GT Speed Reader

Effect

The GT Speed Reader is a marked deck of cards that allows the magician to secretly identify any card while appearing to handle a normal deck. The markings are subtle and integrated into the back design, making them nearly invisible to spectators. When performing, the magician can quickly and discreetly determine the identity of any card, enabling a wide range of effects such as mind reading, impossible predictions, and card control.

Full details

The GT Speed Reader is printed on standard Bicycle stock by USPCC, now owned by Cartamundi. It features a Mandolin back design, similar to Bicycle cards but with slight differences to avoid copyright issues. The deck includes standard faces, two black-printed jokers, and a double-backer for additional utility in card tricks.

The markings are located in the bottom left and top right corners of the back design, allowing the magician to read the card while spreading or handling the deck. The markings are small and blend into the busy back pattern, making them difficult for spectators to detect. However, their size may pose a challenge for those with less-than-perfect vision.

Who should consider the trick

The GT Speed Reader is a good option for magicians looking for an affordable marked deck to experiment with. It is suitable for beginners who want to explore marked card techniques without a significant investment. However, those with vision difficulties may find the markings too small to read comfortably.

Magicians who prioritize readability and quality may prefer other options, such as Steve Della's Night Flights, which offer larger, more visible markings and superior stock. The reviewer notes that while the GT Speed Reader is a solid budget choice, Night Flights provide better performance for most users.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Using the GT Speed Reader requires practice to read the markings quickly and naturally. The small size of the markings means magicians with poor vision may struggle without glasses. The deck functions like a standard Bicycle deck, so handling and shuffling are familiar, but the magician must develop the ability to glance at the markings without drawing suspicion.

What magicians say

The reviewer, mentalistonashoestring, acknowledges that the GT Speed Reader is a decent marked deck for the price but highlights its limitations. They state, "If your vision isn't brilliant, you are going to struggle with these." Comparing it to Night Flights, they note, "With Steve Della's night flights, I can take the glasses off... with these, I do struggle."

While the GT Speed Reader is a functional and budget-friendly option, the reviewer ultimately recommends investing in higher-quality marked decks for better performance and readability. They conclude, "These are not bad... but unfortunately, Night Flight I think are the way to go."