Marked in Cards

This is a very powerful two-spectator coincidence effect, where one spectator selects (and loses) a card under very fair conditions, and then a second spectator impossibly locates the card.

Imagine:

The magician introduces a deck of cards - he spreads it face-up to display that all the cards are different. He then hands the deck over to one of the spectators and asks them to thoroughly shuffle the deck. (They can shuffle in any way that they want.)

The magician then says, "I want you to make a free choice of any card in the shuffled deck. Simply spread the deck face down across the...

The common element in all three of those effects is the use of a scalloped short card (a special short card that was popularized by Dai Vernon). It is a gimmick that I rarely see used. A few people use a short card nowadays - even fewer use a scalloped short card.

If you're interested in learning three distinct applications of this tool (a pseudo-memory effect, a telepathy effect, and a prediction effect), then this e-book is for you.

Note: If you're only interested in one of the three effects, then you're just better off individually buying that one (as it would be cheaper). But if you're interested...

Effect: In this demonstration of mind reading, a spectator simply thinks of one shape from a selection of seven distinct shapes. The spectator keeps their chosen shape private. Through the process where the spectator secretly spells out their chosen shape, the magician reveals the shape they had only moments ago held in their mind.

Here's what makes this effect so special: by using geometric shapes instead of regular playing cards, and adapting a clever principle from the gambling world into mind reading, we've created something truly different. It's not only astonishing to your audience,...

This is a compilation of two booklets that gambling house supply companies sold. The first part, Master Key, describes various ways playing cards can be marked. Illustrations of many marking methods and systems are included. Some of these methods go under the names of shade, glaze, block-out, line, build-up, trim, sorts, etch, swell natural or edge work, and others. The author of this section is unknown. It appears to be culled from various gambling house supply catalogs.

The second part, Run-Up Systems, was culled without credit from S. W. Erdnase's famous book The Expert at the Card Table. It explains several methods of stacking...

"A very nice mentalism routine. And the method is devilish!" - Tony Bianco

"After I was taught the method for this, I immediately smiled. It is super clever, you won't be disappointed." - Brian Draven

"Many of you know the Unnamed Magician by now. But I've had the privilege of knowing him for a long time now. Any time he creates a new routine and sends it to me, I always make time that very day just so I can see it. This routine is no different." - Tommaso Guglielmi

To mark my 1st year anniversary at Lybrary, I am (in collaboration with someone else) releasing something very special, which, if you like...

Imagine an impossible location, an astounding coincidence, and an inexplicable prediction ... all jammed into one routine. Three effects in one, using two spectators. That's Three Shades of Wonder, and it's a true showstopper. Read on.

Imagine:

The magician introduces a deck of cards. He hands it over to the spectators so they can examine it and verify that all the cards are different. Then, the magician splits the deck into two halves, placing one half in front of each spectator.

The magician explains (as he gives a demonstration) that both spectators are to take their half underneath...

This effect has sparked strong reactions. Ideal for magicians who enjoy improvisational magic, with the spectator at the core, this act hinges on your acting skills. It's a perfect tool to enhance your performance abilities. There is no setup, easy to do, and it can be repeated immediately with different results.

Two versions: One with a marked deck and one with a very sneaky force you probably do not know.

1st edition 2024, PDF 7 pages.

"I've been performing this over the past few days and more than one spectator has been convinced that I possess ESP. It's that strong." - Tommaso Guglielmi

"Another phenomenal effect by the Unnamed Magician. If you like thought of card tricks or coincidence tricks, this is a steal for the price." - Tony Bianco

A truly remarkable coincidence. A deck is shuffled and divided into two halves. The spectator thinks of a card in their half, the magician thinks of a card in his half, and when the two halves are simultaneously dealt through, the two cards turn up at the same time! Read on.

Imagine: ...

An in-depth look at the corner short card.

This eBook will delve into the secret world of corner short cards, thoroughly explaining what they are, how to make them, their remarkable capabilities, and six astounding effects using them. If you're unfamiliar with the concept of a corner short card, prepare to uncover a potent tool ready to revolutionize your skill set. Corner short cards, the weapon of countless leading card experts, provide magicians with an undetectable method of controlling cards, enabling the creation of miracles.

1st edition 2024, PDF 28 pages.

A location of a selected card under true test conditions. The deck is shuffled before and after the selection ... yet the card can be located. It's fooled many well-versed magicians, so laymen don't stand a chance. Read on. (There is a full performance video with a spectator attached below as well.)

Imagine:

The magician introduces a deck of cards - he spreads it face-up to show that all the cards are different. The spectator is invited to thoroughly examine and shuffle the deck.

The magician then explains (as he gives a demonstration) that they are to select a card by simply cutting...

Note: For those of you who own Rain Man and Rain Man Again, this uses a completely different method.

Imagine:

The magician and the spectator are seated together at a table. The magician introduces a deck of cards, which he hands to the spectator - they are asked to examine and shuffle it thoroughly. Once they're done shuffling, the magician takes back the deck and holds it. He 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...

Instructions, routines, tips, and ideas for a card punch.

This is a series of letters to a fictitious E.N. Igami ('imagine' when read reversed) with information on how to use a card punch and what can be done with it, particularly from a conjurer's perspective. It is one of the few resources available on card punches. It also reproduces a few passages from older books that cover punch work.

Several gambling demonstrations are detailed, including a Dai Vernon Bridge Deal as well as poker and blackjack routines. Other routines have more of a mental slant. Ray Grismer also explains his system for placement...

Imagine:

The magician introduces a deck of cards; he spreads it face up to show that all the cards are different. He then gives it to a spectator and asks them to thoroughly shuffle it. After they are done shuffling, he asks them to cut off about a third of the deck. The spectator does that. The magician then sets aside the remainder of the deck and tells the spectator to just focus on the third they cut off.

The magician tells the spectator that they can shuffle the third if they want (not that it's necessary because moments ago, before cutting off the third, they shuffled the entire...

Imagine:

The magician introduces a deck of cards. He invites a spectator to thoroughly shuffle the deck. Once the spectator is done shuffling, the magician spreads the deck face up as he asks them to verify that all the cards are in fact different. With this done, he closes the spread and turns the deck back face down, after which he turns his back to the spectator. He then (while turned away) instructs the spectator to cut the deck into 3 piles. Furthermore, he promises never to touch the deck again until the end.

The spectator takes the deck and cuts it into 3 more or less equal piles:...

Imagine:

The magician introduces a deck of cards. He invites a spectator to thoroughly shuffle the deck. Once the spectator is done shuffling, the magician spreads the deck face up as he asks them to verify that all the cards are in fact different. With this done, he closes the spread and turns the deck back face down. He then instructs the spectator to cut the deck into 3 piles. Furthermore, he promises never to touch the deck again until the end.

The spectator takes the deck and cuts it into 3 more or less equal piles: top pile, middle pile and bottom pile respectively. The magician...

Imagine:

The magician introduces a deck of cards; he spreads it face up to show that all the cards are different. Next, he places the deck on the table in front of a spectator. He says: "In a moment I am going to turn my back to you, and while I am turned away, I want you to make a free selection of any card. Simply cut off any amount of cards and look at the bottom card of the cut-off portion. Then, bury the cut-off portion somewhere into the middle of the remaining cards in order to lose your selected card. Once that is done, invite me to turn back around to face you."

So the magician...

Imagine:

The magician introduces a deck of cards. He spreads it face up to show that all the cards are different. Next, he invites a spectator to thoroughly shuffle the deck. Once the spectator is done shuffling, the magician takes the deck to demonstrate what they are to do. He cuts off some cards from the top of the deck as he tells the spectator "I want you to cut the cards from the top of the deck like this in order to make some piles." He then reassembles the deck and hands it back to the spectator as he says "Let's do 3 piles. So cut the deck into 3 piles." Furthermore, he promises...

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...

Excerpt from the preface:

• Preface To Second Edition
• Introduction
• The Tapered Deck
• #1 The Coincidence
• #2 The Perfect Count
• #3 The Shuffled Setup
• #4 Mixed Up Miracle ...

Imagine:

The magician and the spectator are seated together at a table. The magician hands the spectator a deck of cards and asks them to examine all of the cards (making sure that they're all different, etc.) and to shuffle them thoroughly. After this is done, the spectator is asked to cut the deck into two approximately equal piles and to keep one for themself and to give the other to the magician.

The magician now says that each of them will bring their respective half under the table and spread through the faces of the cards in order to select (and remove) one, which will then be...

You, a spectator, a deck of cards, a miracle!

A spectator shuffles a deck of cards, you instruct them to hold the cards face up, under the table, so that only they can see them. Despite these test conditions, you apparently display a genuine feat of 'remote viewing' by attempting to name each card in turn, as if you are somehow able to 'see through the table'. With an accuracy way beyond the odds you are able to prove to your audience that they are witnessing a real demonstration of 'psychic' ability and what you claim to be true, must be possible.

This effect will completely 'blow away'...

A hard-to-find treatise on the beveled or "Stripper" pack, written by a world-famous mentalist and master magician. Out of print since 1923 (according to The Magic Wand magazine), this booklet is now back in a revised and expanded edition. No matter if you're a fan of this pioneering mentalist or simply want a collection of fine tricks to use with your tapered deck, this is a nice collection of a whopping 37 effects that you'll be happy to add to your repertoire.

"The most complete and extensive treatise ever compiled and published on the charming and effective uses of the standard 'Stripper Deck'."...

Not your magic dealer's Brainwave. Entirely new and revolutionary. Complete instructions to easily make it yourself.

1. Predict the ending in writing before the card is revealed. One prediction in full view. No switches or indexes.
2. Show a "regular deck" top and bottom before the face-up card is located.
3. Predict three choices in writing. All three choices are absolutely free. No forcing.
4. Destroy the spectator's free will as he selects a card from a deck he has shuffled and examined.
5. Cause a selected card to vanish and appear elsewhere.

Includes four non-Brainwave miracles by the legendary...

This article describes in particular one marking system of cards. It includes illustrations depicting how the cards were marked. It also touches on a few other ways to cheat.

The article appeared in the Chicago Herald during Mayor Roche's time.

1st edition ~1887, PDF 5 pages.

Learn six different marking systems for a Bicycle Rider Back design. There are both reader back and coder back marking systems shared here. Each marking system is unique and is suited for varying performing scenarios.

This is a compilation of all three volumes of Pigment and Pixel for the price of two individual ones.

[Reader Backs are marking systems where the value and suit are explicitly written on the back of the card (often hidden within the design). Coder Backs are marking systems where the back patterns/design is used to tell the value and suit of the card.]

There are no tricks with a marked deck taught in this ebook.

1st edition 2022, originally titled "Pigment & Pixel 1, 2, 3", PDF 35 pages....

Out of Control is a surprising, impossible location effect. The magician never touches the deck or even looks at it because the spectator will do everything under the table including two riffle shuffles and several cuts. Yet despite these stringent premises, the magician will be able to find the spectator's card face down in the spread of the deck. Great reactions especially from fellow magicians.

1st edition 2022, video 13:51

A minimalist storytelling mentalism card routine.

"This is a truly thoughtful and beautiful presentation - the sort of thing that really warms my heart. The presentation here is the thing. And what's really nice about it, is that it is easily adaptable to other effects if one so desires. I love it!" - Sudo Nimh

A special competition was underway at a famous monastery and all the monks were quite eager to do well. The Master had pointed out a very special tree that lived in the woods surrounding the monastery grounds and the monks had been asked to write a story about this tree. The winner...

This effect has such a subtle method. If you want to destroy your spectator with a killer effect, this is the one. This effect is a mix of impossible location, ACAAN and impossible revelation. Joseph has often used this effect as an opener and always got great reactions. You have all the material at home to construct the deck.

You introduce a deck of cards and instruct a spectator to cut about a third of the deck and place it to the side. The card cut to is remembered by the spectator and also put aside. The spectator shuffles the part cut off and the performer shuffles the remainder of...

Two DIY card-marking systems for the ones who like to take things into their own hands. Pigment & Pixel 3.0 has two marking systems designed for the standard Bicycle Rider back design. Information for both value and suits are marked on one square-centimeter area of the card making it easy to identify the card at one go. The marks are on the side border area for one of the systems while it is towards the center for the other.

Note: This download consists of only the marking systems and does not come with any tricks for a marked deck.

1st edition 2021, PDF 12 pages.

Ten-Ten Marking System is a reliable playing card marking system for creating a marked deck that is easy to read and understand, based on the binary system, and practically invisible to your spectators. Easily identify each card at a glance.

• Easy to read marking system
• Easy to learn and remember
• Inexpensive and easy to make

1st edition 2020, PDF 6 pages.

Don't tell anybody but sometimes magicians use marked cards. Apart from pick a card and tell the spectator the name of that card what else can you do with them? Here are five routines to use with any type of marked deck.

What a Coincidence: A routine where unseen cards are put on the table, you go first, the spectator follows and each of the cards coincidentally match.

Centre Stage: The cards are mixed, the spectator cuts, without touching the cards you can instantly announce the name of the 26th card, or centre card of the deck. Simple.

Pair Enough: 'Mysterious Pairs' from Hoffmann's More Magic is put...

A new permanent tactile marking method, which is easier to feel and less visually noticeable compared to a punch.

Boss work is a marking system that you read by touch, and is designed primarily for use with the punch deal. It is easy to put in and the items required are not too expensive. When compared to the punch, boss work is much easier to feel and more durable. The markings are almost impossible to see on the backs of the cards, and there is nothing to see on the fronts. This video will take you through putting in the work, teaching you the best way to mark the cards, and also showing...

Pigment & Pixel 2.0 has two marking systems designed for the standard Bicycle Rider Back. Both the marking systems are based on something that you've been seeing since your childhood hence it is almost impossible to forget. One of the marking systems is small and while the other is big, so you're covered of either kind of eyesight.

Note : This download consists of only the marking systems and does not come with any tricks with a marked deck.

1st edition 2020, 9 pages.