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Svengali Deck by Unknown classic inventor, Craig Petty, and Alakazam Magic

Created by: Unknown classic inventor, Craig Petty, Alakazam Magic

The Svengali Deck is a classic gimmicked card deck used primarily in close-up and parlour magic. In this trick, the spectator sees a deck of cards that appears normal when handled casually. However, the magician can perform seemingly impossible feats, such as forcing a specific card (e.g., the 5 of Hearts) every time a spectator chooses one, making that card rise from the deck, or having it appear in multiple locations. The deck is constructed with every other card being identical (the force card), allowing for deceptive riffle forces, false shuffles, and cuts that maintain the illusion of a regular deck. Buyers should note that while the deck is not examinable by spectators, proper handling and misdirection make it appear ordinary, and it's versatile for beginners and experienced magicians alike, offering a range of effects from simple forces to complex routines.

Key features

  • Gimmicked deck with every other card identical, enabling forces and transformations

  • Versatile for various effects like rising card, false shuffles, and multi-location appearances

  • Durable and ideal for beginners due to simple principle, yet expandable for advanced routines

  • Requires misdirection and natural handling to avoid detection of the gimmick

  • Can be modified (e.g., writing on cards) for custom routines, but this may limit reusability

Pros

  • Easy to learn and perform, making it great for novice magicians

  • Highly versatile, allowing for a wide range of tricks and routines

  • Durable and affordable, with decks available at low cost

  • Excellent for walk-around or table-hopping performances due to quick resets

  • Provides strong, memorable climaxes with repeated card appearances

Cons

  • Deck is not examinable by spectators, requiring careful handling to maintain illusion

  • Some routines may require modifications that limit the deck's use for other effects

  • Can be overused or recognized by knowledgeable audiences if not performed creatively

  • May need multiple decks for certain routines, increasing overall cost

Effect

The Svengali Deck creates the appearance of a normal deck of cards. A spectator freely selects a card. The magician then performs impossible feats with that card. The chosen card can appear to rise from the deck. It can be found in multiple locations. The entire deck can transform into the spectator's card. These effects happen while the magician handles the deck freely, even performing shuffles and cuts.

Full details

A Svengali Deck is a specially prepared deck. Every other card is identical, typically a force card like the 5 of Hearts. This setup allows for a wide range of effects. Magicians can force a specific card on a spectator. They can make that card appear repeatedly in different ways. The deck is durable and built to last. It is a versatile tool for many types of card magic. Proper handling makes the deck look ordinary. The deck is not meant for spectators to examine closely.

Who should consider the trick

The Svengali Deck is ideal for beginners. It provides instant gratification with minimal practice. It is also valuable for experienced magicians. Craig Petty's Svengali Project shows that seasoned performers can find new uses for it. Oliver Tabor states the Svengali Deck ignited his lifelong passion for magic. It is good for performers who do walk around magic. Many routines have easy resets, which is useful for table hopping. The deck suits stage magicians when using a larger version like the Svengali Album for better visibility.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The basic principles of the Svengali Deck are easy to learn. Beginners can start performing tricks quickly. However, mastering the presentation requires practice. Natural handling and misdirection are crucial. One reviewer notes that a few advanced routines may require a double lift. Craig Petty's tutorial provides psychological tools to present the deck convincingly. The Svengali Project includes approximately four hours of instruction. It covers techniques to make the deck appear normal. The difficulty varies by routine, but most are accessible to magicians at different skill levels.

What magicians say

Magicians praise the Svengali Deck for its versatility and impact. One reviewer says the Svengali Project "revitalizes a classic deck" and provides "commercial material previously untapped." Another reviewer, David from Magic Orthodoxy, calls "The Pitch" routine "so strong it could be marketed as a standalone effect." He also states that "Coincidence" is his new go-to Svengali routine. J Ro from Stevens Magic emphasizes that a spectator's calmness is crucial for success in certain routines. Oliver Tabor shares that the Svengali Deck was the trick that started his magic career. Overall, magicians find it a powerful tool for creating memorable magic.

What people are saying about Svengali Deck

AlakazamMagicUK says...

Magic kit designed for beginners to easily learn and perform tricks, includes classic props like sponge balls, Svengali deck, and coin magic apparatus.

BAM_magic says...

The Svengali Project revitalizes the classic Svengali deck, with a 4-hour tutorial covering psychological tools to present it convincingly as a regular deck.

Craig Petty says...

Underestimated magic methods like the Svengali Deck and Dynamic Coins offer powerful effects when handled correctly.

David (Magic Orthodoxy) says...

The Svengali Project's $28 price tag is justified by the quantity and quality of the 20 routines, with 'The Pitch' being a strong ambitious card routine.

J Ro (StevensMagicEmporium) says...

Craig Petty's Svengali Project unlocks new possibilities, like having a spectator seemingly force a card into the deck with calmness and relaxation crucial for success.

Oliver Tabor says...

The Svengali Deck ignited my love for magic, sparking a lifelong passion from intimate close-up to grand stage illusions.

SaturnMagicShop says...

The Svengali Deck is a gimmicked deck where every other card is identical, typically a force card like the 5 of Hearts. It enables effects such as forcing a specific card and having it appear in multiple locations.

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