Night Flights by Steve Della

Effect

Night Flights is a marked deck of cards designed for magicians. The marks are hidden in the back design, allowing the performer to secretly identify any card while the audience sees only a normal deck. The effect is that the magician can seemingly read minds, predict choices, or perform impossible feats with the cards, all while using what appears to be an ordinary deck.

Full details

Night Flights is produced by Steve Della and printed on Italian card stock, which is known for its durability and smooth handling. The deck features standard Bicycle-style faces, making it familiar to spectators. The markings are cleverly integrated into the back design, making them difficult to detect even under close inspection. Unlike some marked decks, Night Flights are designed to be readable without glasses, though they remain subtle enough to avoid suspicion.

The deck is available in multiple versions, including a gaff deck for expanded routines and an upcoming Invisible Deck variant. Distribution is handled through Murphy’s Magic, making it widely accessible to magicians worldwide.

Who should consider the trick

Night Flights is ideal for magicians who want a reliable marked deck for close-up or stand-up performances. It suits performers who prefer a deck that looks and feels like a standard Bicycle deck while offering the utility of hidden markings. Those with vision concerns will appreciate the readability of the marks, even without glasses.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The difficulty level is low to moderate. Reading the markings requires some practice, but the design makes them easier to decipher than many other marked decks. The real skill comes in smoothly integrating the knowledge of the marked cards into performances without arousing suspicion. Handling the deck naturally is key, but the mechanics themselves are straightforward.

What magicians say

Mentalistonashoestring, a reviewer, strongly recommends Night Flights over other marked decks, stating: "With Steve Della’s Night Flights, I can take the glasses off and still read them any distance... the quality is a lot better." They note that while cheaper alternatives exist, Night Flights offer superior readability and handling. The reviewer also highlights the wider availability through Murphy’s Magic, making it a practical choice for magicians outside the UK.

Another point of praise is the deck’s scent—described as a "lovely odor"—which adds to the sensory experience of using a fresh deck. Overall, the consensus is that Night Flights is a worthwhile investment for magicians who want a high-quality, easy-to-use marked deck.