Hi! I have problems using marked decks, because a lot people (laymen) knows that they exist, and that's often their first thought when you use your own deck, even if its not marked. what do you think? kiki

Suggesion I
Don't use them.

Suggestion II
Use them for routines where it's not obvious that you read the card backs.
Lesley's "The Spectactor as a Mindreader" is one example of what I mean.

Sven

If they "catch it" that you are using a marked deck it may be your fault. If you use the deck on the same spectadors constantly, then that might be the reason. Another thought is that you make it too obvious that you are using a marked deck. Learn the mechanics of the deck well untill you reach that point where you look at the back of a card and know what it is in one secont. If you are stearring at the deck closely or not very "secretly", then that might also be a reason.

Or your deck might be not very professional made. If so, I suggest you buy another deck. There are some very-very good marked decks professionally made by hand. They may be expensive, though, as a marked deck can reach as up to $100.

Michael Bradbury

My suggestion would be that you may be performing routines which screa "this deck is marked". if you use the markings more indirectly then this will hopefully rid you of the problem. For example a great trick of Wayne Dobson's, where the spectator and you find each others cards. A whole host of these can be found in Boris Wilde's great book on his marked deck system, which is even more subtle than most.

I hope this helps, good luck with it.

Kennedy

Sven, people suspect marked cards, even if the cards are not marked, and the effect does not require using marked cards, eg a forced card or a stacked deck.

Suspecting a marked deck is the first thing they think of - because it's the only magic technique lay people are familiar with.

7th son, I could not agree more. However, if the spectator is apparently reading your mind then this apparently dispells the thought of marked decks. Another great thing to say is "some people even think I use a marked deck, now that would be cheeting wouldnt it?" which blows it out of the water.

Just my thoughts,

K

Just a thought depending on the effect you are doing, you might want to try out league back bicycle cards they are very subtle and good to practice with.

D.Paul

I agree, and with all due respect disagree.
It all depends on what effects you use a marked deck for, and how you handle it.
Don't get me wrong, I don't use marled decks a lot, - exactely because of the same reasons as yours, above, and have just recently picked that up, .

However I decided to try out the Lesley effect I mentioned in my other post, and here the entire effect is put in the specactor's hands, he's actually performing the routine!
- so why should it anything suspicious here?

This is the kind of effects that in my opinion easily could work with a marked deck.

Sven