When it comes to marked playing cards on decks it is important to ensure that your markings are easy to read and appear natural. This can be difficult with the more on-the-spot methods of marking the cards like juice mark or tintwork.
The most effective way to do this is with a pre-prepared marker system. The best option is Penguin Magic’s reader deck. It features a an adorable Bicycle Maiden back design and offers instructional videos as well as great routine ideas.
How do you prevent yourself from becoming a victim of an adversary
If you think that a deck has been marked, it is generally okay to request a new one – however, only if you’re certain that the folks running the game aren’t in on it. If you ask for a new deck, people running the game will likely react with a hostility.
The best thing you can do to guard yourself from this kind of cheating is to buy a huge card protector that you use each time you play. It will make it more difficult for an opponent to sneak a smaller card into your palm without you even noticing. It will also protect you against more common strategies for cheating, including shooting at angles and pot-slamming.
Another thing you could discuss marked cards in a non-serious way when the topic is brought up. Unless they have been in on the trick before, most people have had ZERO marks on their cards throughout their lives. They are likely to believe that they’re talking about some trick that doesn’t utilize the cards. This will keep the players from being frightened and believing that all games are fake. This will also give them the opportunity to get away from the topic altogether and avoid getting their expectations too high.
Making Card Tricks Using Marked Decks
Marked decks make a fantastic tool for any magician. It can help you perform’miracles that aren’t possible with standard decks, and it also provides you with a cushion when your trick doesn’t work as you intended. However, you should be careful about how you will use a gimmicked deck, and choose only those tricks that make good use of the markings.
A deck of cards marked is usually a series of markers hidden from view that the magician can identify by looking at the reverse. The markings can be delicate and blend seamlessly with the appearance of the card. The reverse of a playing card, for example, could be marked with a design that indicates the value or suit. Cards marked with marks can also contain obscure symbols or patterns that require an understanding of card magic in order to recognize.
An excellent place to begin is with a printed factory reader deck, such as Penguin Magic’s “Bicycle Marked Cards”. The cards are poker-sized, and are made from Bicycle Elite that gives them a smooth feel. Two downloads come with the deck that will help you learn some fantastic routines to use with this deck. Once you’re confident with this deck, it’s time to experiment with other marked decks. There are a lot of online resources that can assist you in discovering the possibilities of a marked deck.
Utilizing the marked Decks for Magic Routines
Many marked decks have accompanying instructional videos that don’t only show how to read marks, but also offer you some good routine ideas. Penguin Magic’s Marked Cards, for example includes two great tutorial videos that highlight great card trick ideas by Rick Lax and Jon Armstrong. There are a variety of books that provide tips and the best way to use marked decks. Hidden in Plain Sight, by Kirk Charles and Boris Wild is one of the best. However, it does require you to master a particular reading system. Also, it can only be used with those markings.
Some magicians make their own decks of marks by using various DIY systems, but it is usually very labor-intensive and requires a certain level of proficiency. The most effective way to accomplish this is by purchasing an industrially printed reader deck with a clear marking system. These decks may have an Bicycle Maiden design on the back or they can be over-the-top and include 3D glasses that help you read the markings from a distance.
Some magicians fear they’ll be caught by their audience by using a mark on their deck, however this is the same as being worried about being taken in by any other gimmick or sleight of hand technique. If you manage your audience effectively and only show the deck’s markings whenever it is necessary then you’ll be able to find most spectators won’t be able to determine the secret.
Make use of marked decks for Magic Tricks
When it comes to performing card magic, marked decks can provide an additional tool that can make many routines stronger. The information you have about the card to manage the card during a trick, or show it in a surprising manner.
Your marking should be readable by magicians, but hard to spot by viewers. It must also be placed in a way that is compatible with the trick you’re performing. If you are using cards from a deck of Bicycle cards and your marker system requires that you read the back of the card the markings must be placed in a place that appears as if it is a part of the Bicycle Logo on the back.
It is possible to build your own marked decks by using a coded system or a reader, however it could be time-consuming and require the skills of a skilled. Purchasing a professionally-made marked deck is typically more convenient and economical, and will save you the hassle of having to buy your own cards.
A few magicians are concerned about using a deck marked since they fear it will increase the risk of being caught by spectators. This risk is just as any other gimmick, or sleight-ofhand technique. It’s all in how you manage your spectators as well as your use of the tool, and how natural it appears within your routine.
