Berglas Effect by Craig Petty

The Atomic Deck: A Revolutionary ACAAN Approach

This document provides a detailed analysis of Craig Petty’s Atomic Deck, a card trick designed to perform the “Any Card at Any Number” (ACAAN) effect with remarkable directness and ease. We’ll examine the trick’s mechanics, the key factors contributing to its impact, and the perspectives of magicians who have evaluated it.

Effect: The Core Illusion

The Atomic Deck presents a seemingly impossible effect: a spectator freely names any card and any number within the deck, and the deck consistently reveals that card at the designated position. The effect is presented openly, with the deck displayed from the outset. The audience witnesses the entire process, reinforcing the illusion of an impossible feat. As Petty himself states, the deck handles the complexity, eliminating the need for sleight of hand or complex setups. The effect is often described as replicating the “Berglas Effect,” a legendary ACAAN challenge created by Ted Berglas.

Full Details

The Atomic Deck’s innovation lies in its meticulously engineered design. It’s not a gimmick or a roughing spray; instead, it’s a system built directly into the deck itself. The deck is constructed with a specific internal arrangement that allows for the ACAAN effect to occur without any deceptive movements by the performer.

Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:

• Open Display: The deck is presented fully exposed from the beginning, eliminating any pretense of concealment.
• Spectator Freedom: Spectators are given complete liberty to select any card and any number within the deck. There are no restrictions or forced selections.
• No Memorization: The system doesn’t require the performer to memorize any sequences or information.
• Built-in Mechanism: The deck’s internal arrangement is the core of the effect, handling the complex calculations and positioning automatically.
• Transparent Handling: The deck is handled openly throughout the performance, further emphasizing the lack of manipulation.

As Peter Turner notes, “It’s the cleanest ACAAN I’ve ever seen.” This sentiment reflects the deck’s design, which prioritizes clarity and directness over elaborate sleight of hand.

Who Should Consider the Trick

The Atomic Deck is particularly well-suited for magicians who:

• Value Clean Performances: Magicians seeking a truly impossible-looking effect will appreciate the deck’s lack of sleight of hand.
• Prefer Hands-Off Routines: The deck’s self-handling nature allows for a relaxed and engaging presentation.
• Desire a Reliable System: The deck’s consistent performance eliminates the risk of errors associated with complex sleights.
• Appreciate Innovation: The Atomic Deck represents a significant departure from traditional ACAAN methods, offering a fresh and exciting approach.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The Atomic Deck is remarkably easy to perform. There’s no need for extensive practice or mastery of sleight of hand. The performer’s role is primarily to facilitate the spectator’s selection and to present the effect with confidence.

As Marc Paul observed, “It’s not the ultimate ACAAN, it’s the ultimate card trick,” suggesting that the deck’s simplicity is its greatest strength. The deck itself handles the complex calculations, allowing the performer to focus on engaging the audience and creating a memorable experience. The video demonstrates the effect with a clear and direct presentation, highlighting the spectator’s freedom of choice and the performer’s role as a facilitator.

What Magicians Say

The overwhelmingly positive feedback from experienced magicians underscores the Atomic Deck’s significance.

• Marc Paul: “That is the Berglas effect… You’ve cracked it.” Paul’s statement highlights the deck’s ability to replicate a legendary challenge, demonstrating its exceptional quality. He further emphasizes the deck’s cleanliness, stating, “It’s the cleanest ACAAN I’ve ever seen.”
• Marc Walton: Initially skeptical, Walton was visibly stunned by the effect. He repeatedly questioned how it was possible, ultimately declaring, “It's not the ultimate ACAAN, it’s the ultimate card trick.” This powerful endorsement reflects the deck’s transformative impact on the ACAAN effect.
• Peter Turner: Turner described the deck as “the cleanest ACAAN I’ve ever seen,” emphasizing its simplicity and reliability.
• David Burglass: (Referring to the Berglas Effect) “This is it that really has got to be one of the best a can of all time.”

The consistent praise from these respected magicians confirms that the Atomic Deck represents a genuine advancement in the field of ACAAN magic.