Tutor Spotlight: Roberto Giobbi

Welcome to another edition of our Tutor Spotlight! Today, we are absolutely thrilled to feature a living legend in the magic community, the incomparable Roberto Giobbi. If you have ever picked up a deck of cards with the intention of learning sleight of hand, chances are you already have his work on your bookshelf.

Renowned worldwide as the author of the monumental Card College series, Roberto has shaped the repertoires of countless magicians. Now, as a tutor here at Sleight School, he brings his legendary expertise, meticulous attention to detail, and deep passion for the art of magic directly to your screen.

Background

Born in Basel, Switzerland, Roberto initially took an academic path, studying literature and linguistics at the University of Basel. This background not only made him fluent in six languages but also profoundly influenced his approach to magic, treating it as a serious artistic and academic discipline. After winning the title of Vice World Champion in Card Magic at the Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques (FISM) in 1988 (a feat he repeated in 1991), he transitioned to performing and lecturing as a full-time professional.

Roberto’s contributions to magic literature are unparalleled. His five-volume masterpiece, Card College, is widely considered the ultimate modern textbook for card magic and holds the honor of being the most widely translated magic book series in history. He has authored dozens of other acclaimed works, including the Card College Light trilogy and Sharing Secrets, while contributing essays to major magic publications like Genii magazine for 14 consecutive years.

Accolades and Affiliations

In the magic community, Roberto’s reputation is stellar. Since 1980, he has been one of only forty members of the prestigious Escuela Mágica de Madrid, an exclusive magic think tank founded by Juan Tamariz and Arturo de Ascanio. His lifetime of dedication has earned him some of the industry's highest honors, including:

• FISM Lifetime Achievement Award for Theory & Philosophy (2015)
• The Literary Fellowship from the Academy of Magical Arts / The Magic Castle (2012)
• The John Nevil Maskelyne Award for Literature from The Magic Circle of London (2014)
• Grand Prix winner at the Swiss Championships of Magic (1990)

What Roberto Teaches

Roberto is a master of sleight-of-hand card magic, but his teaching goes far beyond simply showing you where to put your fingers. He believes that true magic lies in the intersection of flawless mechanics, deep psychology, and compelling presentation. Students learning from Roberto can expect to dive deep into the finer details of the craft.

Whether you are a beginner looking to build a rock-solid foundation or an advanced practitioner hoping to polish a working repertoire, Roberto tailors his instruction to elevate your art. In his lessons, you can work on:

• Fundamental and Advanced Sleights: Mastering controls, forces, false shuffles, and palming with invisible precision.
• Magic Theory and Psychology: Understanding audience attention, misdirection, and the psychological subtleties that transform a mere trick into a miracle.
• Sleightless Miracles: Exploring professional-caliber routines that require no knuckle-busting moves, allowing you to focus entirely on presentation and scripting.
• Routine Construction: Learning how to combine individual effects into cohesive, powerful acts.

"Studying the underpinnings of magic, treating it as an academic discipline besides as an art, has always captured my fancy." — Roberto Giobbi

Students love Roberto's warm, patient, and detail-oriented teaching style. He excels at breaking down impenetrable, complex moves into painless, bite-sized steps. When you learn from Roberto, you aren't just memorizing techniques; you are learning how to think like a master magician.

Why Book a Lesson

Booking a session with Roberto Giobbi is a rare opportunity to receive personalized coaching from one of the most influential magic teachers alive today. Imagine being able to ask the author of Card College directly about a move you've been struggling with, or having him watch your favorite routine and offer insights that immediately multiply its impact. Whether you want to refine a specific sleight, develop a meaningful presentation, or just absorb wisdom from a true maestro, a lesson with Roberto is a transformative experience for any magician.

Don't miss out on the chance to study with a legend—check out his availability on Sleight School and book your lesson today to take your card magic to the highest level!

Sleight School is an online community for magicians at every level. Browse free tutorials, connect with instructors, and start learning at sleightschool.com.