Dragon Scale by Penguin Magic

Effect

Dragon Scale is a high-precision electronic device hidden inside a card box. It tracks the position of cards in a deck by measuring weight, allowing the magician to know exactly which card a spectator has cut to—without any visible markings or sleight of hand. The effect appears as pure mind-reading or impossible prediction, with the magician revealing the exact card, its position, or even the sum of multiple cards' values, all while maintaining complete spectator freedom.

Full Details

Dragon Scale consists of a small, discreet scale embedded in a card box, which connects to a companion app via Bluetooth. The app can display real-time information about the deck, including:

• The exact card cut to (if using a stacked deck).
• The number of cards cut.
• The sum of card values in a packet.
• The distribution of suits or colors in a selection.

The device works with any deck of cards, including borrowed decks, as long as the magician can briefly calibrate the scale. It also supports custom stacks, repeating stacks (like Aronson or Mnemonica), and even non-card objects (like mints or coins) if they have distinguishable weights.

Key features:

• Audio Feedback: The app can send card information to an earpiece, allowing for hands-free revelations.
• Watch Integration: Displays card data on a smartwatch for discreet viewing.
• Custom Stacks: Users can input any memorized stack into the app.
• Multi-Cut Tracking: Handles multiple spectators cutting the deck, revealing each selection accurately.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Dragon Scale is ideal for:

• Mentalists who want to enhance card-based routines with impossible-seeming predictions.
• Memorized Deck Workers looking for a safety net or a way to ease into stack-based magic.
• Performers who want a versatile tool for impromptu or structured routines.
• Tech-Savvy Magicians comfortable integrating electronics into their performances.

It’s less suited for purists who prefer traditional sleight-of-hand methods or those unwilling to rely on technology during performances.

Difficulty

Dragon Scale is easy to use from a technical standpoint—the app handles most of the work. However, effective performance requires:

• Presentation Skills: Making the revelation feel organic, not like a gadget-assisted trick.
• Stack Familiarity: While not required, knowing a memorized stack amplifies the possibilities.
• Calibration Practice: Ensuring the scale is properly set up for different environments (e.g., uneven tables).

No advanced sleight of hand is needed, making it accessible to beginners, but experienced magicians will find deeper applications.

What Magicians Say

• Nick Locapo (Penguin Magic): "Dragon Scale is cheating. It’s the closest thing to real magic with cards. The audio feedback feature is insane—you hear the card name in your ear like a whisper from the devil."
• Alex Kirk (Monster Magic): "Overlooked because of its price, but it’s wildly versatile. I’ve used it with greeting cards, mints, even LEGO bricks. The weight-based prediction is foolproof."
• Performance Feedback: Magicians praise its reliability in real-world conditions, though some note the initial cost is high for a "single trick" (though it’s far more versatile).

Dragon Scale is a powerful tool for magicians willing to explore its potential beyond card tricks, offering a modern twist on classic principles.