When it comes down to marking deck playing cards it is essential to ensure that the markings are simple to read and appear natural. It isn’t easy to achieve this using more immediate methods of marking cards, like colored marks or juice markings.
This can be done with an array of already-prepared markers. A great option is Penguin Magic’s reader deck. It features a a very innocent looking Bicycle Maiden back design and includes instructional videos with some great routine ideas.
How to protect yourself from Falling Victim to Opponents
If you think that a deck is marked it’s typically okay to request a brand new one, but only if you’re confident that the players controlling the game aren’t on it. If they aren’t, they’ll be hostile and try to convince you that nothing is wrong with the current cards.
The most effective thing you can do to protect yourself against this type of cheating is to buy a huge card protector that you use each time you play. It’ll be more difficult for your adversaries to sneak an unnoticed card into your game without you knowing. This will also shield you against more common methods of cheating, like pot-slamming and angle-shooting.
Another thing you could do is to talk about the marked cards in an informal manner when the subject comes up. Many people haven’t heard of marked cards before and believe they’re discussing something that isn’t involving them. This will prevent the players from being frightened of marked cards, and eventually believe that every game they play in is fraudulent. This will also give them the opportunity to get away from the topic altogether and not get their hope up.
Playing Card Tricks using Marked Decks
Marked decks make a fantastic tool for magicians of all kinds. It is able to be used for performing “miracles.’ This is impossible with ordinary decks. It also provides an insurance policy in the event that your magic routine doesn’t go according to plan. However, it is important to be cautious about the way and when you use a deck with gimmicky features, and only use tricks that make the most of the marks.
A marked card deck usually contains a set of hidden markers that the magician can read with a glance at a card’s reverse side. The marks can be delicate and blend seamlessly with the style of the card. For example, the back of a card might have patterns that indicate its value or the suitability. Marked cards can also have cryptic symbols or patterns that require a deep understanding of card magic to discern.
An excellent place to begin is to start with a factory-printed reader deck, such as Penguin Magic’s “Bicycle Marked Cards”. These are poker-sized cards on Bicycle Elite stock, so they’re easy to use and traditional cuts. Two downloads come with the deck that will teach you some great strategies to employ with this deck. When you’re confident with the deck marked then it’s time to explore other marked cards. There’s plenty of info on the internet to show you how you can do with an engraved card.
Utilize Marked Decks for Magic Routines
Some marked decks include instructional videos to help you understand the markings and also give you suggestions for routines. For example, Penguin Magic’s Marked Cards comes with two great video tutorials which provide some amazing card tricks suggestions from Jon Armstrong and Rick Lax. There are many books that will teach you tricks and techniques for using specific marked decks. One of the best is arguably Hidden in Plain Sight by Kirk Charles and Boris Wild however, it will require the reader to master their specific reading style and can only be used with their specific markings.
Some magicians create their own cards with marked markings using DIY systems. But this can be very labor-intensive and requires some knowledge. An easier option is to purchase a well-made manufacturer-printed reader deck that features clearly visible markings. They can be decks with an Bicycle Maiden-inspired design printed on their back, or they can be high-end and include 3D glasses to help you discern the markings from a distance.
Some magicians are concerned that their audiences will be able to catch their tricks if they employ marked decks, but it is the same thing as worrying about being caught using any other trick or sleight-of-hand method. The magicians who practice careful crowd control and only divulge the mark if there is a valid need to reveal it and will find it’s extremely rare for spectators to catch on to the secrets.
Making use of marked decks in Magic Tricks
Marked decks can be a great tool to enhance numerous tricks. It is possible to use the information you have on the card to manipulate it in a trick or reveal it in an unexpected manner.
The mark you choose to use should be accessible to magicians, however it should be difficult for spectators to discern. It should also be positioned in a manner that is compatible with the act you’re performing. If you’re using an assortment of Bicycle cards, and your marking technique requires you to read the back of the card your markings should be put in an area which looks like a piece of the Bicycle Logo on the back.
Some magicians create their own marked decks, using readers or codes marks, however this process is typically time-consuming and requires the skills of a professional magician. A professionally made marked deck is less expensive and more convenient as you won’t need to worry about gaffing your cards.
Some magicians worry about the use of marked cards as they believe it increases the risk of being caught by spectators. But the truth is that this is no different than for any other gimmick or hand techniques. It’s all about the way you handle your audience as well as your use of the technique, and also the way it is perceived within your routine.