R.L.T. (Roulette Playing Cards) by Chris Rawlings and Saturn Magic

Effect

The R.L.T. (Roulette Playing Cards) creates the illusion of a fair gambling game where the spectator bets on red or black, similar to roulette. Despite the spectator's choices, the deck consistently produces a predictable outcome, reinforcing the idea that "the house always wins." The performance involves casual shuffling, audience interaction, and suspense-building moments before revealing the result.

Full Details

The R.L.T. deck is specially designed to favor a controlled outcome. Each card corresponds to a number on a roulette wheel, ensuring that the sequence of red and black cards follows a predictable pattern. The magician shuffles the deck casually, making the process appear random while maintaining control over the final result.

Key elements of the performance include:

• A spectator is invited to bet on red or black.
• The magician shuffles the deck while the spectator calls "stop."
• The chosen card is revealed, always aligning with the deck's predetermined outcome.
• The magician playfully reinforces the idea that the house (the deck) always wins.

The trick relies on the deck's unique construction rather than sleight of hand, making it accessible to performers of varying skill levels.

Who Should Consider the Trick

The R.L.T. deck is ideal for:

• Magicians who enjoy gambling-themed effects.
• Performers looking for a self-working trick with minimal sleight of hand.
• Those who want to engage audiences with interactive, game-like presentations.
• Entertainers who appreciate structured routines with built-in humor and suspense.

Difficulty

The R.L.T. deck is easy to perform, requiring no advanced sleight of hand. The primary challenge lies in presentation—keeping the shuffling natural and maintaining audience engagement. Since the deck does the work, the magician can focus on storytelling, interaction, and building suspense.

What Magicians Say

Chris Rawlings, in his performance, highlights the deck's ability to create a fun, interactive experience. He emphasizes the importance of presentation, using playful banter and suspense to enhance the effect. As he demonstrates, the spectator believes they have a fair chance, but the deck's design ensures a controlled outcome.

Rawlings says, "The house always wins," reinforcing the idea that the deck is rigged in the magician's favor. He also suggests having the spectator place a bet before the reveal to heighten the impact.

The R.L.T. deck is praised for its simplicity and entertainment value, making it a strong choice for performers who want a reliable, engaging gambling-themed effect.