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Puzzlement Deck by Ian Wong

Created by: Ian Wong

The Puzzlement Deck is a gaffed deck of cards designed for close-up and parlour magic, offering four powerful routines that revitalize a classic gaff system. Spectators witness impossible feats like cards being plucked mid-dribble, double 'Any Card at Any Number' predictions, and coins landing on chosen cards. The deck includes a streaming tutorial with English subtitles and a unique back design. Buyers should note the non-standard card backs and the need for basic card-handling skills.

Key features

  • Includes four innovative routines: Woodpecker, double Any Card at Any Number, Impossible Coincidence, and Do as I Do

  • Uses a classic gaff system with modern twists

  • Comes with a 51-minute streaming tutorial (subtitled in English)

  • Deck features a non-standard back design, which may require handling finesse

  • Suitable for beginners to intermediate magicians

Pros

  • Routines are highly creative and spectator-tested

  • Magic happens in the spectators' hands, enhancing the illusion

  • Deck can be fanned to show all faces as different

  • Good instruction quality with clear visuals

  • Packaging is sleek and professional

Cons

  • Non-standard back design may raise suspicions

  • Deck cannot be fully examined by spectators

  • Does not thoroughly teach the faro shuffle

  • Priced at $39.95, which may feel steep for some

Effect

The Puzzlement Deck creates strong, interactive magic with cards. Spectators see impossible moments where chosen cards appear in unexpected ways. In one routine, a spectator picks a card, and the magician plucks it from a dribbled pile. In another, two spectators shuffle and cut the deck, yet their chosen cards match written predictions. A third routine lets a spectator flick a coin onto their selected card. The magic happens mostly in the spectators' hands, making it feel fair and impossible.

Full details

The Puzzlement Deck includes a gaffed deck of cards with a unique back design. It comes with four taught routines:

  • Woodpecker Routine – A two-phase trick where the magician and then the spectator pull the chosen card from a dribbled pile.
  • Double Any Card at Any Number (A.C.A.A.N.) – Two spectators shuffle and cut the deck, while a third predicts their exact card and position.
  • Impossible Coincidence – The magician writes a favorite number, and two spectators deal to that number to find their chosen cards.
  • Do as I Do – The magician and spectator each pick a card, then flick a coin onto the other’s selection.

    • The deck includes a streaming tutorial (51 minutes) with English subtitles. The cards handle well but have a non-standard back design, which may raise suspicion if not managed carefully.

    Who should consider the trick

    This deck suits card magicians who want strong, interactive routines. It works well for close-up and parlor settings. Beginners can perform most routines, though the double A.C.A.A.N. requires intermediate skill. If you like gaffed decks but want fresh applications, this is a good option.

    Information on how difficult it is to perform

    Most routines are beginner-friendly. The double A.C.A.A.N. is the hardest, requiring a convincing faro shuffle. The other tricks rely on simple handling, like dribbling and cutting. The real challenge is smooth presentation and spectator management.

    What magicians say

    FiddlinJonny praises the routines, calling them "so stinking good" and a fresh take on a classic gaff system. He notes the non-Bicycle back design as a drawback but says the handling is excellent. He also mentions the price ($39.95) feels high for a gaffed deck but justifies it with the strong routines.

    He adds, "The magic happens in their hands... it will feel like dang, I shuffled the cards into everything and I don't understand how that happens."

    If you like interactive card magic with strong audience participation, the Puzzlement Deck is worth considering.

    What people are saying about Puzzlement Deck

    fiddlinjonny says...

    The routines are so stinking good—they take a classic gaff system and update it with really new, solid routines. [...] I kick myself for not thinking of these ideas first.

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