“Expand what you already have before you add something new.”
— Sanderson’s Third Law
In magic, as in life, the temptation to chase something new is constant. We want fresh tricks, the latest technology, or the next big breakthrough. But Sanderson’s Third Law reminds us of a crucial truth—before adding more, we should first explore how much we can do with what we already have.
I’ve seen this principle play out in countless ways, whether performing for families in Blue Bell, amazing audiences in Lansdale, or crafting unique experiences in Spring House. Some of my strongest performances weren’t about learning new tricks—they were about taking what I already knew and making it stronger, deeper, and more engaging.
What It Means for Magicians
A common mistake among magicians—especially beginners—is assuming that more tricks equal a better show. But great magic isn’t about quantity—it’s about quality.
At a recent event in Lansdale, I performed a classic effect—one I had done hundreds of times before. But this time, instead of just repeating what I always did, I asked myself:
✔ Can I refine my presentation?
✔ Can I add layers of storytelling?
✔ Can I make the audience feel more involved?
By making these adjustments, the same trick became ten times stronger, without learning anything new.
That’s the secret: a well-practiced trick, enhanced and refined, will always be stronger than a brand-new trick that isn’t fully developed.
How Magicians Expand Before Adding
✔ Improve the Presentation – Better storytelling, humor, and pacing elevate a trick.
✔ Find Deeper Methods – Can the sleight-of-hand be smoother? Can the misdirection be stronger?
✔ Enhance Audience Engagement – The more the audience is involved, the more memorable the trick becomes.
✔ Adapt for Different Audiences – A trick that works for adults can be modified for kids, and vice versa.
✔ Build on What Already Works – Instead of learning five new card tricks, make one card trick unforgettable.
Great magicians don’t just collect tricks—they master and refine them.
What It Means for the Audience
The principle of expanding before adding isn’t just for magic—it applies to every skill, craft, and career.
At a performance in Blue Bell, I noticed something interesting. A guest told me they had recently started learning guitar. Instead of practicing a few songs deeply, they kept jumping from one song to another, never perfecting any. The result? They were frustrated and felt like they weren’t making progress.
This is exactly what Sanderson’s Third Law warns against. Instead of constantly seeking something new, ask: “How can I do more with what I already have?”
This applies to:
✨ Public speaking – Get better at one speech before writing another.
✨ Sports & fitness – Improve form before adding heavier weights.
✨ Business & creativity – Refine existing ideas before chasing new ones.
✨ Personal skills – Master one language, one recipe, or one instrument before moving on.
Instead of more, focus on better.
Everyday Magic: How to Expand Before Adding
This law is a game-changer when it comes to learning, improvement, and mastery. Here’s how to apply it:
- Refine Before Expanding
- In Magic: A single great effect, performed with confidence, is better than ten half-learned tricks.
- In Life: Focus on depth over breadth—improve existing skills before moving on to new ones.
- Make Small Adjustments That Have Big Impact
- In Magic: Changing just the timing of a reveal can make an illusion ten times more powerful.
- In Life: Small changes—better posture, improved eye contact, or slight word choices—can transform how people perceive you.
- Master the Fundamentals
- In Magic: The best magicians don’t just know more tricks—they do basic tricks exceptionally well.
- In Life: Mastering core skills (like writing, speaking, problem-solving) will help in every area.
- Test and Adapt for Different Audiences
- In Magic: A good trick can be adjusted for kids, adults, or corporate settings.
- In Life: A great idea, product, or skill can be repackaged and improved for different audiences.
- Ask: How Can I Make This Even Better?
- In Magic: Every trick can be improved with better structure, scripting, or audience interaction.
- In Life: Instead of jumping to the next challenge, look at what you’re already doing and ask:
How can I refine this? How can I make it more effective?
Wrapping Up: Mastery Before Novelty in Blue Bell, Lansdale, and Spring House
Sanderson’s Third Law teaches us that chasing new things too soon weakens growth. Whether I’m performing in Blue Bell, Lansdale, or Spring House, I know that my strongest material isn’t the newest—it’s the material I’ve expanded, refined, and perfected.
So, before adding something new to your life—a new trick, a new skill, a new challenge—ask yourself: Have I truly mastered what I already have?
Because when you take what you already know and push it further, that’s when real magic happens.
