talkmagic.co.uk

So, what do you all think of the types of cards that sites such as Ellusionist and Theory 11 make and sell? Cards like the Arcane, Ghost, Vintage, Black Viper and Tiger decks to name a few. I think that these decks can look very stylish and I won't lie and tell you that I've never brought a deck or two like this. They often handle very well and last a while too. The reason why I'm asking is because I'm interested to see what people think of how they might come across to some spectators.

Personally, I feel that if I'm performing to public, I should use just standard style playing cards. I think that this is generally better as a large number of lay people will never have seen these fancy decks before and may question if there's something tricky going on with the cards. I'm not saying this is a major issue, as I have perfofmed using decks like this before and it's all gone off without a hitch, but I've had a couple of friends ask why does it look like that.

I think in the end, I feel that if the cards are just the standard style, then there is less suspicion from your audience that the cards are anything but on the level. Plus, although I do like the looks of some of these cumstom (the Ghosts in paticular), I will always come back to the classic looks of the fan backed Tally-ho deck.

Let me know by all means what you think. This was just a post to see others opinions on the subject.

Never make the cards the focus of attention.

Tomo wrote:Never make the cards the focus of attention.

That's not really what I was getting at, of course you shouldn't do this. I was mainly just asking which people would prefer to use to perfom and their reasons, I'm not saying that I personally prefer standards because people are catching my slights out or anything.

I feel that if you use custom cards you are making the cards more of a focal point than normal, even if this is not deliberate.

I went through a massive stage of buying all of the 'styled' cards and used them regularly. After submitting a few card effects on various magic forums it appeared that almost all the time someone would say "just use normal cards".

I'm now of the opinion that they were right. They are much clearer to see than some of the dark decks I have and as you rightly say, less suspicious.

Its also worth remembering that most specs in the UK have never seen a standard bike set either! Most people just know the brand. Before my first steps in magic I saw a magician using bikes. I had not seen them before and the extra flap on the box ( allowing you to get the cards out easier) appeared strange to me. I was suspicious about a normal deck lol

My vote is for standard decks!

Alec

Alec Kobain wrote:I had not seen them before and the extra flap on the box ( allowing you to get the cards out easier) appeared strange to me. I was suspicious about a normal deck lol

You should be, that flap is an amazing peak :p

I never use custom cards (although I do own a few packs because some of them do look nice), but I never use them in performance not because of them looking suspicious, but purely because the sight of the cards conjures up an image of a teenager on YouTube.

I have to say I like most of the Karnival decks by BBM.

I'd love to use the black Arcane as they'd go very well with my personality but can't justify the expense.
I know the argument is that spectators will be suspicious of these decks cos they're different but my reply to that is that I've had spectators be suspicious of my regular deck of bikes so what's the difference??
Basically if you can justify paying £8 for a pack of cards use them and don't feel ashamed.