talkmagic.co.uk

I dont own an ID, did start to make one but got bored lol.

Couldn't agree more. There are some terrific ways to present an ID, but there is no substitute for doing the work and learning your trade.

Probably my favourite gimmicked deck (if I am going to use one) would be the Gobsmack Pack by Richard Sanders.

It's an amazing effect and easy to perform! I think he described how to make one on one of his DVDs (though I can't remember which one!).

The basic effect is that you spread the cards face up between your hands or on the table. The audience can see all the faces and that they're all different. There is one face down card in the pack though - you call this your 'mystery card'. I usually ask someone if they know what it is. When they say 'no' I say 'that's why it's a mystery' - works every time!

Anyway, you have a spectator merely think of one of the face up cards (no force!). You close the deck up and they name their card - say it's the 5 of spades. You say you're now going to reveal the mystery card and they won't believe it... You spread through the face down pack to reveal the single face up card - it's the 2 of hearts! (?) You seem amazed - they seem confused. 'Amazing, isn't it?' I usually say, as a pull the card out of the pack to reveal that the card has 'I know you will think of the 5 of spades' written on it!

Instant reset - different card every time - easy to make - easier to perform - killer reactions! I cannot recommend this strongly enough.

That sounds brilliant, Bill; but it leaves you with the problem that all gimmicked decks do - where to next?

Come on man! You don't need me to answer that for you! But ok - either use it as a stand alone effect in a set or do a deck switch. The effect is worth it and, unlike an ID for example, only some of the cards are prepared so you could still go on and do a 4 ace routine or something.

I know, I know - but you know what I mean though.

Lyndon Webb wrote:A Marked deck who would use such a thing?

Erm, well, me for a start.

Among other things, I use a Marked deck while practicing the force. If the force works, they get the card you want, and if the force doesn't work, it doesn't matter - you still know what card they have.

TonyB wrote:Over the years I have paired it down to two decks; the ID, which blows away an audience with a good presentation; and The Royal Road and a regular deck. Nothing else is needed.

I second that. A good advice for the first years of practicing magic is not to buy a lot of gimmicks and gimmicked card decks/tricks. Focus on the principle sleights, buy books, and then decide on buying gimmicks after knowing your abilities with a normal deck.

I'm in two minds about the ID - I'm a fan of the Lennart Green principle of always using a clean deck so that at any point, everything can be examined, but I have thought of some dynamite routines for it. I do have a gig coming up that I was thinking could use an ID ending - there's a chairman there who has been pretty good in the past, and I was thinking of giving him the deck to keep in his pocket while I do my act, before finally asking him to think of any card and then... well, you know.

Might have to get one, even if I only use it at that show.