Savant Deck by Lloyd Barnes and Craig Petty

Effect

The Savant Deck is a specialized deck of cards that allows magicians to perform seemingly impossible feats with minimal effort. To the audience, it appears as a completely ordinary deck that can be shuffled and handled freely. Effects include instantly calculating the total value of face-up cards after a spectator shuffles, revealing a selected card after multiple shuffles, and performing mind-reading routines without sleight of hand. The deck creates the illusion of superhuman calculation and prediction abilities while maintaining complete fairness.

Full details

The Savant Deck is a collaboration between Craig Petty and Lloyd Barnes, printed by USPCC with standard Red Rider backs. It is fully examinable, contains no marked cards or duplicates, and requires no sleight of hand. The deck enables over a dozen routines, including ACAAN (Any Card at Any Number), magic squares, and pocket change predictions. Spectators can shuffle freely, yet the magician can instantly determine card values or selections. The included training covers multiple effects, making it a versatile tool for walkaround, mentalism, and mathematical magic.

Who should consider the trick

The Savant Deck is ideal for magicians who want high-impact card magic without complex sleights. Beginners will appreciate its self-working nature, while professionals can use it for quick, deceptive routines. It suits performers who enjoy mathematical magic, mentalism, or interactive card tricks. Those familiar with Craig Petty and Lloyd Barnes' previous work will recognize the deck's clever design and practicality.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Savant Deck requires no advanced skill, making it accessible to all levels. The effects rely on the deck's hidden mechanics rather than sleight of hand, allowing performers to focus on presentation. Reset is instant, and the deck remains examinable throughout performances. While the methods are simple, strong scripting and audience management enhance the illusions.

What magicians say

MurphysMagicSupplies notes that the Savant Deck "left them scratching their noggins," highlighting its deceptive qualities. Magic Orthodoxy calls it "a valuable addition to a magician's toolkit," praising its practicality. ItsAllThingsMagic emphasizes that it produces "pro-level effects" while being beginner-friendly. AlakazamMagicUK describes it as "versatile" and "visually striking," ideal for professional acts. Craig Petty himself states that the deck enables "lightning-fast card calculations" without memorization or markings, calling it a "must-have tool."

The Savant Deck is widely regarded as a powerful, examinable deck that simplifies complex effects, making it a strong choice for magicians seeking deceptive and interactive card magic.