A marked deck is a fantastic device for performing magic with cards. But, it can’t create magical effects by itself. Tricks are only as good as their presentation, handling and method.
Also, you need a deck that can hide the markings from muggles. The deck should also be clear at glance. There are two major types of decks marked with marks: reader systems and coded systems.
How to spot a mark on a Deck
A deck of marked cards is an untrue tool that people use to cheat during card games. It is important to spot a mark in order to protect the integrity of your game. With the techniques described in this post, you can protect your game from cheating and ensure that the game is performed in a fair manner.
Many magicians are hesitant to utilize a deck with a mark in practice, it’s usually an essential tool for certain types of magic. Even with a flawless presentation and sleight of hand, certain tricks are not possible with a standard deck. With a deck that is marked, you’re more likely to be in danger in performing complex moves or using forces.
Marked decks can be found in various formats, from codified to reader systems. They can be purchased from a number of places as well as online retailers. There are some that include videos on how to read markings and others have a set of routines. The GT Speedreader Deck from Boris Wild is a good example. It is a complete set of information.
Many magicians say that a marked card deck is not needed for many tricks. However most magicians who are professionals perform their tricks using a marked deck. The trick is not in the markings of the cards but rather in the skill and appearance of the magician.
How to identify the deck with a mark
The majority of custom decks that are on the market are marked. It may sound unsettling, but many magicians employ marked decks for the entirety of their shows. In contrast to gambling, where cheating can affect the enjoyment of others and then catch up to the magician, in magic it’s completely acceptable to use hidden markings as part of a card trick.
Marked decks are able to reveal the value and suitability of any card with just one glance. The majority of decks do this by writing this information on the back. Some are simple reader systems, while others use an identification code to identify the card. The most effective decks with markings are those that look like regular decks to the person who is looking at it, and also have the right size of markings to be read quickly at one glance.
Whatever kind of marked deck you choose, it’s important to practice it before playing in front of an audience. It is essential to be capable of interpreting the markings without attracting attention. If you are glancing at the card back as you try to read the markings will give away your identity, therefore you should make your movements quiet and natural. It’s also beneficial to practice under dim lighting conditions, and also to try the markings with your friends before putting them to use in public.
Beware of markings on decks
It’s crucial that when you are performing cards that you treat the deck marked with respect. It isn’t a good idea to reveal to your audience how much of an advantage you have. A shaken hand, anxious movements, or acting unnaturally when playing cards can signal the fact that you’re playing with a marked deck and they’ll be able determine your method of understanding the markings. Luckily, there are several techniques you can use to keep this from happening.
You’ll need to be vigilant if, say, your deck relies on an unreliable code to read the marks. This means you do not want to accidentally reveal this information to your viewer. That means you should avoid any movements that suggest you’re trying to read the cards. Instead, rely on the natural movements like handing cards to another person or placing the deck in front of them.
You’ll also need to be careful when choosing an unmarked deck, as the type of mark used will impact the speed at which you can read it. Ideally, the deck should have marks on the long edges of cards since that’s the way to display them when using a spread or fan. Similarly, the markings should be large enough to be easily read, and not obscured by a complicated pattern or color scheme. There are still some impressive tricks with the deck that is marked. But, you need to take into consideration these limitations to maximize the effects and decrease the chances of getting taken in.
Making an engraved deck
There are plenty of decks marked which can be used to perform card magic. If you’re looking for an excellent deck, you need to make sure it doesn’t raise suspicions from the people around you. This can be achieved by purchasing a deck with an electronic reader that looks like normal decks, such as the Maiden Back Deck from Penguin Magic.
The Butterfly Playing Cards, for example, were printed with a beautiful design and innovative marking system that has earned them high praise from magicians. The deck also appeared in an episode of Penn and Teller’s”Fool Us. This further solidified its popularity. It’s not just the design of the deck that’s remarkable: the markings on the cards are printed instead of transferring them using rub-on. They are also easy to read.
The DMC Elites is another excellent option. It includes a mini-book of 32 pages which describes the deck, as well as directions on how to do nine different routines. The booklet was created by the magicians who designed the deck. The booklet is available in PDF format on the DMC website. Boris Wild also teaches this method in his book The Secret in Plain Sight, (2001), and in his notes for lectures Transparency, (2012).