A marked deck opens up new possibilities for card magic, and also makes some existing tricks stronger. However, there are some things you need to be aware of when using a marked deck that will help prevent getting caught and ruining your reputation as a magician.
Whether you are performing card magic or simply want to be able to read the backs of cards, a marked deck can make your life a whole lot easier. A marked deck contains secret markings on each card that allow you to identify the value, or suit, of the card from its back without the spectator being able to see it. You can use the information from the mark to perform a variety of different effects, including revealing a selection of cards from the deck or reading the spectator’s mind.
There are many different types of marked decks on the market, but you need to be careful which one you choose. The best marked decks are difficult for spectators to spot and appear natural. This way, they won’t raise suspicion or cause any astonishment in the spectator. They also need to be easy for you to read, but not too easy, or it will look obvious that you are using a marked deck.
The most common type of marked deck is the Bicycle rider back deck, which can be bought at any store that sells playing cards. This deck has the same back design as a regular Bicycle deck, so it is hard for spectators to detect that it is marked. In addition, many of the factory printed marked decks that are available come with a book or instructional videos to teach you how to use them. For example, the GT Speedreader deck and Boris Wild’s Marked Deck Project DVDs both come with a routine that uses a marked deck.
Another option is to buy a pre-marked deck from a magic retailer. This deck has the same design as a normal deck, but the backs are printed with a special color to make them easily identifiable as marked cards. This deck is useful for card magic and is a great choice for beginners who are just learning how to use a marked deck.
A pre-marked deck can be more expensive than a factory-printed deck, but it can be worth the investment if you are serious about making your card magic as strong as possible. If you are careful to use your marked deck correctly and only for card tricks, you can avoid giving away that you are using a marked deck, and you will be able to perform some truly amazing card tricks.
Many professional magicians who use marked decks say that they have never been caught, despite using them for hundreds of performances. This is because the mark is not as obvious when used correctly, and the decks themselves are usually very subtle. But, there are some card magicians who will only do certain magic tricks with a marked deck, and others who will use a marked deck for all of their work.