Atomic Deck by Craig Petty and Lloyd Barnes

Effect

The Atomic Deck creates a powerful and direct Any Card at Any Number effect. A spectator freely names any playing card and any number from 1 to 52. The magician then deals through the deck, and the spectator's chosen card appears exactly at the named position. The deck remains in full view throughout the entire process, with no forces, memorization, or sleight of hand required. The effect appears completely impossible, as the spectator has total freedom to change their mind about both the card and the number.

Full details

The Atomic Deck is a specially prepared deck of cards that allows a performer to achieve the Any Card at Any Number effect with minimal effort. It uses a mathematical principle and a unique deck construction to ensure the chosen card appears at the specified position. The deck is printed by Legends Playing Card Company on Copperhead stock with a Viper finish, which contributes to its durability and handling characteristics.

Performers have multiple options for input methods. These include a dedicated website, a notes app simulation, and voice recognition integration through Wingman Pro. The system works for approximately 80-90% of all possible card and number combinations. For combinations that fall outside the working range, performers can use simple mathematical adjustments, such as incorporating a spectator's birth date, to bring the number into a valid range.

The deck is designed to be examinable by lay audiences, though magicians are advised to exercise caution due to its gimmicked nature. It includes comprehensive tutorial content, with nearly 7 hours of video instruction from Craig Petty, Lloyd Barnes, and Peter Turner. The tutorials cover everything from basic handling to advanced performance tips for both close-up and stage settings.

Who should consider the trick

The Atomic Deck is ideal for magicians seeking a strong, self-working Any Card at Any Number routine. It is particularly well-suited for mentalism performers who want a clean and direct effect that emphasizes spectator freedom. Stage magicians will find it effective for larger audiences, especially when combined with probability presentations using tools like unistats.org. Close-up performers can use it in walkaround situations, though some reviewers note that the deck's handling may require practice to master in intimate settings.

This trick is also valuable for magicians who prefer to avoid sleight of hand or complex memorization. It is accessible to performers of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals, due to its self-working nature. However, those who strongly dislike using technology like phones in their routines may want to consider the crib sheet option instead.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Atomic Deck is designed to be easy to learn and perform. Most reviewers note that the basic method can be mastered in 5 to 10 minutes using the quick-start tutorial. The deck and accompanying tools handle the majority of the work, requiring no sleight of hand or advanced mathematical skills.

However, some aspects require practice. Handling the deck smoothly, especially when dealing cards, may need repetition to avoid buckling or crimping. Performers must also become comfortable with the various input methods, such as the website or notes app, and integrating them naturally into their performance. The crib sheet method, which allows phone-free performances, adds an additional layer of practice for those who prefer a completely analog approach.

The reset is mostly instant, though certain conditions may require a brief reordering of the deck. Overall, the difficulty level is low, making it suitable for magicians who want a high-impact effect without extensive practice time.

What magicians say

Magicians have expressed strong opinions about the Atomic Deck. Marc Paul, a respected authority on the Any Card at Any Number effect, stated, "That is the Berglas effect... You've cracked it. This is every magician's dream... It's the closest version to the Holy Grail that I've seen." Peter Turner called it "the cleanest ACAAN I've ever seen."

Many reviewers praise its practicality. Steve Faulkner noted, "The trick is clever and strong, especially in its use of a phone to justify the process, making it fun and interactive." James Anthony highlighted that it is "ideal for magicians seeking a powerful and deceptive effect that can be performed under close scrutiny."

However, some magicians raise concerns. Alexis mentioned that the deck "requires treatment for longevity and has limited use beyond the ACAN effect." Another reviewer, Cavan Booth, pointed out that the deck can be polarizing, with some performers finding it less suitable for every close-up scenario due to handling characteristics.

Overall, the magic community recognizes the Atomic Deck as a significant innovation in card magic, offering a practical solution to a classic effect while acknowledging that personal performance style will determine its suitability for individual magicians.