Punch Deal by Ed Marlo

Effect

The Punch Deal is a deceptive card technique that allows a magician to secretly control a selected card to a desired position in the deck. To the audience, it appears as if the magician simply deals cards fairly, with no suspicious moves. The method is invisible, making it a powerful tool for card workers who need a convincing way to control cards without raising suspicion.

Full details

The Punch Deal was first introduced by Ed Marlo in his self-published magazines, which were later compiled into the Marlo’s Magazines collection. It is one of many foundational techniques that Marlo developed, known for its deceptive simplicity and effectiveness. The move is designed to look like a standard deal, but it conceals a clever method that allows the magician to retain control over a chosen card.

The reprint by Vanishing Inc. includes Marlo’s personal corrections and improved illustrations, making the technique easier to learn and understand. The Punch Deal is part of a larger body of work that covers advanced card magic, including controls, changes, and routines that have influenced generations of magicians.

Who should consider the trick

The Punch Deal is best suited for intermediate to advanced card magicians who are familiar with basic card controls and want to expand their repertoire with deceptive techniques. It is particularly useful for performers who prioritize smooth, natural handling in their card magic. Those who study Marlo’s work will find this technique valuable for both practical performance and theoretical understanding of card magic principles.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Punch Deal requires practice to master, as it relies on precise timing and natural handling to remain undetectable. While the concept is straightforward, executing it convincingly demands attention to detail. Magicians with experience in false deals and card controls will find it easier to learn, but beginners may need to spend more time refining the mechanics.

What magicians say

MurphysMagicSupplies describes Marlo’s Magazines as a must-have for serious card magicians, noting that the Punch Deal is one of the classic techniques that debuted in these publications. The reprint by Vanishing Inc. makes Marlo’s work more accessible, preserving his legacy while improving clarity with digitally enhanced illustrations.

The Punch Deal is part of a collection that includes over 2,250 pages of Marlo’s most influential techniques, making it a valuable resource for those looking to deepen their understanding of card magic. The move is praised for its deceptive simplicity, fitting seamlessly into routines without drawing attention to the method.

For magicians who appreciate the history and theory behind card magic, learning the Punch Deal offers both practical performance value and insight into Marlo’s innovative approach.