Marked cards are a versatile tool for card magic. They can be used to perform many different effects and also act as a safety net in case of an emergency.
It is important to remember that marked cards cannot be detected by the naked eye. However, there are many tests that can help you identify if a deck is marked. These tests include black lights and certain filters, angled lighting, and the “riffle”, to name a few.
The backs of cards can also be used to detect a deck marked. These markings are often written in a coded system, or embodied in a clockface. The information they contain can be easily interpreted, and they can give you an idea of what the value and suit of the card are.
Moreover, these marks can be tactile. Some decks employ a stripper technique, which separates cards by feeling. This can be very useful if your opponent is playing a seven-low or a high card.
For magicians performing close-up magic, a marked deck can be a powerful tool. It can provide opportunities you might not have otherwise, such as a spectator cutting a selection after he has put it in the deck or a magician recognizing the top card of the deck without touching the deck.
A marked deck is a vital part of any magician’s repertoire. Every magician should have one. The marked deck can also work well with an invisible deck, making them even more effective for close-up effects.