Dont know why, but i seem to be a sucker for these new decks that seem to be coming out recently.
The Effect
Its just a normal deck of cards, so you can do any trick that doesnt require a trick deck.
That said, they should be releasing a full range of trick and gaff decks soon, if you're into that sort of thing.
Cost
1 deck - $5.95
3 decks - $5.95 each + savings on shipping
6 decks - 10% off
12 decks - 15% off
http://www.ellusionist.com/order/series1800/
Difficulty
(1=easy to do, 2=No sleights, but not so easy, 3=Some sleights used,
4=Advanced sleights used, 5=Suitable for experienced magicians only)
52 - Im kidding. Theyre cards!
Review
Imagine a normal deck of red bicycle cards. Now imagine that you threw them into a cave or your basement for 200 years. These look exactly how you would expect those cards to look like after all that time. Battered, worn, and fragile. Except they arent useless. The handle just as well as a new deck of bikes!
Each and every card is different. The cracks and shading has been individually designed for each card, box and deck seal. Even the advertising cards look old and worn. They really do look fantastic!
There is probably going to be the age old discussion about Ellusionist cards being called by the spec for being a trick deck. My approach to this has always been to let them examine them and shuffle them, unless, of course, it is a trick deck. I dont see why this should be a problem anyway. We as magicians should be able to present a patter for these cards that makes them acceptable in the spctators mind (eg. A deck that was handed down to me from a very old and wise magician, or whatever).
The cards could also be used individually with a normal deck. An effect that involves ageing a card maybe. Or ageing the entire deck and the chosen card is the only one not aged. There may even be a possibility of a sort of marked deck performance seeing as all the backs are different. There is plenty of room for imagination with these cards.
Overall
They are a great deck, but i cant see myself giving up my Masters for them. Maybe once in a while i will perform with them, or incorporate them into an effect like i have already said. Really worth a look if you have a bit of money spare.
12 out of 13.
I was born with Multiple Personality Disorder. Luckily, they are all me, they just dont always get along...