Sleightly Unhinged’s Magical Musings

Your weekly dose of magic news, cheeky reviews, and the occasional existential crisis.

TL;DR

This week: Marked decks, levitation debates, and why buying fake followers is a terrible idea. Plus, a wizard-themed deck that’s more Oz than awesome, and a Q&A with Craig Petty that’s equal parts practical and unhinged.

Videos Reviewed

🎩 The Most POWERFUL Tool In Magic - The Marked Deck (Routine Included)

By steventaputoro

This video teaches a routine using a marked deck, turning what might look like cheating into pure magic. The creator argues that with the right handling, a marked deck can create effects so clean they’ll make your audience question reality.

The Unhinged Take:
Ah, the marked deck—a tool so divisive, it’s basically the pineapple on pizza of magic. Steven Taputoro leans into its “cheater vibes” to create a routine that’s equal parts sneaky and spectacular. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a magical card shark, this might be your jam. Just don’t let the ACMD (Anti-Cheating Magical Department) catch you with it.

Details here → The Most POWERFUL Tool In Magic - The Marked Deck (Routine Included)

🎩 Spontus Levitation | Review Show Special

By magic-tv

Craig Petty and son Ryland dissect Adrian Vega’s Spontus Levitation, a levitation effect designed for impromptu performances. Spoiler: It involves wires, angles, and the kind of skepticism only a magician can deliver.

The Unhinged Take:
Levitation is the “I’m the king of the world!” of magic effects—epic, but a logistical nightmare. Craig’s review is like watching a magician play Jenga with a trick: does it hold up under scrutiny? The verdict? It’s clever, but you’ll want a backup plan for windy days.

Details here → Spontus Levitation | Review Show Special

🎩 A gosh-darn fooler! | Spectral by Paul Gordon | full performance

By MurphysMagicSupplies

A live performance of Spectral, where Jokers morph, vanish, and generally defy physics using standard Bicycle cards. Harry Lorayne called it a “gosh-darn fooler”—which, in grandpa magic terms, means “mind-blowing.”

The Unhinged Take:
If you’ve ever wanted to make cards do the impossible without gimmicks, this is your gospel. The handling’s clean, the reactions are real, and the Jokers? More versatile than a Swiss Army knife. Just don’t try this near a mime—jealousy may ensue.

Details here → A gosh-darn fooler! | Spectral by Paul Gordon | full performance

🎩 Did Vernon or Marlo invent Tilt/The Depth Illusion? Find Out...

By VanishingIncMagic

Andi dives into the murky history of the Tilt, a card classic. Was it Dai Vernon’s brainchild? Ed Marlo’s? Or did it just materialize like a ghost card?

The Unhinged Take:
Magic history debates are the true crime podcasts of our world. Andi’s sleuthing reminds us that credit in magic matters—though I’ll believe the Tilt was invented by a frustrated wizard who just wanted his card back.

Details here → Did Vernon or Marlo invent Tilt/The Depth Illusion? Find Out...

🎩 BE CAREFUL Breaking These Rules! [Jay Sankey EXPERT Marketing Tips]

By SankeyMagic

Jay Sankey serves harsh truths about branding, email marketing, and why fake followers are the devil’s currency.

The Unhinged Take:
Sankey’s advice is like a stiff cup of builder’s tea: strong, no-nonsense, and slightly terrifying. If you’re still buying followers, stop. Your audience isn’t fooled—unless you’re doing a vanish, in which case, carry on.

Details here → BE CAREFUL Breaking These Rules! [Jay Sankey EXPERT Marketing Tips]

🎩 The ULTIMATE Street Magic Guide! (FREE Masterclass)

By ReidFerry

Reid Ferry breaks down street magic essentials: routines, approach tactics, and why 2 Card Monte is the gift that keeps on giving.

The Unhinged Take:
Street magic isn’t about perfection—it’s about rolling with the chaos. Reid’s tips are gold for anyone tired of polite claps and craving screams of “WHAT?!” Just don’t blame me when your neighbors think you’re a con artist.

Details here → The ULTIMATE Street Magic Guide! (FREE Masterclass)

🎩 Impossible Coincidence - Card Trick Tutorial

By AMillionCardTricks

A beginner-friendly trick involving a “coincidence” that’s more “how?!” than “aww.” Think color changes, dual revelations, and minimal sleight of hand.

The Unhinged Take:
This trick is like a magic handshake—simple, effective, and perfect for winning friends (or at least baffling them). The tutorial’s aimed at newbies, but veterans could use it as a palate cleanser between heavy-duty routines.

Details here → Impossible Coincidence - Card Trick Tutorial

🎩 Deck Review - Bicycle The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Playing Cards

By Thecardists

Ashley and Andrew review Bicycle’s Oz-themed deck. Spoiler: It’s pretty, but don’t expect hidden compartments for your ruby slippers.

The Unhinged Take:
A deck that looks like it belongs in a museum but handles like a workhorse. Great for collectors, but if you’re using it for The Ambitious Card, don’t blame the Wizard if it gets shuffled to death.

Details here → Deck Review - Bicycle The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Playing Cards

🎩 Audience Sabotage, False Cube Mixes, Best Reactions & More! | Q&A With Craig Petty

By magic-tv

Craig Petty fields questions on sabotage, cube mixes, and why invisible decks are the introverts of magic.

The Unhinged Take:
Craig’s Q&A is like a pub chat with magic’s most opinionated uncle. Highlights include his rant on “magic being dorky” and tips for handling hecklers. TL;DR: Stay cool, stay clever, and always have a backup plan for rogue spectators.

Details here → Audience Sabotage, False Cube Mixes, Best Reactions & More! | Q&A With Craig Petty

🎩 What is the Merlin Award from IMS?

By magicorthodoxy

A deep dive into the Merlin Award—magic’s Oscar, minus the awkward speeches. Recipients include Copperfield, Angel, and Brown.

The Unhinged Take:
Winning a Merlin Award basically means you’ve ascended to magic Valhalla. The video’s a love letter to excellence, though I’m still waiting for my invite to the ceremony. RSVP? More like “reveal the secret please.”

Details here → What is the Merlin Award from IMS?

Other videos I didn’t have space for

• Hanging Out in Las Vegas
• Easy Card Vanish
• Bicycle The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Playing Cards
• MAD MONTE with The MAD DECK from MADISON.cards

Farewell

A quick shower thought: The line between “cheater” and “magician” is thinner than a Bicycle card. Use your marked deck wisely, folks.

Remember: Magic isn’t about the tools—it’s about the story you tell. Unless the story involves blaming your assistant for a botched vanish. Then it’s just bad PR.

Stay unhinged,
Sleightly Unhinged

P.S. If you see me lurking in Vegas, buy me a pint. I’ll vanish it. Probably.