Bicycle Deck by United States Playing Card Company

Effect

The Bicycle Deck is a standard deck of playing cards used by magicians worldwide. To an audience, it appears as a normal, everyday deck. This familiarity makes any magic performed with it seem more impossible. A magician can use it to perform a wide range of effects, from simple card forces to complex sleight of hand routines, all while maintaining the appearance of using an ordinary object.

Full details

A Bicycle Deck is a high quality, standard deck of playing cards. It is known for its durability, smooth handling, and consistent finish, which are essential for reliable card magic. The deck requires no special setup or gimmicks, making it a versatile tool for countless tricks and routines. Many magicians consider it the foundational prop for card magic due to its widespread availability and trusted performance.

Who should consider the trick

The Bicycle Deck is suitable for all magicians, from absolute beginners to seasoned professionals. Beginners will find it an affordable and reliable starting point for learning basic card handling and foundational tricks. Professionals use it as a trusted tool for performances because audiences recognize it as a normal deck. Anyone looking to build or refresh their close-up or strolling magic act should have a Bicycle Deck as a core part of their collection.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Using a Bicycle Deck does not require learning a specific trick. Instead, it is a tool for performing magic. The difficulty depends entirely on the tricks the magician chooses to do with it. Simple self-working tricks are easy to learn and perform, while advanced sleight of hand requires significant practice. The deck itself is designed for smooth handling, which supports both beginner and expert techniques.

What magicians say

Magicians consistently praise the Bicycle Deck for its quality and reliability. In promotional content, AlakazamMagicUK highlights it as a "foundational prop" for building a professional act on a budget, noting that it requires "minimal setup and no additional expensive gimmicks." Reviewer David from Magic Orthodoxy strongly recommends a standard Bicycle Deck over cheap alternatives, stating that for around $3, it is a "much better option" than low quality kits. He emphasizes that the superior card stock and finish prevent issues like clumping, which is common with inferior decks. This makes the Bicycle Deck a trusted choice for ensuring a positive magical experience.