Stripper Deck by Apprentice Magic

Created by: Apprentice Magic

The Stripper Deck is a classic gimmicked deck for close-up card magic, subtly modified with tapered edges that allow a magician to secretly control, locate, and produce specific cards with ease. Spectators see a seemingly ordinary deck shuffled freely, yet the magician can effortlessly pull out chosen cards—like all four aces—from the middle, creating illusions of impossible skill and randomness. This deck is ideal for beginners and pros alike, often including additional gimmicks for expanded routines, and requires no advanced sleight of hand, making it a versatile tool for card control, productions, and deceptive shuffles.

Where to buy

Stripper Decks from Ellusionist
EllusionistStripper Decks$7.46
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Key features

  • Subtly tapered deck edges for easy card control and stripping

  • Self-working method suitable for beginners with minimal practice

  • Allows for effects like card location, production, and deceptive shuffles

  • Includes additional gimmicks in some packages for expanded routines

  • Affordable and widely available, often under £10

Pros

  • Easy to use even for novice magicians

  • Highly deceptive with natural handling disguising the gimmick

  • Versatile for a wide range of card magic effects

  • Affordable price point makes it accessible

  • Encourages free shuffling to maintain the illusion of randomness

Cons

  • Requires angle awareness to avoid exposure

  • Limited to specific stripping effects without additional sleights

  • May be less impressive for experienced magicians familiar with the principle

Effect

The Stripper Deck creates the appearance of impossible card control. A spectator chooses a card. The magician shuffles the deck thoroughly. The chosen card then appears in a surprising way. It can be produced from the middle of the deck. It can be the only card facing a different direction after a shuffle. The magician seems to have complete command over a single card. The audience sees a random selection and a fair shuffle, followed by a magical revelation.

Full details

The Stripper Deck is a specially modified deck of cards. One end of each card is tapered. This subtle change allows a magician to control any card secretly. The deck looks normal to spectators. All the cards have different faces and backs. The modification is not visible during performance. The deck often comes with additional gimmicks. These gimmicks expand the number of routines you can perform. The core principle lets you locate, control, and produce cards easily. Erik Tait states it is his favorite trick deck. He demonstrates his unique handling in his Penguin Live lecture.

Who should consider the trick

The Stripper Deck is good for magicians at any skill level. Beginners can use it because it is easy to learn. SaturnMagicShop calls it a foundational tool. It helps new performers achieve strong effects quickly. Intermediate and advanced magicians will find it valuable. They can incorporate it into more complex routines. Cavan Booth notes that even experienced magicians sometimes mistake it for a marked deck. This shows its deceptive power. It is ideal for performers who want reliable card magic without complex sleight of hand.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Stripper Deck is not difficult to perform. AlakazamMagicUK emphasizes its accessibility. They say even someone with no prior experience can use it quickly. The basic actions involve natural movements like squaring the deck. SaturnMagicShop advises disguising the stripping action within offbeat motions. This makes the technique easy to hide. SeanDevine explains a self-working routine using Edward Marlo's "Push Through Failure." He says the method relies entirely on the deck, requiring no advanced skill. Angle awareness is the main consideration. With minimal practice, most magicians can perform convincing effects.

What magicians say

Magicians praise the Stripper Deck for its power and simplicity. Erik Tait says, "My favorite trick deck is the stripper deck." He demonstrates his handling and preference for negative stripper work. SaturnMagicShop calls it a "foundational and powerful gimmicked deck." They highlight its ability to create seemingly impossible effects. AlakazamMagicUK notes its affordability and instant magical ability. They state it makes the performer look like a "card shark and a master of the deck." SeanDevine uses it for a self-working version of a classic trick, noting how the method fools even knowledgeable magicians. Cavan Booth's experience shows that the deck remains a staple in magic kits, trusted by performers for decades.

What people are saying about Stripper Deck

AlakazamMagicUK says...

The Stripper Deck uses identical face cards to create deceptive effects, making it easy for beginners to produce specific cards from the middle after a shuffle.

Cavan Booth says...

Cavan initially misidentified the Stripper Deck as a marked deck, demonstrating a common magician's mistake and its deceptive nature.

Craig Petty says...

He teases an upcoming Stripper Deck project with 30 routines in development, highlighting its potential for diverse performances.

Erik Tait says...

Tait reveals his favorite trick deck is the stripper deck and demonstrates his handling, emphasizing its effectiveness in his routines.

MurphysMagicSupplies says...

A Stripper Deck package from Apprentice Magic includes gimmicks and instructions, making it a highlighted new release for versatile card magic.

SaturnMagicShop says...

The Stripper Deck is a foundational and powerful gimmicked deck for magicians, allowing for effects like card control, location, and production with subtle modifications.

Sean Devine says...

The method is entirely self-working, relying on a stripper deck for deceptive shuffles and controlled stripping, with angle awareness being key.

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