Stacks in Cards

What would happen if "8 Kings chased Mr. Stebbins and shocked his wits?"

This is an idea that got delayed by 25 years. And I am sorry for the delay. Although familiarity with 8 Kings and Si Stebbins stacks would help, you can also apply this Yogik Deck idea/principle to any other stacks of your choice and create your own new customized stack.

Included is a spooky-comic routine which is probably possible only with the Yogik Deck.

HAUNTED HOTEL (It had only 13 rooms)

Travelers who lost their way. Past sunset. A lonely haunted hotel. 3 rooms out of the total 13 rooms are supposedly...

X Deck is a cyclical stack. Given any card in the stack, you can almost instantly know the next card. It is based on a couple of simple algorithms. The stack looks quite random both value-wise as well as suit-wise. An equally easy variation X Deck 2 is also included. Easy to learn and simple to use, you should be able to get this down in a few minutes.

1st edition 2022, PDF 9 pages.

This is a new self-working card trick: the viewer will choose two cards, to represent the law and by means of which he will get two more cards, lost in the deck, which he will then divide into four bundles. Over the course of two separate stages, the spectator himself will insert the "sheriffs" within the deck, as arbitrarily as possible. The decks will be shuffled, cut and completed but, despite a thousand adversities, the two "sheriff" cards will succeed in tracking down and capturing the two "outlaws," generated by the combination of the first two cards, chosen at random.

The legend...

This is a completely new principle. One rarely stumbles upon something like this. Often we find variations on old themes, slight alterations or modifications. However, this is a completely new principle. It is actually the combination of two known methods but in a completely new and unique way enabling completely different and much stronger effects.

Imagine a deck being fairly and thoroughly shuffled by yourself and the spectator. Under total test conditions, the spectator selects any card. You will immediately know the identity of the selected card. At any time, the deck can be passed out...

This ebook classifies and breaks down the methodology and nomenclature of stacked decks.

3rd edition 2015, 11 pages.

The problem with all existing memorized stack systems is that they use memorization systems not specifically designed for a memorized stack. Most memory systems are designed for the retention of LOTS of information for a relatively SHORT amount of time. When Dominic O'Brien memorizes 54 decks of cards (more than 2800 cards) with a particular journey system then he retains that information for a couple of hours max. After that he has forgotten the sequence. He has to, because around the corner waits another memory challenge where he has to memorize many other things. However, the magician ideally wants to remember...

The Nikola Card System is more advanced than either the Si Stebbins or "Eight Kings" card systems. Even upon close examination pre-arrangement seems impossible with this system.

• Section 1: Argument
• Section 2: Curriculum
• Section 3: Utility
  • 1. "Stop"
  • 2. Cards By Weight
  • 3. Weighing Chosen Cards
  • 4. The Sense Of Touch
  • 5. Human Magnetism
  • 6. Locating
  • 7. Spelling
  • 8. To Spell Any Card Called For
  • 9. Thought Anticipated
  • 10. Unconscious Thought Transmission
  • 11. Wizard's Whist
  • 12. All Trumps
  • 13. The Spelling Bee,
  • 14. The Game Of Poker, And
  • 15. The Game Of "Nap"
  • 16. To Name The Position...

The Boston Stack: Chris' signature stacked deck and routine that requires almost no memorization and is diabolically simple.

The Duchess: this memorized deck is so easy to remember you'll want to perform it every chance you get! Plus, it's fun.

The Seesaw Collection: one final option in Chris' memorized deck booklet. This stack, also requires almost no memorization and uses a back and forth procedure that you can't get wrong!

[Please note that these stacks are not full deck stacks. You are stacking about half the deck. Technically they are algorithmic stacks. This means you will have to do some simple math to derive the next card.]

1st edition 2013, 21 pages...

The principle facilitates in determining the position and identity of the matching of cards in two decks, which have been randomized by the cutting of each deck. The principle works in conjunction with a memorized stack. A presentation is given where you don't have to commit a stack to memory.

The Gerats Principle enables you to perform the following effect:

Two decks are on the table. After two spectators have each cut one of the decks to their heart's content, the magician is able, without handling the cards, to tell whether there will be a matching of cards (ie: 2♥/2♥)) at a certain...

A series of letters, between an unidentified friend and his correspondent (William Frederick Pinchbeck) comprising of how to train a pig, invisible lady and acoustic temple, philosophical swan, penetrating spy glasses, several magic tricks, such as how to catch a bullet, and reflections on ventriloquism.

This book includes the first known description of the "Eight Kings" card stack.

1. Method of teach the Pig – from Letter I. to IX. See also Letter V. Appendix
2. Principles of the Acoustic Temple – from Letter IX. To XIV. See also Letter II. Appendix.
3. A Demonstration of the philosophical...

Deck switching: The act of secretly switching one deck for another during play.

The Cold Deck is a collection of deck-switching techniques by Daniel Madison. The ebook teaches six techniques for secretly and invisibly switching the deck in play in thorough detail. It also includes Slaine, a device that holds or feeds the cold deck to the cheat without suspicion.

The following techniques are included in this ebook:

• Patch
• Slaine
• Veil
• Grit
• Ott
• Heat

1st edition 2011, 16 pages.

The deck is shuffled by the performer and then cut several times by the spectator. After, the spectator cuts the deck into four packets totally at random. No force. The magician will be able to divine not only the cards above but also the cards at the bottom of each packet. All this with a normal deck of cards. No marked cards. Instant reset.

1st edition 2022, video 18:54

If you are a fan of magic involving memorized decks or algorithmic stacks, you may wish to check out the following manuscript, called The Bart Harding Secret. As many of you may know, Darwin Ortiz published a method of transforming a deck from New Deck Order (NDO) into Si Stebbins order, which he called the The Si Stebbins Secret. Similarly, the Bart Harding Secret describes how to transform a deck from NDO to the Bart Harding Stack (BHS). Although the Si Stebbins stack is highly versatile, one drawback is that it does not look very random, and so many magicians will not use it for effects in which the...

A new method to quickly and secretly arrange cards from a small pack all the way to a full deck. No math needed unless you want to understand why it works.

Within magic, no mind approaches Bob Farmer's. Outside magic, Machiavelli came close. The evidence is presented in "The Bammo Tarodiction Toolbox." - Stephen Minch

Bob Farmer's Bammo Tarodiction Toolbox is both a great trick and a genuinely new method for secretly arranging cards quickly, accurately, and right in front of the spectators' noses. - Matthew Field

About what you'd expect from the guy who invented that stupid little hand trick. -...

Easy to learn, hard to detect. A booklet of routines that use the Si Stebbins stack.

This is an early publication by Hugh Johnston predating his larger Modern Card Miracles by several years. Includes research on its likely publication date by Chris Wasshuber.

• The Secret
• Rapid Counting
• Weighing the Cards
• To Tell the Center Card of Pack
• To Locate Any Card Called For
• To Have the Joker Tell You What Card is Drawn
• To Tell the Number and Suit Of As Many Cards As Are Drawn
• To Tell Card That Is Drawn While Blindfolded
• To Cut the Cards in Three Heaps and Tell Bottom Card of Each Heap
• Reading the Cards
• To Have Pack Cut and Name Bottom...

This series of Suit Ordering Systems is probably the world's first 'super store' for ordering suits. The main purpose of these various Suit Ordering Systems is to create a random sequence of suits while retaining a secret pattern visible only to the performer. The applicability of these SOS methods is for various stacks like memorized, algorithmic, mnemonic decks including Karma Deck, Rasik Deck, Yogik Deck, or Fun Stacks etc.

Initially SOS Vol 1 and SOS Vol 2 were released. Subsequently, SOS Vol 3 was released as part of Karma Deck Pro 11-ebook bundle. And now this latest volume contains a very easy method of randomizing...

This SOS series is probably the "world's first superstore for ordering suits".

• Can be easily applied to any memorized, algorithmic or mnemonic deck systems including the memorythmic Karma Deck system or Rasik Deck or Sloka Deck.
• Provides more sufficiently random alternatives to the popular red/black alternating systems like CHaSeD, SHoCkeD, DuCHeS etc.
• Given any number 1-52, you know the suit instantly.
• Allows you to create your own personal stack.
• This volume gives you two sets of 4 simple rules. With each set you can generate up to 24 random and unique suit sequences.
• Also included is a recipe...

SOS Vol.1 gives you a set of 4 simple rules with which one can generate 24 different suit sequences. These suit sequences can be applied to any stacked deck including the Karma Deck or Rasik Deck or Sloka Deck.

Even though there are many, many different types of stacked decks available, when it comes to generating unique and random suit sequences there are very few options available like chased, shocked etc whose red/black alternating pattern may become a limiting factor sometimes. The objective of Suit Order Systems is to fill this gap. Also, this could be very useful if you are also a creator of...

1. Can a Si Stebbins PLUS TWO stack be made useful for stack magic?
2. Can the values of this stack be made to look random enough for fair scrutiny?
3. Can this stack be made useful as a memorized deck - knowing the card at a given position and vice versa - without a sweat?
4. Can this stack have a monodistic sequence instead of the repeating tetradistic sequence like the regular Si Stebbins stack?
5. After having achieved all the above, will the stack still remain simple and easy to learn?
6. Can this same framework be applied to the other Stebbins +3 or +4 stacks?
7. Finally, will it be possible to perform...

Excerpt from the introduction:

• Progressive Poker Hands
• Poker Memory
• The Ten Game Challenge
• The Seven Game Stack ...

The Spell Deck is an easy-to-learn and easy-to-use memorized deck. Just a couple of very simple rules and you instantly know the value of any given position and vice versa. The Spell Deck is also flexible in that the same rules can be used to generate 4 different memorized decks. All that is explained clearly.

S.O.S Vol3 is included in this ebook. It contains 3 cool ideas for ordering suits, not just for the Spell Deck, but can be used for other stacks as well. When you combine the 4 variants of Spell Deck with these 3 Suit Ordering Systems and their built-in variants, you can create a whopping...

An easy-to-calculate version of the Si Stebbins stack.

The name 'Snibbets' (Stebbins reversed) was coined by Rusduck. It denotes a reversed Si Stebbins stack where instead of adding 3 to get to the next card's value one substracts 3. The first to publish a negative step version was Ernest Hammond in The Magic of Tomorrow. While this may seem a rather inconsequential change, it has some advantages over the classic Si Stebbins stack. In this ebook, Dr. Solka takes you through the details of this lesser-known version of Si Stebbins.

1st edition 2022, PDF 19 pages.

Sloka Deck is a mnemonic deck based on probably the world's smallest mnemonic for a full deck card stack. A practical alternative to brute memorization and math rules. This creates an almost instant stacked deck for you. Very tiny and yet powerful mnemonic holds the key to your 52 cards. An easy and practical rule is embedded into this tiny mnemonic to aid instant recall. You will be able to know the entire stack within minutes of reading the instructions.

Basically, given a card you can instantly know the previous and next cards. And with a little visualization, this can be used as a memorized...

Resolving the alternating color issue of the Si Stebbins stack

You can now use the easy Si Stebbins stack without guilt. The alternating color issue has been resolved. Use it with confidence. Continue to perform every effect you already perform with the Si Stebbins stack, with the alternating black/red color issue resolved.

Included in this updated PDF Alexandre's closely guarded presentation/effect using this stack (or any stack for that matter!) "MENTAL STEBBIN - The Predictive Physiological Anticipation Effect".

This was one of my first offerings to the Magic and Mentalism community...

Si-Step is a system which enables you to know what card is at a given position in the deck or get the position of any named card. Specially developed for the original Stebbins Stack and for people who do not like mental arithmetic.

It was originally published in 2014 in Recycled Stebbins.

PDF 8 pages.

This is the first known publication of the Si Stebbins stack and several tricks that go along with it. It is a reproduction from the Sunday 18th December 1898 issue of the St. Louis Post Dispatch newspaper.

1st edition, 1898; PDF 5 pages.

You will learn how to prepare the Si Stebbins stack with two faro shuffles.

runtime: 2min 37s

The Si Stebbins Pro Stack is highly interesting for any card stack enthusiast. Dr. Solka has taken the venerable Si Stebbins Stack and removed an inherent weakness, the rigid alternation of suit colors and strict suit rotation. The way he has done this is ingenious and will fly by everybody - magicians included. The single rule to remember is so simple that anybody can do it effortlessly. The seemingly random sequence of colors and suits is such that the deck can be spread face up without risk of detection from lay people as well as magicians.

The Card to Position relationship is explained...

An apparent demonstration of total card mastery, this series of card effects entertains and baffles a lay audience. The magician names missing cards by glancing at a riffling pack, listens to the riffling cards to count packets or locate any card, and detects truth from lies by spelling with the cards.

1st edition 1988, 5 pages; PDF 6 pages.

The venerable Sequeira stack from 1612 has been refurbished using the present day shadow concept. The Shadow Sequeira Stack allows to determine preceding and succeeding card as well as smooth translation from card to position and vice versa. The description of this universal stack is an exclusive extract from the author’s book In the Shadow Realm of Playing Cards.

version 2.02, 16 pages.

What is S.E.M.P.E.R.? (Special Esp Memory Powers Enhanced Radically)

A special trick with a flexible method that offers wide-ranging presentational possibilities. It uses an ordinary deck of 52 poker cards and the trick will be deceptive even for many illusionists, but above all its impact on the audience is devastating.

Two spectators are asked to take a card and put them unseen in their pockets. The magician explains that, under these conditions, it is obviously extremely difficult to be able to identify the cards. Nevertheless, and in order to demonstrate to the public the uncommon...

Professionals all over the world understand the devastating impact that a memorized deck can have on their audiences. It's a tool with unlimited potential - it allows for a myriad of immaculately clean card locations, revelations, and more. But, until now, it's been a difficult tool to master.

Requiem - Two Innovative Approaches to the 'Memorized' Deck puts the incredible world of mem-deck work within anyone's reach.

Because no two minds work alike this ebook contains two very different stacks that allow you to know the position of any card and the card at any position in what passes as...

More fun with the original Si Stebbins Stacked deck. Contains an explanation of the original Si Stebbins stack and how to set up any deck of cards in that order.

Four different effects using the stack:

Kind of a Four
The spectator chooses a card and the performer prognosticates what that card is by looking at 'indicator' cards. Eventually, the 'indicator' cards are shown to be the three 'mates', matching the value of the chosen card, making four of a kind in all.

Curried Stebbins
A version of Paul Curry's Out of this World where two spectators randomly pick cards and it transpires that one spectator chose all...

We all think we know the Si Stebbins Stack, so did I, until I dug a bit deeper. This publication describes the stack used by Si Stebbins himself and it's not the old favourite that we all know and love.

Not just a one-trick pony, a deck of cards set up in the Si Stebbins System can be used to build a complete card routine, consisting of many different card effects. Six such effects are described and explained in this text. Also included is a simple diary or planner with a named card at every date, which can be used in the "Planner Ahead" effect.

Plus you get a new, 'low maintenance' method...

A classik twist to a classik stack. Now this 2nd edition includes a printable image of the Rasik Deck stack for visual practice and a cool method suggested by Rick Silberman for getting into the Rasik Deck stack from new deck order.

A Shocked Duchess became Si Stebbins' Karma (Destiny). If Si Stebbins would have learnt the Karma Deck this would have been the result. The Rasik Deck is the surprising result of applying the Karma Deck principle to the age old Si Stebbins stack. And added to this is a novel method of using existing suit systems to create a random suit sequence. So the final end result is a fabulously refreshing stack with many...

Note: For those who own the original Rain Man, you're in for a real treat (see the last condition in the conditions section below).

Imagine:

The magician and the spectator are seated together at a table. The magician introduces a deck of cards and spreads it face up to show that all the cards are different. After this, he turns his back to the spectator and says "I want you to generate a random number between 1 and 52. Of course, I could have you name one, but then you may think I psychologically influenced you towards a particular number or that I relied on you to think of a popular number....

Imagine: The magician and the spectator are seated together at a table. The magician introduces a deck of cards and spreads it face up to show that all the cards are different. After this, he turns his back to the spectator and says "I want you to generate a random number between 1 and 52. Of course, I could have you name one, but then you may think I psychologically influenced you towards a particular number or that I relied on you to think of a popular number. So to eliminate such ideas, I want you to generate a number by cutting off any amount of cards from the top of the deck and then...

Effect: Two people each select a card. The performer then shuffles the deck by giving it a riffle shuffle. The spectators take the deck and returned the cards with the deck in their own hands in such a manner that there can be no suspicion of trickery. The two cards are not forced.

The performer now spreads the deck face up on the table so all the faces are in full view. The first card is found by contact mindreading (apparently). The first spectator holds the performer's wrist while he moves his fingers over the face up cards. Suddenly, the performer's finger drops down on a card and it...

Imagine:

The magician hands a business card to a spectator as he says to them "My assistant's number and name is on this card. I'm giving this information to you now because if I gave it to you after the selection, you might think I have 52 numbers or 52 names prepared, one for each possible outcome." With this said, he promises never to touch the business card again.

The magician then introduces a deck of cards, spreading it face up in front of the spectator. The spectator can see that all cards are present and that there are no duplicates.

The magician invites the spectator to...

Optic Deck is an optical/visual memorized deck. You 'see' a number 1-52 in your mind's eye and you 'optically' or visually know what card is at that number. Similarly you 'see' any card in your mind's eye and you again 'optically' know what position the card is at.

The stack looks very random, the suits look random, there is no red/black alternating pattern and even after reasonable scrutiny it would be almost impossible to spot a sequence because there is none. Even magicians after being told that there is a stack involved will find it extremely difficult to spot the stack.

This is a...

Imagine a deck that secretly tells you both the identity of a thought-of card and that card's numeric location, either in that deck or in another deck. Think of all the memorized deck applications this would simplify.

No memory work.

No tricky calculations to arrive at the card’s location.

Think of the myriad mentalism applications. A spectator peeks at any card in the deck and you instantly know what the card is and at what number it resides from the top or bottom of that deck or another deck. What's more, you obviously never see the back of the peeked card, which eliminates the...

The Noon Stack is the only stack in the world with three official names. It is also called the Midnight Deck or the Moon Stack. You can either start learning this stack exactly at 12 noon or exactly at 12 midnight, any day.

Okay, on a more serious note, Noon Stack is a simple algorithmic stack that forms a nice memorized deck. Given a card, you can know its position and given a position, you can know the card at that position. And literally speaking, if you start learning this stack at 12 noon (or 12 midnight), you can completely get this down in less than an hour by about 1 pm (or 1 am)....

The Next Stack is a cyclical stack that is as easy to learn as the Si Stebbins stack but can withstand scrutiny, unlike the Stebbins stack. In the Stebbins stack, the increment of 3 or 4 could be visible to a participant if observed keenly. But in the Next Stack it is almost impossible to recognize the sequence.

The Next Stack is named as such because literally it is based on the "Next" principle, which is a novel, innovative principle. Given any card you can instantly know the next card.

It will take all of 5 minutes for you to learn this cool principle and start applying it. This principle...