Marked decks of playing cards are a powerful tool for magicians. It is easy to recognize the suits, values, and ranks.
The first marking methods employed included crimps, as well as tiny pinprick bumps, also known as blisters, that were similar to Braille. Later, hustlers employed a variety of inks and pigments to add or erase lines from the back of designs on cards.
Product Introduction
If you’re a seasoned card player seeking a way to elevate your game to next level the marked playing cards will give you the edge you require. These cutting-edge cards are marked using a sophisticated system that lets you recognize the ranks of cards and suits when playing which gives you an amazing advantage over unsuspecting opponents. You can use them in conjunction with a poker analyser so that you can be aware of the cards your opponent has and make better decisions in play.
These decks are printed on the highest quality Bicycle Elite paper, which means they look and feel exactly like a regular deck of cards. The public won’t even know you’re using marked decks, which makes them the ultimate tool for magicians of all levels. Three downloads come with the package that will teach you the best techniques to mark playing cards.
The markings are applied in two ways two ways: the “two-way” marking system is placed on both long edges, allowing you to identify the value of a card (1 of 13 possibilities) and the suit (using dots) from anywhere on the card. This is one of the most effective marking systems ever designed for a deck of cards, and it allows this deck to be used for a variety of effects. The “one-way marking system” is only present on one long edge. This allows you to quickly locate any card that is named, even if they are reversed.
History
Over the years, marked playing cards have continued to amuse and confuse. These decks feature discrete markings that allow cheaters and magicians to hide their the values and suits. The marks can be strategically placed to avoid detection. They can also be made using various methods, such as special printing techniques or UV technology.
Certain decks that are marked for sale are advertised as difficult for people to read. Although this may be true, it’s not practical. The performer is already dealing with the patter, presentation and technique of a performance without worrying about trying to decode obscure symbols.
Instead consider your marked deck as you would a normal deck of cards. People will assume that you are using a gimmicked deck if they observe that the cards are clearly marked or if the patter is too obvious. Remember that the most important thing is to present a good routine that your audience will enjoy. Looking at a card and trying to decode it doesn’t make for great entertainment.
Quality
A marked deck will not make miracles by itself. You need to have the right tricks for it to be efficient, and that takes much effort during the preparation phase. Nevertheless, the fact that it opens up new possibilities and makes existing techniques even more effective is impressive.
The quality of the marked decks that are offered on the market is quite high and they are regarded by casinos and competitions alike as legitimate and reliable. It is crucial to understand the distinctions between the various marks. Some are subtle and require skills to read, whereas others are obvious and easy to be recognized by honest players.
Juice and tintwork are two of the most sought-after methods to mark cards. This is where the cheater prepares a secret formula that alters the color and shade of the cards in a particular way. Some of these strategies can be so subtle that an experienced cheater may be able read the marks without glasses or any other gimmicks.
These methods are used by professional cheaters to win at card games and casinos. They have proven successful. In fact some of these methods have been discovered by reputable casinos and are being prosecuted as fraud. There are other indicators that are equally effective and with a lower risk of being detected. These systems are based upon complex chemical formulas as well as optical science principles and are designed to be virtually invisible to observers.
Applications
Depending on the way they are employed, marked cards may raise card tricks and magic effects to new levels of astonishment. They are perfect for card-based forces, which require the spectator to select a card while still allowing for the illusion of freedom of choice. They can also be utilized in various types of matrix tricks.
There are numerous methods to mark a deck of playing cards. Each has its own pros and cons. Some rely on a special tint or paste that has to be sprayed onto a real deck, then hidden. Some depend on subtle variations in shading, pattern, or color that can only be seen by an experienced eye. Others are only seen by lenses with specialization or barcode readers and are invisible to casual viewers.
Many of these methods can be reverse engineered if the magician is willing to take the time but they are not practical. A performer already has concerns about presentation, patter, and technique, so the extra task of decoding a card back could only hinder them from their primary goals.
The Code created by Theory11 is a highly effective and practical system. This method allows a performer to instantly recognize the chosen card without the use of any force, sleights, or memorization. They can even do it without having to look at the card! The code is easy to comprehend, it works with a variety effects, and can be performed at the same time as other card tricks.