English Marked cards refer to cards which have been altered, often for cheating purposes or performing magic tricks by professional magicians or card sharps.
Marking a deck of cards requires three simple steps: bending and crimping the backs; making pinprick bumps on them; or doing cutout work.
The History of Marked Decks
When people think of marked cards, they likely picture a deck that allows card players to read their opponents’ cards by markings. While this method of cheating is technically possible, card magicians usually use card tricks instead to entertain and dazzle audiences; purists may object to using marked decks; nevertheless, it may make some tricks easier and more impressive than ever!
Marked decks can be created from ordinary cards or special decks designed specifically for magical use, with special back designs and special markings not normally found on traditional playing cards. Sometimes only some cards are marked while others might have them all marked; visual markings tend to be easier for people to detect while tactile ones such as peek devices allow identifying cards by feel.
Early marked decks arose as part of the evolution of playing cards and printing. As mass production became more common during the 1860s, manufacturers looked for ways to cut costs while increasing efficiency; this resulted in what we know today as “standard designs.” Initially these marks consisted of simply crimps or bends on cards; later this practice expanded to adding backside lines or patterns which may or may not have been legible from afar.
Modern decks are usually readily readable without needing coded systems for interpretation. Some such decks even display their value and suit on each card so they can be quickly identified at a glance; such decks are commonly known as reader decks although their origins date much further back.
One of the oldest and most beloved magic card brands, Bicycle has been around since 1885. Since its debut, the United States Playing Card Company (USPCC) has kept Bicycle strong due to their distinctive Rider Back design which can be found on every card issued from them – any changes would dilute their value intellectual property and compromise legal protection for this form of intellectual property.
Detecting Marked Decks
There are various techniques for marking cards; some more sophisticated than others; all have their uses. Marked decks may even be employed in magic tricks that require specific skill levels to perform successfully; however, before using one in front of spectators it’s essential that it can be detected as marked decks can pose risks when used publicly. A few tests exist which can help detect whether or not they have been marked: black lights, specific filters and Gambler’s Riffle Test may all help detect whether or not your deck of cards has been marked: black lights, specific filters and Gambler’s Riffle Test are all useful methods of doing just this – among many more!
Scratches or nicks are another effective way of marking cards, generally made using sharp objects and can reveal information such as suit or value. Color variations can also be used as markers, though this form of marking can be more difficult to detect.
Most spectators won’t notice small or obscure markings on a deck of cards, especially if they’re small and difficult to read. This is because most spectators won’t be actively looking out for a marked deck and won’t notice any unusual markings on card backs. Therefore, for maximum effectiveness it is recommended that large markings that can easily be read be used instead.
“Juice” or “shade” marks are a specialized type of mark commonly employed by counterfeiters to deceive people into giving away cards with lighter/darker ink than standard professional marks (block-out, cut-out and scroll work). Due to this technique being difficult to detect without the appropriate filter on one’s face (either sunglasses or contact lenses), only someone wearing the appropriate filter will be able to detect it.
No matter the challenges involved, an effective shade mark can give you an advantage in poker or other forms of gambling. Therefore, it’s vital that you learn to recognize these special markings so you can avoid them and safeguard yourself from cheaters.
Most cheaters do not have enough time to devise an elaborate marking scheme, and instead focus on marking only key cards like aces and kings that can easily be identified by poker houses using shadow techniques for detection of collusion or suspicious behavior.
Correcting a Marked Deck
Marking cards to cheat at gambling or for magical effects is possible using various techniques. One method uses visible markers or distinguishing features such as tinting or different shapes on their back. Casinos frequently alter decks sold to prevent cheaters from using them at their tables – sometimes punching holes into cards to make them easier to identify or trimming edges to make identification simpler.
Marked decks should never be used to cheat at gambling or for magic in ways that violate spectator trust. When performing magic with one, always shuffle and deal the cards carefully; using the gamblers’ riffle test (looking at the back of each card to identify its rank) is another effective method for identifying marked decks that have been marked for magic use.
Marked decks can also be read using shading or cut-out techniques. Shade techniques employ lighter ink to mark certain parts of the back design; one simple method involves subtly tinting body parts of small angel features on a card’s back design (e.g. tinting its head for an Ace or left wing for a King), or simply subtly adding ink onto them; cut-out techniques make use of razor blades to scrape away sections such as bird feathers on its design (for instance blocking them off altogether).
Magicians who need marked decks find those resembling standard Bicycle backs easiest to use; Ted Lesley’s mark-reading system works particularly well on standard Bicycles and other brands; however, for even easier use Ellusionist Keepers decks may offer better solutions since their less noticeable marking system looks completely natural to spectators and won’t raise suspicion.
Using Marked Decks
Marked playing cards can be used for two main purposes: cheating at card games or for card magic. Both methods have long histories and can provide significant advantages when used appropriately and with appropriate magic tricks. However, cheating is illegal and will eventually catch up to you and spoil the experience for all involved; additionally it’s inappropriate for most magic routines as its use would make its presence quite evident to onlookers; finally it can be hard to disguise using marked decks for this purpose.
There are various methods for marking a deck, with invisible ink being the most popular option used by magicians. Although this method allows them to avoid altering the face of their cards, it can be challenging and takes plenty of practice before becoming undetectable.
Some magicians create their own marked decks, but this process can be time consuming and labor intensive. Instead, many individuals prefer purchasing one already marked using one of several systems available – some systems depend on variations in patterns, color or shade that only experienced eyes can read; other use sensors or cameras or other concealed technology that cannot be detected visually.
A good marked deck should feature large enough markings that are easy to read quickly without giving away its true purpose. Furthermore, its markings should be large enough that even novice magicians can read them unimpeded.
There are some excellent marked deck options on the market, such as Ellusionist’s deck that comes complete with an online video offering ideas for performing tricks with it. Popular magician Jay Sankey also provides both a method for making your own marked deck and several tricks you can perform with it in his book on marked decks – both books can help get you started in using marked decks effectively in performances, though ultimately it is up to you how best to use them for maximum effect in performances.