Hangover by Craig Petty and Phil Smith

Created by: Craig Petty, Phil Smith

Hangover is a captivating close-up magic trick that utilizes a specially marked deck themed around movie posters and quotes. The deck is divided into two halves—one featuring original fan art movie posters and the other showcasing iconic movie quotes—each paired to create a dual-deck system. The trick leverages a cyclical stack and cleverly hidden markings on the card backs, allowing performers to predict cards, reveal hidden information (like release dates or directors), and execute a variety of routines. The included 9.5 hours of tutorial content covers everything from basic sleights to advanced performances, making it suitable for magicians of all skill levels. This trick is perfect for those who love cinematic themes and want to add a unique, interactive element to their performances.

Key features

  • Marked deck with movie poster and quote themes

  • Cyclical stack for predictable card order

  • Hidden markings for advanced revelations (e.g., release dates, directors)

  • 9.5 hours of comprehensive tutorial content

  • Dual-deck system for versatile routines

  • One-way back design for added secrecy

Pros

  • Highly versatile with multiple performance options

  • Beautifully designed graphics and themes

  • Extensive tutorial content for all skill levels

  • Unique cinematic appeal for audiences

  • Cleverly hidden markings for maximum impact

Cons

  • Deck must remain oriented due to one-way back design

  • Performance video included is poorly lit

  • May overlap with effects from other marked decks by the same creators

Effect

Hangover is a magic trick performed with the Focus marked deck. The audience sees a deck of cards featuring movie posters and quotes. The magician can perform various effects, such as predicting a chosen card, revealing hidden information about a movie, or making a card appear in an impossible location. The trick combines visual deception with mentalism, creating a strong impact on spectators.

Full Details

Hangover is one of the routines included with the Focus marked deck by Craig Petty and Phil Smith. The deck is divided into two halves—movie posters and movie quotes—and is fully marked for multiple effects. The trick uses the deck's built-in markings to create a surprising revelation. The method relies on clever deck design rather than difficult sleight of hand, making it accessible to many performers.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who enjoy mentalism, prediction effects, or themed card magic. It works well for performers who want a self-contained routine with minimal setup. Since the deck is marked, those comfortable with marked card systems will find it easy to adapt. The movie theme makes it especially appealing for pop culture fans.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

Hangover is not overly difficult to perform. The trick relies on the deck's markings rather than complex sleights, so beginners with basic card handling can learn it. The included 9.5 hours of tutorials provide clear instructions, making the learning process straightforward. The main challenge is maintaining deck orientation since the markings are one-way.

What Magicians Say

David from Magic Orthodoxy praises the Focus deck, calling it "another solid release from Craig Petty and Murphy's Magic." He highlights the extensive tutorial content and the deck's versatility, saying, "You're getting Craig Petty's Greatest Hits." He also notes that Hangover and other routines in the deck are similar to Petty’s previous releases but with a fresh movie theme.

David mentions that the deck's markings allow for effects beyond standard card tricks, such as revealing movie details not printed on the cards. He advises performers to choose a deck that fits their style, saying, "Pick the deck that works for you... don't just buy things because they're new."

Overall, Hangover is a well-received trick within a highly functional marked deck system.

What people are saying about Hangover

David (Magic Orthodoxy) says...

This is another solid release from Craig Petty and Murphy's Magic, with beautiful graphics, comprehensive instruction, and value for money. [...] Pick the deck that works for you—don't just buy things because they're new.

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