Tech Deck by Craig Petty

Created by: Craig Petty

Tech Deck is a revolutionary close-up card magic prop that serves as a powerful kicker ending to your existing card routines. To the spectator, it appears as a completely normal deck of cards throughout your performance. At the climax, you hand the deck to a spectator, and when they open it, they discover a futuristic interior with a circuit board and glowing blue LEDs that light up automatically. This creates a moment of astonishment where you can jokingly attribute your magic to 'electronics,' blending traditional card magic with modern technology for a memorable, shareable experience. The deck is solid-state with a magnetic closure and reed switch activation, designed specifically for audience handling so spectators can open it themselves and witness the technological reveal firsthand.

Key features

Not a standalone trick but a utility prop to enhance existing card routines
Looks and handles like a real deck until the electronic reveal
Solid-state construction with magnetic closure and reed switch activation
Designed for spectator handling - they can open it themselves
Includes extensive video tutorial with basics, over a dozen card tricks, and sleight-of-hand crash course
Suitable for both beginners and professional performers
Creates a modern, tech-inspired twist on classic card magic

Pros

Self-contained and examinable by spectators
Versatile - can be incorporated into many different card routines
Creates strong, memorable reactions that transcend the original magic
High-quality construction ensures durability
Extensive tutorial provides immediate usability for all skill levels

Cons

Requires electronics (battery-powered LEDs)
Not a complete trick on its own - needs to be combined with other card magic
The electronic component adds complexity compared to traditional props

Effect

The Tech Deck looks like a normal deck of cards. You perform your regular card magic. At the end of your routine, you hand the deck to a spectator. They open the box. Inside, they see a circuit board with glowing blue LEDs. This creates a surprising and modern reveal. You can joke that your magic was done with electronics.

Full details

The Tech Deck is a prop, not a complete trick. It is a gimmicked card box. It looks and handles like a real deck during a performance. The box has a magnetic closure and a reed switch. Opening the box activates the switch. This turns on the blue LEDs inside. The interior shows a fake electronic circuit. The deck is solid and can be given to spectators. They can open it themselves to see the light. The prop is designed to be a kicker ending for your existing card routines.

Who should consider the trick

The Tech Deck is for magicians who perform card magic. It is suitable for beginners and professionals. Beginners will find it accessible. Professionals can use it to add a modern twist to their strong material. It is good for performers who want a memorable and shareable moment. The effect blends magic with a technology aesthetic. If you want a prop that creates a big reaction with little extra work, consider the Tech Deck.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Tech Deck is not difficult to perform. The prop is self-working. The main skill is learning how to introduce the deck into your routine smoothly. The included tutorial covers this. No advanced sleight of hand is needed for the prop itself. The deck is examinable after the reveal. Craig Petty states the trick has no angle issues and is practical for real world use.

What magicians say

Reviewers highlight the Tech Deck's impact. magic-tv notes it provides "a moment of astonishment that transcends the magic itself." They say the deck is "designed to be handled by the audience" creating a "tangible, self-working miracle." In another review, magic-tv lists the Tech Deck among highly recommended gimmicked decks, praising it as "self-contained, examinable, versatile." Penguin Magic includes it in a showcase of new releases, describing it as a "miniature tech-themed prediction device" that fits a trend towards practical, high-impact props.

What people are saying about Tech Deck

magic-tv says...

The core idea is to provide a moment of astonishment that transcends the magic itself, allowing you to jokingly attribute your miracles to 'electronics.' The deck is constructed with a high-quality block, a magnetic closure, and is entirely solid-state, ensuring it looks and handles like a real deck until the big reveal.

penguinmagicshop says...

Given Craig Petty's reputation for creating strong, modern magic, Tech Deck is presumably a card-based effect that utilizes a technological or gimmicked deck to achieve a powerful and deceptive illusion.