12 Days of Christmas by Magic Dream Paris

Effect

The 12 Days of Christmas is a custom packet trick created using the Blank Marked Deck (BMD). A magician can select 12 cards, each representing one of the 12 Days of Christmas (e.g., "five golden rings" or "three French hens"). The markings on the back of the cards allow the performer to identify each card without the audience knowing. The trick can be presented as a prediction, a memory test, or a festive-themed routine where the magician seemingly knows which card corresponds to which day.

Full Details

The Blank Marked Deck is a standard Bicycle-printed deck with blue Maiden backs. It includes hidden markings on the back of each card, consisting of numbers 1-52 and the alphabet twice (A-Z repeated). This system allows magicians to customize the deck for their own routines.

To create the 12 Days of Christmas trick, a magician selects 12 cards (numbers 1-12) and draws the corresponding Christmas-themed items on the faces (e.g., "a partridge in a pear tree" on card 1, "two turtle doves" on card 2). The markings on the back let the magician know which card is which, enabling a variety of effects.

The deck comes with a key card to help decipher the markings. While an optional tutorial is available, experienced magicians familiar with marked decks may not need it.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for:

• Magicians who enjoy creating custom routines.
• Performers who want a holiday-themed effect.
• Those comfortable with marked deck principles.
• Creatives who like personalizing their magic.

Difficulty

The 12 Days of Christmas trick requires:

• Basic familiarity with marked decks.
• Careful customization of the cards (drawing or labeling).
• Confidence in handling marked cards without revealing the system.

David from Magic Orthodoxy notes that while the markings are well-hidden, magicians should take time when customizing the deck to avoid mistakes. He suggests practicing on scrap paper first or collaborating with someone who has good handwriting or artistic skills.

What Magicians Say

David describes the Blank Marked Deck as "a really great utility" for magicians who want to create original tricks. He emphasizes that this is not a pre-made trick but a tool for building custom routines.

He says:
"Here's your opportunity to create your own trick... now's the chance for you to make yours and you could make it on any subject you want."

Regarding the 12 Days of Christmas application, he explains:
"You could make this a packet trick of the 12 Days of Christmas... draw The 12 Days of Christmas on the face and then do a trick with that because the markings will tell you 1 through 12 on the back."

He also advises caution when marking the cards:
"My advice is when you ever start drawing on custom cards... take your time and ask yourself specifically, 'I know what this card is.'"

Overall, the Blank Marked Deck offers flexibility for magicians to design unique effects like the 12 Days of Christmas, making it a valuable tool for creative performers.