Card at Number Plots by Craig Petty and Alakazam Magic

Created by: Craig Petty, Alakazam Magic

The Svengali Project by Craig Petty and Alakazam Magic revitalizes the classic Svengali deck, offering a comprehensive exploration of its potential beyond basic routines. This project is a treasure trove for card magicians, providing approximately four hours of tutorial content that covers a wide range of techniques, including pitching the deck, specialized forces, and various routines that can fill a 10-15 minute set. The Svengali deck, known for its deceptive nature where most cards are duplicates of a single card, is showcased in new lights, demonstrating its versatility for close-up and walk-around magic. Some routines require minor deck alterations, and performing all included routines may necessitate acquiring additional Svengali decks.

Key features

  • Revitalizes the classic Svengali deck with new techniques and routines

  • Approximately four hours of tutorial content

  • Covers a wide range of techniques including pitching the deck and specialized forces

  • Includes numerous routines for a 10-15 minute set

  • Some routines require minor deck alterations

  • Performing all routines may require additional Svengali decks

Pros

  • Revitalizes a classic deck with new material

  • Comprehensive tutorial with approximately four hours of content

  • Versatile for various magic performances

  • Includes routines for a full set

  • Affordable and well-priced

Cons

  • Some routines require additional Svengali decks

  • Minor deck alterations needed for some routines

  • Deck is not examinable after certain routines

Effect

The Card at Number Plots is a classic magic effect where a spectator freely selects a card and names a number. The magician then deals down to that number in the deck, revealing the exact card the spectator chose. The effect appears completely fair, as the spectator has full control over both the card and the number.

Full Details

This effect is part of The Svengali Project by Craig Petty, which explores advanced applications of the Svengali deck. The Svengali deck is a gimmicked deck where most cards are duplicates of a single force card, allowing for deceptive and impossible-seeming effects.

In Card at Number Plots, the Svengali deck enables the magician to control the outcome while maintaining the illusion of a fair selection. The spectator believes they have a free choice, but the deck ensures the correct card is always found at their chosen number.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for:

  • Magicians who want a strong, self-working effect with minimal sleight of hand.
  • Performers who work in walk-around or close-up settings, as the deck is easy to carry and reset.
  • Those looking to expand their repertoire with a classic plot that consistently fools audiences.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The Card at Number Plots is relatively easy to perform. Basic card handling skills, such as a double lift and a dribble, are sufficient. The Svengali deck does most of the work, making this a great option for beginners while still offering strong magic for experienced performers.

What Magicians Say

BAM_magic, a reviewer of The Svengali Project, highlights the versatility of the Svengali deck, stating:
"There's a bank night plot, some really cool card at number plots with this... it's great."

He also notes that while some routines require additional decks or minor modifications, Card at Number Plots is one of the many strong effects that can be performed with just a standard Svengali deck. The reviewer praises the project for its practicality, stating:
"Most effects here are very easy to do... this is super practical for walk-around magic."

Overall, Card at Number Plots is a reliable and deceptive effect that fits well into a magician’s routine, especially when combined with other routines from The Svengali Project.

What people are saying about Card at Number Plots

BAM_magic says...

The Svengali Project revitalizes the classic Svengali deck. [...] Craig Petty has unlocked a wealth of commercial material previously untapped.

Review videos