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The Accumulator Deck by David Penn

Created by: David Penn

The Accumulator Deck by David Penn is a close-up card trick that elevates the classic 'card at number' effect to new heights. A spectator freely names any number between 1 and 52, and another spectator merely thinks of a card without removing it from the deck. With no sleight of hand, the magician reveals the thought-of card at the exact named position. The deck is fully gaffed, allowing for a clean, impossible revelation that feels like pure magic. This is ideal for close-up or table performances, offering a strong, interactive routine with an instant reset. Buyers should note it's a one-trick gaffed deck, so it can't be handed out for examination.

Key features

  • No sleight of hand required

  • Spectators freely choose a card and a number

  • Instant reset for repeated performances

  • Includes a detailed streaming tutorial

  • Fully gaffed deck (not examinable)

Pros

  • Strong, impossible effect

  • Clear and thorough tutorial

  • Works at any angle

  • Minimal pocket space

  • Professional-grade routine

Cons

  • Requires basic mental math (addition/subtraction)

  • Gaffed deck limits other uses

  • No refill option—must repurchase if worn out

Effect

The Accumulator Deck is a card trick where two spectators each think of a card from a spread deck. A third spectator names any number between 1 and 52. The magician then cuts the deck to reveal the first spectator’s thought-of card. Next, they count down to the chosen number, and the second spectator’s card appears exactly at that position. The entire effect happens with no sleight of hand, no marked cards, and no forced selections.

Full details

The trick uses a fully gaffed deck of Bicycle cards, designed to allow the magician to locate any two freely selected cards at any named number. The method relies on a clever mathematical principle, requiring only basic addition and subtraction. The deck comes with a detailed tutorial video (approximately 50 minutes long) that explains the routine, subtleties, and performance tips.

The routine includes an instant reset, meaning it can be repeated immediately for different groups. The deck cannot be examined, as it is a one-trick gaffed deck. Performers will need to memorize a simple system, but no advanced card handling is required.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who:

  • Enjoy mathematical card tricks but want a clean, no-sleight method.
  • Perform close-up or table magic, as it works well in these settings.
  • Want a strong, repeatable effect with minimal setup.
  • Are comfortable with basic memory work and quick mental calculations.

It may not be the best choice for those who prefer ungimmicked decks or dislike memorization.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The trick is technically easy—no sleight of hand is required. However, performers must learn a simple mathematical system to determine the correct card positions. Some reviewers, like fiddlinjonny, initially struggled with the addition aspect but found it straightforward after practice. Scott Perry (EverythingMagicPro99) notes that knowing basic multiplication tables (like the six times table up to 54) can help speed up the process.

The tutorial is thorough, but performers should expect to spend time practicing the routine to ensure smooth execution.

What magicians say

  • fiddlinjonny calls it "a really interesting release" and praises the method for being "super ridiculously easy" once learned. They highlight the strong audience reaction, saying, "if you're a good performer, it is miraculous." However, they note that the initial learning curve might be steeper for some due to the mental calculations involved.
  • Scott Perry (EverythingMagicPro99) describes it as "as close to a perfect card trick as you can get," emphasizing the clean handling and strong effect. He mentions that while the method is clever, the real strength lies in the impossibility of the outcome.

Both reviewers agree that the Accumulator Deck is a powerful, well-constructed trick that delivers a strong magical experience with minimal technical demands.

What people are saying about The Accumulator Deck

EverythingMagicPro99 says...

This is as close to a perfect card trick as you can get. The outcome is completely impossible, and the method is genius.

fiddlinjonny says...

The ability to ask a single question and know both spectators' chosen cards is such an essential element of this effect—done really well and super ridiculously easy.

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