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Rules of the Game by Liam Montier and Big Blind Media

Created by: Liam Montier, Big Blind Media

Rules of the Game is a captivating magic trick that involves a gimmicked deck of cards, offering a unique twist on the classic Triumph effect. The spectator divides and shuffles the deck, selects a card, and returns it, only for the magician to reveal the chosen card with all others magically aligning except for the selection. This trick is perfect for close-up magic performances and is designed to be self-working, making it accessible to magicians of all skill levels. The package includes the gimmicked deck and a comprehensive 40-minute instructional video by Liam Montier, covering the trick's methodology and performance tips.

Key features

  • Self-working Triumph effect with a gimmicked deck

  • Includes a second trick, 'Rules of the Game', involving coins and a tumbler

  • 40-minute instructional video with performance and explanation

  • Portable and doesn't require additional props

  • Suitable for magicians new to the Triumph routine

Pros

  • Fun and visual effect

  • Easy to perform, suitable for beginners

  • Compact and portable

  • Includes two solid tricks for the price

  • Quality instruction from Liam Montier

Cons

  • Deck is not entirely inspectable

  • Classic gimmick deck, may not be new to experienced magicians

  • Requires some memory work and calculation

Effect

"Rules of the Game" is a self-working magic trick included with the "Visualize" gimmicked deck. The effect involves a playful competition between the magician and a spectator. The spectator shuffles the deck face-up and face-down, believing they can win coins based on card alignments. However, when they check, no sequences match the winning condition. When the magician takes a turn, every card aligns perfectly, allowing the magician to claim all the coins and win the game. The trick combines a Triumph-style shuffle with a deceptive game structure, creating a surprising and entertaining conclusion.

Full Details

The trick uses the same gimmicked deck as "Visualize," meaning no extra props are needed beyond the deck and a few coins. The spectator handles the deck, performing a face-up/face-down shuffle, reinforcing the fairness of the game. The magician then reveals that the entire deck has secretly aligned in their favor, making the outcome impossible for the spectator to win. The method relies on the deck's gimmick, which remains hidden during handling.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick suits magicians who enjoy interactive, game-based magic. It works well for performers who like self-working effects with minimal sleight of hand. Since it uses the same deck as "Visualize," it’s a good choice for those who want multiple routines from one gimmick. Beginners will appreciate the ease of performance, while experienced magicians may enjoy the presentational flexibility.

Difficulty

The trick is rated as easy to perform. The spectator does most of the handling, and the method requires no advanced techniques. A small amount of memory work is involved, but David from Magic Orthodoxy confirms it’s manageable even for those who dislike calculation-based tricks. The main challenge is maintaining smooth presentation to sell the game’s fairness before the surprise ending.

What Magicians Say

David from Magic Orthodoxy describes "Rules of the Game" as a fun, visual extension of the "Visualize" deck. He notes that while the gimmick is not new, the convenience of having a pre-made deck and Liam Montier’s clear instructions make it a worthwhile addition. He highlights the spectator interaction as a strong point, saying, "The spectator is going to do all the work." His only caution is that the deck isn’t fully examinable, but he adds that spectators are unlikely to inspect it closely enough to detect the method.

The trick is recommended for those who want a simple yet engaging routine that combines card magic with a playful competitive twist.

What people are saying about Rules of the Game

David from Magic Orthodoxy says...

This is a fun, visual, and remarkably easy self-working trick centered around a gimmicked deck of cards. [...] It's a great one if you haven't experimented or played around with the Triumph effect.

Review videos