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The Svengali Project by Craig Petty and Alakazam Magic

Created by: Craig Petty, Alakazam Magic

The Svengali Project by Craig Petty and Alakazam Magic is a comprehensive collection of 20 tricks utilizing the classic Svengali deck, a staple in card magic known for its deceptive nature where most cards are duplicates of a single card. This project revitalizes the Svengali deck, showcasing its versatility beyond basic routines. The download includes a wide range of effects from ambitious card routines to mentalism and time travel themes, catering to magicians of all skill levels. Some tricks require minor deck alterations, such as writing on cards, which may limit the deck's use for other routines. The project is designed for close-up and walk-around magic, offering material for a 10-15 minute set.

Key features

  • 20 tricks included in the download

  • Revitalizes the classic Svengali deck

  • Caters to magicians of all skill levels

  • Includes ambitious card routines, mentalism, and time travel themes

  • Some tricks require minor deck alterations

  • Designed for close-up and walk-around magic

Pros

  • High quantity and quality of routines

  • Easy to learn with most tricks requiring basic sleight-of-hand

  • Unique and original routines unlikely to be seen by spectators before

  • Good value for money with a Svengali deck and 20 tricks for $28

  • Focuses on the psychology of performance and handling to maintain illusion

Cons

  • Some tricks require writing on the cards, limiting the deck's versatility

  • A few routines share similarities, potentially making some redundant

  • Requires multiple Svengali decks to perform all routines

  • Not all routines are suitable for all performers due to deck alterations

Effect

The Svengali Project by Craig Petty transforms the classic Svengali deck into a versatile tool for modern magic. Spectators see impossible card revelations, predictions, and transformations. A selected card appears repeatedly, decks correct themselves after shuffles, and written predictions match chosen cards with uncanny accuracy. The routines blend magic, mentalism, and visual transformations, making the Svengali deck feel fresh and deceptive.

Full Details

The Svengali Project includes 20 routines, taught in a four-hour video tutorial. The download covers everything from basic handling to advanced psychological techniques. Some routines require minor deck modifications, such as writing on cards with a Sharpie, while others use the deck as-is. Highlights include:

  • The Pitch: An ambitious card routine with a surprise kicker.
  • Coincidence: A standout routine where two selected cards reveal themselves after a shuffled deck.
  • Magic vs. Mentalism vs. Time Travel: A multi-phase routine blending mentalism and visual magic.
  • Bank Night: A Svengali-based take on the classic Bank Night effect.

The project also includes live performances, handling tips, and ways to minimize suspicion when using a gimmicked deck.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This project suits magicians of all levels. Beginners benefit from the straightforward handling, while experienced performers will appreciate the advanced psychological techniques. It’s ideal for:

  • Walk-around magicians needing quick, impactful routines.
  • Mentalists looking to incorporate card-based predictions.
  • Performers who want to expand their Svengali deck repertoire beyond basic tricks.

Difficulty

Most routines are easy to perform, relying on the Svengali deck’s built-in mechanics. A few effects require a double lift, but no advanced sleight-of-hand is necessary. The real challenge lies in presentation—selling the effects convincingly. As reviewer magicorthodoxy notes:

"The double lift might be the hardest sleight on the entire project... this is magic for everyone."

What Magicians Say

Reviewers praise the project for its creativity and practicality:

  • magicorthodoxy calls Coincidence their new go-to Svengali routine, saying:

    "This is now how I'm going to perform this Svengali deck every single time."

  • BAM_magic highlights the project’s value, rating it 96% and stating:

    "There's so much material here, you could do a 10-15 minute set with just the Svengali deck."

Both reviewers emphasize that while some routines require deck modifications, the sheer variety of effects justifies the investment. The Svengali Project revitalizes a classic tool, making it relevant for modern performers.

What people are saying about The Svengali Project

BAM_magic says...

The Svengali Project revitalizes the classic Svengali deck. [...] My favorite routine on the project is probably the Magic versus mentalism versus time travel routine.

magicorthodoxy says...

The Svengali Project is a worthwhile purchase, especially for those who appreciate the work of Craig Petty and Alakazam. [...] Coincidence is now my go-to Svengali routine.

Review videos