Memorized Deck by Juan Tamariz, Pit Hartling, Woody Aragon, Liam Montier, and John Guastaferro

Created by: Juan Tamariz, Pit Hartling, Woody Aragon, Liam Montier, John Guastaferro

Memorized Deck is a powerful mentalism and close-up card magic technique where the performer appears to have memorized the entire order of a shuffled deck, enabling astonishing feats like naming a card at any chosen number (ACAAN), finding selected cards, or performing impromptu routines. Spectators witness a deck that seems random, yet the magician can instantly recall card positions, often enhanced by false shuffles or cuts to maintain the illusion of fairness. This method is versatile for walk-around, social media, and professional settings, requiring no pre-setup in some versions, and relies on mnemonic systems for learning the stack. Buyers should know that mastering a memorized deck involves practice with techniques like storytelling or apps, and it elevates simple card tricks into reputation-making effects without complex sleight of hand.

Key features

Enables impromptu performances with no pre-work in certain methods
Uses mnemonic techniques for easy and permanent memorization of card order
Allows for a variety of effects like ACAAN, card location, and improvisation
Compatible with any deck, though specific stacks like Mnemonica are recommended
Ideal for beginners and professionals seeking strong mentalism pieces

Pros

Direct and practical method without complex mathematics
Enhances presentation with themes like synchronicity or photographic memory
Versatile for multiple performance contexts including social media
Builds reputation with high-impact, impossible-seeming effects

Cons

Requires dedicated practice to master the memorization and calculations
May be intimidating for those new to memory techniques
Some methods are not fully impromptu and need stack setup

Effect

A memorized deck allows a magician to know the exact position of every card in a deck. To the audience, the deck appears normal and shuffled. The magician can then perform miracles. They can name a card at a number chosen by a spectator. They can find a selected card instantly. They can demonstrate what looks like a photographic memory. The effects feel impossible and direct.

Full details

A memorized deck, often called a mem deck, is a tool where the magician knows the order of all 52 cards. This is not a special deck. It is a standard deck arranged in a specific sequence that the magician has learned. Popular stacks include the Mnemonica stack. The method is impromptu for some routines, requiring no pre-work. The deck can be false shuffled and cut, maintaining the secret order while looking random. This setup enables a wide range of powerful card magic and mentalism.

Who should consider the trick

This is for magicians who want to add strong mentalism to their sets. It is suitable for beginners looking for an impactful trick that does not need complex sleight of hand. It is also for professional performers who want one or two reputation-making effects. As ReidFerry notes, it is ideal for walk-around magic and social media performances. Nick Mohammed values it for its versatility and audience connection. It benefits those who prefer presentation over difficult moves.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Learning the stack requires mental effort, but the methods are manageable. As EruditeMagic explains, using a story-based mnemonic technique makes learning permanent and easier. Craig Petty states that learning a mem deck requires practice but can be done anywhere. The physical handling often involves simple controls and false shuffles, which are not highly difficult. The real challenge is committing the stack to memory. Once learned, many routines are self-working or require minimal sleight of hand.

What magicians say

ReidFerry says the method is "direct and practical" for ACAAN, making it strong for quick performances. He emphasizes presentation as synchronicity for a more impossible feel. AMillionCardTricks highlights that the trick is "completely impromptu" and frames the effect as rapid memorization, which astonishes audiences. EruditeMagic argues that a memorized deck elevates one or two key tricks to an "extraordinary level," making them the most talked-about part of a show. Nick Mohammed expresses "deep admiration" for the memorized deck, noting its versatility and believability. Craig Petty demonstrates that a mem deck offers more versatility than other stacks, allowing for instant recall and improvisation.

What people are saying about Memorized Deck

AlakazamMagicUK says...

Nick expresses a deep admiration for the memorized deck, particularly utilizing the Mnemonica stack. He values its versatility and the believability it creates, noting that it allows for a connection with the audience.

AMillionCardTricks says...

The trick is designed to be completely impromptu, requiring no pre-work or setup with the deck. Nathan loved the presentation because it frames the effect as a demonstration of rapid memorization.

EruditeMagic says...

The goal isn't to perform a hundred tricks, but to have one or two absolute reputation-makers in your arsenal. The breakthrough came with a specific technique: learning the stack not as a random list of numbers and cards, but by creating a story or a narrative that connects the cards in order.

magic-tv says...

Craig explains how a mem deck allows instant recall of card positions, enabling tricks like 'jazzing' (improvising) and mentalism effects. He contrasts mem decks with Stebbins stacks, emphasizing the former's flexibility.

ReidFerry says...

It doesn't rely on a convoluted mathematical process or require the spectator to do any complex dealing, which makes it particularly strong for walk-around or social media magic.