The Jigsaw Deck by David Regal

Effect

The Jigsaw Deck is a visually engaging magic trick where a magician presents a small jigsaw puzzle inside a box. The puzzle pieces are assembled to form what appears to be the image of a deck of cards. After placing the completed puzzle back into the box, the magician reveals that the puzzle has transformed into a real, fully functional deck of playing cards. The effect is clean, surprising, and serves as a memorable way to introduce a deck of cards into a performance.

Full Details

The Jigsaw Deck, created by David Regal, includes a custom-designed puzzle box, puzzle pieces, and a gimmick that facilitates the transformation. The puzzle pieces are shaped and colored to resemble the back design of a standard deck of cards. Once assembled, the magician places the puzzle back into the box, and with a moment of magic, the box now contains a real deck. The method is straightforward, relying on a clever principle that ensures a smooth and deceptive transformation.

The trick comes with additional presentation ideas, including the option to use "Brain Buster" stickers on the box to enhance the puzzle theme. The deck produced is a standard red-backed deck, though some magicians may customize it to match their preferred brand.

Who Should Consider the Trick

• Performers looking for a strong opener: The Jigsaw Deck works well as an introductory piece, setting the tone for a card-based routine.
• Close-up and parlor magicians: Its compact size and visual appeal make it suitable for intimate settings or small stage performances.
• Magicians who enjoy storytelling: The puzzle theme allows for creative presentations, such as solving a mystery or unlocking hidden potential.

Difficulty

The Jigsaw Deck is rated as easy to perform, making it accessible to magicians of all skill levels. The method is self-working, meaning no advanced sleight of hand is required. The primary challenge lies in presentation—selling the puzzle assembly and the magical transformation convincingly.

What Magicians Say

• itsallthingsmagic describes it as "a very cool piece of magic" and praises its potential as an engaging opener. They highlight its ease of use and the fact that it’s "very easy to do," allowing performers to focus on presentation rather than mechanics.
• AlakazamMagicUK calls it a "lovely little opener" and notes that the reset is quick, making it practical for repeated performances. They also appreciate the method, calling it "simple but effective."

The Jigsaw Deck is a well-received trick that combines simplicity with strong visual impact, making it a worthwhile addition to any magician’s repertoire.