Blur by Mathieu Bich and Garrett Thomas

Effect

The Blur trick creates a striking visual illusion where a spectator selects a card from a seemingly normal deck. The magician then reveals that every card in the deck has become blurred—except for the chosen card. In some variations, the entire deck blurs while the selection remains clear. The effect plays with perception, making it appear as though the magician has manipulated the spectator’s vision or altered reality itself.

Full Details

Blur is a gimmicked deck designed by Mathieu Bich and Garrett Thomas. It consists of specially printed Bicycle cards with a mix of normal and blurred faces. The deck includes double-backers, blurry cards, and jokers for additional surprises. The trick requires minimal setup—just a quick shuffle—and resets instantly, making it practical for live performances.

The deck is not examinable, meaning spectators cannot inspect the cards closely. However, the handling is designed to minimize suspicion, with clean spreads and natural displays. The tutorial (approximately 3-4 hours long) teaches multiple routines, including instant card revelations, multi-phase performances, and dual reality presentations.

Who Should Consider the Trick

• Visual Performers: Ideal for magicians who prioritize strong, eye-catching effects.
• Close-Up and Walkaround Magicians: Works well without a table, making it suitable for strolling magic.
• Mentalism Enthusiasts: Can be framed as a psychological or optical illusion.
• Collectors of Gimmicked Decks: Adds a unique tool to a magician’s arsenal.

Difficulty

Blur is rated as easy to intermediate in difficulty. The basic routines are straightforward, relying more on presentation than complex sleight of hand. However, some advanced routines involve subtle moves like half passes and misdirection. The tutorial provides thorough guidance, making it accessible for beginners while offering depth for experienced performers.

What Magicians Say

• AlexisReviews: Praises the high-quality Bicycle stock and quick reset but notes the deck is limited to blur effects. Calls it a "solid but niche addition" to a magician’s toolkit.
• Craig Petty (Magic TV): Highlights the visual impact but critiques the deck’s examinability and price, calling it "subtle but not as versatile as other gimmicked decks."
• Alex Kirk (Monster Magic Shop): Applauds the strong moments in the routine but feels the additional phases don’t justify the cost over the original Tenyo version.

Overall, Blur is a visually impressive trick with a unique premise, though its specialized nature means it won’t replace a standard deck in a performer’s repertoire.