed
https://www.penguinmagic.com/p/S36165 - red
search for “Elegant Close-up Pad by TCC” for the rest


The Deluxe is the thicker version of the roll up - exactly how much give and bounce you want/need can be a question, but for most card purposes the thick ones are the ones you want - softness and bounce is a factor as well, especially with coins, and needs can depend on the tricks and methods being employed - but both of these pads have great characteristics for both card and coin magic of all varieties for me - I think you would need to be a specialist to need anything else.

Some mats can leave trails when you drag on them, which can be undesirable - these are also fine in that regard, leaving no such trail.

As a beginner there is no reason to get the more expensive hard back, aside from looks, as long as you have a table to put the roll up one on. And should you want one later there are nicer ones for bigger bucks that look prettier and have real wood backs to be had from custom makers…

For me I cant justify the nicer wood backs at my level of practice - but I have a think tank working on justifications as we speak…

A big thank you for those links!

Already seriously thinking about getting the Deluxe Close-Up Pad 16X23 (Red). If I were certain that card tricks and magic are to be a longtime hobby, I'd get the Elegant Close-up Mat in red instead. But for now, I guess best not to spend $65 on an item that I may not use enough to justify.... like you, need to think of a justification.

Hey there,

In case you're wondering, I went and bought the red Deluxe Close-Up Pad. It's great! Will be using that, with the aforementioned elegant mat in my Penguin Magic site wish list.

Thanks again for the advice!