SleightfulChill Haunted Deck by Tom Wright
Created by: Tom Wright
Key features
The deck can be examined before and after the trick, ensuring a clean performance.
No gimmicks or attachments are needed, making it easy to carry and perform anywhere.
The effect is slow and drawn out, building suspense for a stronger reaction.
Allows the performer to distance themselves from the deck, adding to the mystery.
The trick is versatile, suitable for close-up, parlour, and even stage performances with the right presentation.
Pros
Creates a strong, memorable reaction from the audience.
The method is clever and not easily deduced by spectators.
Can be performed in swimming shorts, highlighting its portability and ease of setup.
The deck's animation is smooth and believable, enhancing the supernatural feel.
Cons
May require practice to master the timing and presentation for maximum effect.
The slow pace might not suit performers who prefer quick, snappy tricks.
Effect
The Chill Haunted Deck is a visually striking magic trick where a deck of cards appears to move and cut itself without any physical manipulation from the magician. The effect is slow and eerie, with cards creeping out of the deck or shifting positions as if guided by an unseen force. The magician can even place the deck in a spectator's hands and step away, allowing the supernatural movement to happen entirely under the spectator's control.
Full Details
The Chill Haunted Deck is a self-working trick that requires no gimmicks or complicated sleight of hand. The deck can be examined before and after the performance, making it highly deceptive. The slow, deliberate movement of the cards builds suspense, creating a powerful moment of astonishment. Unlike other haunted deck effects, Chill emphasizes a gradual, ghostly animation rather than a quick levitation or sudden reveal.
Who Should Consider the Trick
This trick is ideal for magicians who want a strong, visual effect that plays well in both close-up and parlor settings. It’s particularly effective for performers who enjoy storytelling or spooky-themed magic. Since it requires minimal skill to execute, it’s also great for beginners, but experienced magicians will appreciate its versatility and the ability to enhance it with their own presentations.
Difficulty
The Chill Haunted Deck is rated as easy to perform, making it accessible to magicians of all skill levels. The method is straightforward, but the real challenge lies in the presentation—building tension and timing the movements for maximum impact.
What Magicians Say
Tom Wright, a UK magician, praises the Chill Haunted Deck for its slow-burn suspense and unique effect, calling it a standout in the magic community. He highlights its ability to create a strong, memorable reaction, especially when left in a spectator’s hands. Other magicians appreciate its clean handling—no gimmicks, no reset, and the ability to perform it in minimal clothing (even swimming trunks, as Wright humorously notes).
For those interested in haunted deck effects, Chill offers a different experience compared to faster animations like Leviosa or Spooks. Its deliberate pacing and hands-off approach make it a compelling choice for performers who want a truly eerie, impossible moment in their routines.
What people are saying about Chill Haunted Deck
Tom Wright says...
Chill is such a crowd pleaser because it ticks every single box it's got everything in it it's got comedy it's got misdirection It's got magic.
Review videos
Tom Wright's Desert Island Tricks
AlakazamMagicUK mentioned this magic trick in this video.