When it comes time to mark playing cards on decks You must make sure that your markings are easy to read and appear natural. It isn’t easy to achieve this if you use more immediate methods of marking cards, such as coloring or juice marks.
This can be accomplished with the use of pre-prepared markers. The best option is Penguin Magic’s reader deck. It features a a very innocent looking Bicycle Maiden back design and offers instructional videos as well as excellent routine ideas.
How to protect yourself from being the victim of an opponent
You may request the replacement deck in case you suspect that a game is being rigged. Only if you are sure that those running the game aren’t aware. If you request another deck, the players will likely respond with hostility.
The most effective thing you can do to safeguard yourself from this kind of cheating is to get a large card protector and use it every time you play. It will be much harder for your adversaries to sneak an unnoticed card into your game without you noticing. It also helps protect you from more typical strategies for cheating, including pot-slamming and angle-shooting.
The other thing you can do is to talk about marked cards in a low-key manner whenever the topic is brought up. Many people haven’t heard of marked cards before and assume they are discussing something that isn’t involving them. This will stop people from becoming enthralled by mark cards and beginning to think that every game they engage in is fraudulent. It will also enable them to avoid the subject and not get too excited.
Performing Card Tricks with Marked Decks
Marked decks are an excellent tool for any magician. A marked deck can be used to create’miracles.’ This is impossible with standard decks. It also provides protection in the event that your trick doesn’t follow the plan. It is important to be cautious when and how you use the decks and choose tricks that take advantage of their marks.
A marked deck of cards usually includes a set of hidden markers that magicians can read with a glance at a card’s reverse side. The markings can be subtle and blend seamlessly into the design of cards. The reverse of a playing card, for instance might be marked with a pattern that indicates the worth or the suit. Cards may have obscure patterns or symbols that are difficult to read if you don’t have a good understanding of the magic of cards.
A good place to start is to start with a factory-printed reader deck like Penguin Magic’s “Bicycle Marked Cards”. These are poker-sized decks made from Bicycle Elite paper, so they’re smooth to handle and traditional cuts. Two downloads come with the deck that can teach you some excellent strategies to employ with this deck. Once you’re confident with this, it’s the time to explore other marked decks. You can find plenty of info on the internet that will teach you what you can do using an engraved card.
Make use of marked Decks for Magic Routines
Certain marked decks come with instructional videos to help understand the markings and provide ideas for routines. Penguin Magic’s Marked Cards, for example includes two great video tutorials that showcase some great card trick ideas by Rick Lax and Jon Armstrong. There are many books that show you how to play and techniques for using specific marked decks. One of the most popular is Hidden in Plain Sight by Kirk Charles and Boris Wild however, it will require that you learn their reading system and can only be used in conjunction with their specific markings.
A few magicians build their own marking cards by using DIY systems. However, this can be very labor-intensive and requires some knowledge. The most efficient way to accomplish this is to buy a reader deck printed by a manufacturer with a clear marking system. Some of these decks have an innocent looking Bicycle Maiden-inspired back design while others are extravagant in design and even include 3D glasses that allow you to understand the markings from a distance!
Some magicians are concerned that their audience might catch them when they use marked decks. However, it is the same thing as worrying about being caught by any other trick or technique. The magicians who practice careful control of the audience and only disclose the mark when there’s a compelling reason for it and will find it is very rare indeed for people to become aware to the secrets.
Use Marked Decks for Magic Tricks
When you’re performing card magic, marked decks can provide the ability to add a powerful additional tool that can make many routines stronger. If you are able to discern the identity of a specific card, you can use the information to manage the cards in a trick, or even make them appear in an unexpected way.
Ideally, your mark should be easily be read by magicians, but difficult to be detected by spectators The markings must be located in a spot that makes sense for your particular trick. For instance, if you’re working with a deck that’s Bicycle-branded cards, and your marker system involves reading the design on the back, the markings should be located in an area that looks like part of the Bicycle logo on the back of the card.
It is possible to create your own marked decks using an electronic system that is coded or a reader, however it could be tedious and requires the expertise of a pro. The purchase of a professionally-made marked deck is more practical and cost-effective, and can save you the hassle of having to gaff your own cards.
Certain magicians are hesitant about using a marked deck as they believe it will increase the risk of being observed by viewers. The risk is the same as any other gimmick, or sleight-ofhand technique. It all depends on how you deal with your audience, the tool and how natural the trick is in your routine.