Cheater Chips by Craig Petty and Phil Smith

Effect

Cheater Chips is a set of poker chips designed for magic and mentalism performances. The chips look and feel like real casino-quality poker chips. The audience sees the performer correctly predict chip values, make chips visually change, or perform impossible gambling demonstrations. The effects range from predictions to transpositions, all while maintaining the appearance of ordinary poker chips.

Full Details

The set includes 14 poker chips: 10 standard chips and 4 gaffed chips (double-backed, double-faced, and blank). The standard chips use Phil Smith’s Optical marking system, allowing the performer to secretly identify each chip’s value without detection. The gaffed chips enable additional effects like transformations and vanishes.

A 3-hour tutorial teaches 16 different routines, including:

• 5100 Transpo – A visual chip transposition.
• Quinter Extreme – A prediction effect where a spectator’s freely chosen chip matches a prediction.
• 3D Poker – A chip transforms into a real bill.
• Jazz ESP – A routine where the performer predicts the order of chips.

The chips are examinable and can be used in close-up or stand-up performances without a table.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Cheater Chips is ideal for:

• Magicians who perform gambling-themed routines.
• Mentalists looking for prediction-based effects.
• Performers who want a versatile prop for multiple routines.
• Those who enjoy self-working or semi-automatic tricks.

The set is not recommended for those who dislike poker-themed magic or prefer purely sleight-of-hand effects.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The difficulty varies by routine. Some effects are self-working, relying on the chip markings, while others require basic sleight-of-hand or misdirection. The marking system is easy to learn but requires practice to read quickly. The gaffed chips add complexity but are manageable with rehearsal.

What Magicians Say

• Craig Petty (creator) describes Cheater Chips as "the ultimate utility device" for magic and mentalism.
• Alex Kirk (Monster Magic Shop) praises the 3-hour tutorial and calls the routines "fresh takes on classic plots."
• BAM Magic rates it 98%, highlighting the high-quality chips and extensive teaching.
• Magic Orthodoxy notes the chips are "examinable and angle-proof," making them practical for real-world performances.
• Erik Tait (Penguin Magic) mentions the strong community of magicians developing new routines with the chips.

Cheater Chips is a well-received product with broad appeal for magicians and mentalists who want a versatile, high-quality prop.