Tamar Stack by Sarah and David Trustman

Created by: Sarah and David Trustman

The 'Memory Arts' book by Sarah and David Trustman is a comprehensive guide focused on teaching powerful memorization techniques, primarily the Memory Palace method, rather than specific magic tricks. This technique uses visual imagery, rhymes, and categorization to help magicians (and others) memorize decks of cards (like the Tamar Stack, Erdnase, and others), phone numbers, grocery lists, names, and more. The book is interactive, with quizzes and illustrations, making it engaging and practical for everyday use or professional magic applications. It’s available as a physical book (currently out of stock) or an ebook (PDF format).

Key features

  • Teaches the Memory Palace method for memorization

  • Interactive ebook with quizzes and illustrations

  • Applicable to magic (stacked decks) and everyday life

  • Includes pre-built Memory Palaces for popular stacks like Tamar and Erdnase

  • Encourages creating custom Memory Palaces for other decks or tasks

Pros

  • Versatile—useful for magic and daily life

  • Interactive and engaging learning experience

  • Structured approach improves long-term retention

  • Well-illustrated and easy to follow

Cons

  • Physical book is currently out of stock

  • Requires effort to build custom Memory Palaces for non-included decks

Effect

The Tamar Stack is a memorized deck system that allows magicians to perform seemingly impossible feats with a shuffled deck. To the audience, the magician appears to have an uncanny ability to locate specific cards, predict choices, or reveal information without any apparent sleight of hand. The deck can be shuffled and handled freely, yet the performer retains complete control over the order of the cards.

Full Details

The Tamar Stack is a specific stack order designed for memorized deck work. Unlike marked decks or gimmicked setups, this method relies purely on the magician's ability to recall the exact sequence of cards. The book Memory Arts by Sarah and David Trustman provides a structured approach to learning this stack using the Memory Palace technique, a mnemonic system that helps organize and retrieve information efficiently.

The book does not teach tricks directly but instead focuses on building the foundational skill of memorization. It includes interactive elements such as quizzes and illustrations to reinforce learning. The technique can also be applied to other memorized decks, such as the Erdnase stack, as well as everyday tasks like remembering names, phone numbers, or lists.

Who Should Consider the Trick

The Tamar Stack is ideal for magicians who want to expand their repertoire with advanced memorized deck magic. It is particularly useful for performers who enjoy mentalism, cardistry, or routines that require deep audience interaction. Since the method relies on memory rather than gimmicks, it is best suited for those willing to invest time in learning and practicing the stack.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

Memorizing the Tamar Stack requires dedication, but the Memory Palace technique simplifies the process. Reviewer sebastiantoca9208 noted that they memorized the first 30-41 cards of another stack (the Particle System) within a week using this method. The book’s interactive approach makes learning engaging, and the structured system helps with long-term retention. While not effortless, the technique is designed to be manageable with consistent practice.

What Magicians Say

Sebastiantoca9208, who reviewed Memory Arts, praised the book for its versatility and effectiveness:

  • "The technique is easy to understand and implement... it really helps you memorize things rather quickly."
  • "It's not just a magic book... it applies to every facet of your life."
  • "I've been using it recently for the Particle System... the method has helped me remember the first 30-41 cards in five or six days."

They rated the book 9/10, highlighting its usefulness beyond magic, including mentalism and everyday memory improvement. The reviewer also emphasized that the Memory Palace technique helps with long-term retention, a common challenge with memorized deck work.

The Tamar Stack, when combined with the methods in Memory Arts, offers a powerful tool for magicians looking to elevate their performances with genuine memorization skills.

What people are saying about Tamar Stack

sebastiantoca9208 says...

The Memory Palace technique is easy to understand and implement, and it really helps you memorize things rather quickly. [...] The book is very interactive, with quizzes and illustrations, making it a breeze to go through.

Review videos