Mnemonica by Juan Tamariz

Effect

Mnemonica is a memorized deck system. A magician uses a deck of cards arranged in a specific order they have memorized. The magician can then perform effects that seem impossible. They can name a card at any number in the deck. They can find a card a spectator merely thinks of. The magic feels direct and powerful, as if the performer has a real superpower.

Full details

Mnemonica is a specific stack, or order, for a deck of 52 cards created by Juan Tamariz. The system is detailed in his book, also called Mnemonica. The book explains the stack and provides many routines. The stack allows a magician to know the position and identity of every card without looking. This knowledge enables a wide range of powerful magic. Effects can include instant card locations, predictions, and mind reading. The deck can be used as a normal deck for shuffling and handling, preserving the secret. Some modern decks are sold pre-arranged in the Mnemonica stack order. This saves the magician time on setup.

Who should consider the trick

Mnemonica is for magicians who want to add powerful card magic to their sets. It is ideal for performers who want one or two reputation-making effects. Joel M considers it a "quiet superpower" for quick, impossible hits. Harry De Cruz uses it as a versatile foundation for his magic. It is suited for those performing professionally or for those dedicated to improving their craft. Beginners may find the initial memorization challenging, but the system is learnable with the right technique.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The main difficulty is memorizing the stack. This requires mental effort. RealMagicReview notes its complexity can intimidate newcomers. However, EruditeMagic explains that a narrative mnemonic technique makes learning manageable and permanent. Once the stack is memorized, many routines use simple handling. The book Mnemonica contains both simple and advanced routines. The Particle System by John Guastaferro offers self-working miracles that are easy to learn. Performance difficulty varies by routine, but the foundational skill is memory, not complex sleight of hand.

What magicians say

Steve Faulkner of RealMagicReview states that Mnemonica "offers a powerful memorized deck system, though its complexity might intimidate newcomers." He also notes that revisiting the material can enhance magical skills.

Joel M, featured by AlakazamMagicUK, pairs a memorized deck with a gimmicked one for quick hits. He includes it in his list of essential "desert island" tricks chosen for their impact and durability.

Harry De Cruz, also with AlakazamMagicUK, considers a deck stacked in Mnemonica a "quiet superpower," using simple stack work as a foundation for powerful magic.

EruditeMagic recommends the book Mnemonica by Juan Tamariz, calling it "the modern bible of memorized deck work." They note its value for beginners lies in the first section which details the stack and its principles.

RealMagicReview, in a review of Card Toon, loved that the new deck was arranged in Mnemonica stack order, calling it a significant upgrade that allows seamless transitions to other memorized deck routines.