This might be a longer post; so sorry for annoying you.

The Monte Cristo Deck

This special printed deck of cards isn't a one-trick-pony, it is probably the most powerful gimmicked deck at all. But unfortunately, this deck is spread rare and the average price is around $50. Uarrrgh...

For those who are in the know, additional threads here: http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......;forum=2 and here http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......forum=15

For all the others, a brief description:
- A full and complete deck of cards is removed from its box, unshuffled and in factory order.
- You - or anyone else - shuffles that deck.
- Any card is selected by the spectator - 100% no force!
- card is returned to the deck
- deck is shuffled (spectator or magician)
- card can be found in different ways (count, ACAAN, prediction envelope, etc....)

So it is more a utility deck rather than a one-trick-only-deck.

Because of its capabilities, I am thinking of selling these at a lower price (around $ 30.00) - but I have to sell 5,000 of these decks at least. 8-(

Now being just the "nobody" CardMaker from far away Germany, I don't think I could sell these amounts of cards. What to do?

A reputation maker is needed.
A V.I.P. to put his name on that packet.
A well known magician with a good routine(s) is needed.
A booklet with a bunch of ideas for that deck is a must.

So, my dear fellows.....

Any input about this item?

Thanks to all of you!

This deck will be mass marketed soon...real soon by a well known person (who is starting up a new web page). I don't want to give anything away too early, but I also would hate to see you get stuck with 5000 decks. I believe the price is going to be between $25 and $30.

I have been thinking about getting one from Cards By Martin, but the problem so far has been the price it takes to get a deck like this to Europe... There is a Monte Cristo deck already on the market for around 25$, but it's not on Bicycle back design. Sadly...

J-M

Is there a demo on it?

This special deck seems to be of high interest. Lot of non-public information received.

More info, also a video demo, is highly appreciated!

I'm interested! Count me in on purchasing one of these decks (to whomever offers one for sale).

Tenyo also put out a variant which was like a two way Monte Cristo deck that they supplied with their rabbit in hat puppet years back.

But I would say it IS a one trick pony. Sure there are a FEW alternative presentations one might use, but you're only going to use it for one effect in any one performance without a switch in or out. And I certainly wouldn't let a spectator shuffle it.

I first came across it being mentioned in "202 Methods of Forcing".

Paul.

Any new updates on the mass produced version that was mentioned in September?

If I'd knew ..... I'd post it here.
Mine will be available by end of February - if no more sh*t happens!

I agree with Paul.

"And I certainly wouldn't let a spectator shuffle it." (Oct 16 2007)

How can the spectator shuffle the deck? If I correctly understand the nature of the deck this might be risky to say the least?

Best wishes Andy.

There is a reason why the Monte Cristo deck has lain dormant for all these years, and why, after an initial flurry of interest, it will do so once again. The principle is good for a small packet trick, but wasted in a complete deck. It is easily discovered, easily exposed, and easily replaced by a regular deck and a tiny bit of skill with forcing.

Disclaimer: the above is my personal opinion. I did not consult with a crystal ball before making my prognosis, nor do I wish anyone ill will through either jinx, hex, voodoo or cursing.

I have always thought that the Monte Cristo Deck was a neat concept that can lead to some very mind boggling effects.

I use cards from the Monte Cristo Deck for an effect from a DVD released within the past few years, I won't say any more for risk of exposure. But it slays.

Actually, I used to do a brilliant knock your socks off routine with one borrowing a presentational idea from a Simon Aronson routine. It stunned laymen and magicians, however, I DID ring the deck in. I also have an unshown, (to magicians) not in print routine with the double Monte Cristo deck. and no, I'm not inclined to share.

You are entitled to your opinion,we all are, but you're probably the sort of magician that at late night convention sessions is fooled with a gaffed deck and doesn't even know it.

Paul.

No, I'm the sort of Wizard who, upon seeing someone with a deck of cards in his hands, makes a hasty retreat to the nearest exit.

As for stunned laymen and magicians, I need more than anecdotal evidence, since I have never seen it actually happen in real life, only in personal stories on forums.

Sorry, Spellbinder, perhaps my choice of words has become tainted by the forums. I was rightfully slapped down Let's just say it was a very well received effect that left them with no clue as to how it was accomplished, rather than feeling as if they'd been hit over the head with a two by four. With all the 'killer' routines out there, its a wonder the population isn't decreasing rapidly.

I'll look for you making a hasty retreat at the next convention.

Paul.

Um, for what it's worth, if I had to pick just one gaffed deck, this would be it, or a very very close second.



Steve

I would like to hear of some good routining using this deck besides the usual "prediction" or "card at any number" routines.

I have some rather nice killer applications for a deck like this but I have no intention to sharing em or even showing em to other magicians so they can steal em. The deck still offers tons of possibilities. Just imagine what you would do with a deck that can be shuffled by spectator, shown to be all different and yet they are all the same... Posibilities are frightening...

And when you give the spectator the deck to shuffle, what do you say when he overhand shuffles the deck at an angle flashing all the faces? Now, that's a possibility that's frightening!

Paul.