Magic Tricks with Marked Cards
The use of a marked deck for card tricks seems like a no-brainer, but it’s not always used properly. This article is here to help you get the most out of it.
Marked cards make a lot of tricks possible that simply couldn’t be done otherwise. They also allow you to ramp up the amazement level in existing tricks. For example, if you are using a key card method (a spectator selects a card and you secretly read its identity as it’s being returned to the deck), a marked deck can make your key card method much more deceptive by making the cards look unmarked to a casual observer.
Obviously, it’s important to be judicious about the way you use a marked deck, and especially how you combine it with other techniques. It’s also important to have a well-thought-out routine, that will make it impossible for your spectators to guess the true nature of the effect.
You should also be careful to only use a marked deck with other expert performers, who will know how to control it and will make sure that the markings aren’t obvious. Using a marked deck with people who haven’t mastered basic card skills can lead to embarrassing mistakes. However, when used judiciously, a marked deck can be one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal of card magic. It’s almost like a super-power that you can add to any card trick.