Bicycle by David Regal and Vanishing Inc.

Analysis of the Jigsaw Deck

This analysis focuses on the Jigsaw Deck, a card magic opener presented by David Regal and featured in promotional videos. It aims to provide magicians with a clear understanding of the trick’s mechanics, difficulty, and suitability for their performance style.

Effect

The Jigsaw Deck presents a visually arresting and memorable effect. The core of the trick involves a spectator assembling a series of wooden puzzle pieces into the shape of a playing card. This assembled puzzle then magically transforms into a standard deck of cards. The audience witnesses this transformation, creating a strong sense of wonder and disbelief. Regal emphasizes that the resulting deck is entirely ordinary, allowing for immediate use in any standard card magic routine. The effect is designed to immediately grab the audience’s attention and establish the magician as someone capable of extraordinary feats.

Full Details

The Jigsaw Deck is a unique gimmick created by David Regal. It consists of six precisely cut wooden puzzle pieces designed to form the shape of a playing card. The pieces are housed within a custom-made box featuring a distinctive Bicycle mandolin design. The deck itself is a standard Bicycle deck, ensuring compatibility with existing card magic props and routines. A tutorial is included with the kit, and Regal offers an additional teaching component – a sleight of hand version that can be performed using the jigsaw prop. The pieces are designed to be assembled with minimal effort, taking only a few minutes of practice to master. The entire process is described as “basically self-working,” meaning the gimmick handles the majority of the mechanics, reducing the performer’s reliance on complex sleight of hand.

Who Should Consider the Trick

The Jigsaw Deck is well-suited for magicians of all skill levels, particularly those seeking a strong and memorable opener. It’s ideal for performers who appreciate visual spectacle and want to create an immediate impression on their audience. Magicians who are comfortable with a slightly unconventional approach and enjoy incorporating unique props into their routines will find this trick particularly appealing. The “self-working” nature of the effect makes it accessible to those who may not be proficient in advanced sleight of hand techniques. As one reviewer, MurphysMagicSupplies, stated, “that was really great,” suggesting a high level of satisfaction with the trick’s performance.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

Performing the Jigsaw Deck is remarkably easy. Regal describes it as requiring “basically self-working,” indicating that the assembly and transformation are largely automated by the gimmick. The initial assembly of the puzzle pieces takes only a few minutes of practice. The key to a successful performance lies in the presentation and the dramatic reveal of the transformed deck. The tutorial and optional “Brain Buster” sticker (presumably for decorating the box) provide additional support for performers. As noted by another reviewer, “it happens to be very easy to do,” highlighting the accessibility of the trick.

What Magicians Say

Reviewers consistently express enthusiasm for the Jigsaw Deck. David Regal himself describes it as “a piece of wood that’s a six piece jigsaw puzzle” and states, “it’s opened my show at the Magic Castle more times than I can count.” He emphasizes its memorability, noting that audiences will “never forget” seeing a puzzle transform into a deck of cards. MurphysMagicSupplies commented, “that was awesome,” reflecting a positive experience with the product. Regal also offers a sleight of hand version, suggesting a deeper level of engagement for magicians interested in exploring the prop’s potential. Another reviewer, “itsallthingsmagic,” stated, “I know what this is my personal best,” indicating a high level of satisfaction. Finally, Richard Sanders, in his promotional video, describes the effect as “scary” and “insane,” conveying a sense of excitement and confidence in its ability to stun audiences.