Title: REM
Creator: Dave Forrest
Publisher: Full 52
MSRP: $ 30
Skill Level: All
DVD Run time: 1 hour 23 minutes

Type of effect: Photographic prediction effect

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
7 years ago, Dave created an effect called 'The Man Who Paints The Future' and released it to the magic community on my 'Radio Rental' DVD.

This parlor mentalism piece found favor among magicians and mentalists worldwide who added it to their professional performances.

Dave has used it in two major magic competitions and closed his parlour act with it during his engagement at the world famous 'Magic Castle' in Hollywood.

In the 7 years since it was released to the magic community, Dave has been developing a close-up version. His aim was to provide the same 'stun factor' as the original while making the whole effect portable, practical and easier to perform. Given that 'The Man Who Paints The Future' utilizes SEVEN multi-colored decks and an actual painting on a large canvas, this was no easy task.

Never-the-less, he got there in the end and is delighted to finally be able to present: 'REM'. 'REM' will allow you to have anyone describe, with unfailing accuracy, the details of the performer's recurring dream. Your participant, using free will and their own imagination, will conjure an image in their mind, deciding for themselves on the pertinent details of your dream.

Without switches or multiple outs of any kind, they will remove a single, un-gimmicked photograph from an envelope that has been in full view throughout and find that it depicts EVERY part of the dream EXACTLY as they imagined it!

And then comes the final kicker...

A spectacularly memorable revelation of a card the participant is merely THINKING of in their mind. Having told NO ONE the name of that card - it only exists IN THEIR MIND - you will prove that, somehow, your dream actually centered around that very card!

This effect has literally been years in development. It is accomplished via layered, time-tested methods, woven together to produce the most direct effect possible while trading off as little of the magic that made it's large scale predecessor so memorable.

'REM' is very easy to perform, requiring only basic card handling skills. It is completely customizable and includes all the required digital artwork in a variety of sizes. And, there are several different ways to handle the final revelation so different artwork is provided for each scenario.

'REM' is a killer! Multitudinous revelations, all merely imagined by your participant, followed by a knock-out finale that will leave them utterly speechless.

How accurate is the ad copy? no deception

What's in the box? DVD with instructions and printable pdfs

How are the production values: The DVD appears like he filmed it himself, steady cam in the living room, and one over the head shot for the explanation. There are a few live performances but they appear to be in a controlled environment with no microphones.
 
Is it well made: only a DVD is included, you will have to make all your props using the downloadable PDF files

Is it well taught: The trick at the beginning takes 9 minutes and 21 seconds to run through (seemed kind of long to me). This trick was originally inspired by a stage trick "The Man Who Paints the Future" (from Radio Rental) which is also based on another effect - "Photo Future" by Jay Sankey
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): Watching David do the trick I was able to see what he was doing through every step, not because he was a poor performer, but because each phase is based on a series of forces & each of the forces are well known in the magic community. Then I could argue that you could perform any "force" you like best - you just have to arrive at the same finale.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?" most of it is mentalism, but you will need a deck of cards and the paper products seen in the video (nothing else)
 
Does it "play big?" I guess it could have a stronger punch if perhaps there was less hoops to jump through and the routine was a little shorter.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: this is a very simple effect, if you follow the routine correctly it will require very little skill other than a few card controls.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? you will need to make several items, but most of it requires writing and printing
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) It's a practical effect, but it's just long and I would wonder if your spectator wouldn't get lost in the entire thing (remember David's performance is over nine minutes long) .... you're putting a lot on your spectator to remember, and so you are constantly reminding them of their decisions (constantly recapping the effect back them).

Overall score: let's toss out the traditional score of 1-10 and make this something that we all can appreciate and understand.
 
_____ Very Satisfied
_____ Somewhat Satisfied
_____ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
_____ Somewhat Dissatisfied
    X    Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
 
The trick is too long for me, and the DVD was too long as well (ha ha). The entire presentation felt like a series of hoops I was making my spectator jump trough.
 
+ Hey do you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas? Visit this link for my video review:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9C-MAR4nro

Title: Symbol
Creator: Steve Cook
Publisher: Alakazam
MSRP: $ 25
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time: 26 minutes

Type of effect: packet prediction effect using ESP cards

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
Steve Cook has created a super slick ESP prediction. This awesome effect will fit neatly in your wallet and will fry any spectator!

Imagine placing a single envelope onto the table along with six colored ESP cards. Your spectator is asked to roll an imaginary die, they can roll it as many times as they like, change the number as many times as they like and yet the ESP symbol related to the number will match your prediction in the envelope 100%.

Symbol feels ultra-fair and is easy to do (absolutely no funny moves or sleight of hand required).

How accurate is the ad copy? I totally agree with it.

What's in the box? DVD and needed cards.
 
Everything you need to perform Symbol is contained in the pack including a full in depth training DVD with additional tips and handling by Peter Nardi

Key points: Symbol resets instantly and is perfect for both mentalists and magicians.

How are the production values: It's Peter Nardi and David Loosley in a living room setting on a couch performing on a coffee table. Two standard shots with clear presentations.
 
Is it well made: These cards will last you a life time

Is it well taught: This trick has multiple outs, but they are all convincing. Peter and David run through the trick from every angle to ensure you walk away well informed.
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): I loved the ease of this - plus it looks like it could be the HOT ROD force.... but it isn't!
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?" Packet trick of only a few cards - carry it with enough forethought and your reveal envelope could also double as the sleeve you carry your cards in.
 
Does it "play big?" It's mentalism, it's a prediction, it's ESP cards, what more could you want?
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: Once you learn it - you'll forever remember it.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? Zero - unless you want to make your own prediction envelope.
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) I'd say your only requirement is a table

Overall score: let's toss out the traditional score of 1-10 and make this something that we all can appreciate and understand.
 
   X     Very Satisfied
_____ Somewhat Satisfied
_____ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
_____ Somewhat Dissatisfied
_____ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
 
I love this routine - I love these cards - I love the ending - this one is going into my every day working routine.
 
+ Hey do you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas? Visit this link for my video review: https://youtu.be/TJlkBVoaE2E
​

​Title: Move Zero vol 1
Creator: John Bannon
Publisher: Big Blind Media
MSRP: $ 30
Skill Level: all
DVD length: 2 hours and 4 minutes

Type of effect: DVD of sleightless magic tricks

Manufacturer's Write Up:

John Bannon's Move Zero is undoubtedly the most exciting study of self-working card magic this century. 

There is not one sleight in any of the eight featured jawdroppingly impossible routines. That's right - no sleight of hand. None. No moves, no sleights. Yet despite being automatic in method, each and every effect is a staggering, explosive, layered stunner. And contrary to expectation of how powerful sleight free magic can be, these tricks will decimate any audience (be they magicians, lay people, even sometimes yourself).

Each routine is achieved with nothing more than an ordinary deck of cards. No gaffs, pencil dots, 'marks', gimmicks or extra cards. Many are also entirely impromptu!

And it is not just incredible tricks you are learning here. The fascinating, detailed explanations Bannon provides on MOVE ZERO reveal his incredible thinking about method, applied subtlety and intelligent layering. MOVE ZERO will help you turbo charge ALL your sleight free magic. This is a true masterclass in trick construction.

On MOVE ZERO you'll also learn seven essential techniques to put into your own 'trickbag'. These are the building blocks of self-working magic. From false cuts done in the open to card forces that spectators can unleash on THEMSELVES!

Forget everything you think you know about self-working card magic. It's time to plug into MOVE ZERO.
 
How accurate is the ad copy? there is no deception - this is an exceptional masterpiece sure to become a crowd favorite and instant classic

What's in the box? DVD only
 
Menu Contents
 
Seven Tricks:

• Collusion
• Sort Of Psychic
• Prophet Motive
• Ion Man 
• Ulterior
• Ban-nihilation
• Four Sided Gemini

 
Eight Self Working Cuts and Controls Explained:

• Cross Cut
• Cut Deeper Force
• Jay Ose False Cut  
• Deal & Cross Cut Force
• Spectator Ose Cut
• Remote Control
• Rosetta Control
• Equivoque
  
  

Plus Four Bannon Interviews" "Your favorite trick" & "Your start in Magic" & "What would you perform" & "Thoughts on Crediting"

Key points: the menus and bumpers are just as beautiful as the spectators.
 
How are the production values: all beautifully shot in HD in a beautiful home, and a cool brewery,  Bannon explains his effects to various Big Blind Media favorites (Liam Montier makes an appearance!) Tons of camera angles, lots of content, wonderful teaching, I could rave on about this for hours.

Is it well taught: It's John freakin' Bannon! Sitting and listening to him is mesmerizing, watching this DVD is like sitting at his private table at the Magic Castle.
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): Again, I can't even describe how beautiful this DVD is, and knowing that it's going to be a 4 DVD set is .... well, it just makes me tingly inside.  Yes, some of these ticks you've seen before from Big Blind Media if you own some of the other Self Working DVDs, but you have not seen them with Bannon's twist and personality.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required:  as the title suggests - this is all skill levels, but let me reiterate, don't 'poo poo' this because there are no sleights involved. Card tricks are card tricks - and presented well these tricks can slay any audiece. Yes, Bannon teaches 'no move' forces - but that doesn't mean you have to use those card forces - in your hands - these could be miracles with your favorite force.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? Absolutely zip
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Most of these are possible to do with zero set up and a borrowed deck.
 
Overall score: let's toss out the traditional score of 1-10 and make this something that we all can appreciate and understand.
 
   X     Very Satisfied
_____ Somewhat Satisfied
_____ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
_____ Somewhat Dissatisfied
_____ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
 
BBM has a strong player here, this series is going to become one of their titles Magicians will demand that they keep in stock

 Here is my video review: ​​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyIWocRMBZw

I remember when I first started collecting comic books I heard from a lot of the pros that I had to get "this" or "that" issue. People with experience told me which books I should have and why they were collectible.
 
First appearance of Cable
 
First issue drawn by Todd McFarlane
 
Death of Gwen Stacey
 
But the truth is, as a collector I had not found my niche yet. In other words, I had not found the titles and characters that spoke to me as a collector so just randomly buying "collectibles" didn't seem like a good way to go. In the end, I ended up collecting a lot of Spiderman titles and yes, I do own the first issue drawn by Todd McFarlane (Amazing Spiderman 298) and it's very cool.
 
My point is, I am seeing a lot of playing card collectors being told that they need a deck of cards from the Ohio plant or that cards from the new Kentucky plant pale in comparison.  And I know as a new collector you want to make all the right moves, but I just want to make sure you have the RIGHT information.
 
Yes, a long time ago (August 20, 2009) the USPCC moved from Ohio to Kentucky and when they did - everyone saw a noticeable dip in quality. The cards were night and day.
 
The new Kentucky cards were not different say like the difference between driving a Ford and driving a Chevy, it was the difference between driving a Ford and driving a bike.
 
Yea, that noticeable.
 
So when you read forums from "veterans" take special note of the date of when that post was written. Because a lot has changed in our industry since 2009.
 
I own decks from all of those eras and stages, so I do know what I am talking about, I have been collecting playing cards for over 40 years. So let me just drop some knowledge on you ok?
 
1. The quality coming out of USPCC Kentucky is on point - right now any Q1 deck coming out of the now seven year old plant is top notch. I would take a deck of Kentucky made cards over an old box of Ohio any day.
 
Why? Because the quality control and paper sources that USPCC uses now is excellent, true it doesn't always trickle down to their retail line, but there is something about a fresh deck of Bikes that makes me.... happy.
 
Also, playing cards are paper products, which means they are consumable, which means that time makes them deteriorate. And the truth is, tuck cases are not air tight even if they are plastic sealed. Air particles can get into everything, which means the longer that deck of Ohio sits there - the more it begins to age and break down. Of course it will be minimal and you might not notice it, but it's still a very real factor.
 
2. A lot of the "hype" surrounding Ohio cards is nostalgia. In other words, it's card collectors like me talking about the "good old days." Saying, "they don't make cards like they used to." It's the veterans trying to convince you that Foghat and Steely Dan are BETTER than The 1975 or the Screaming Females. (those are rock bands)
 
In other words, it always "feels" like the old days were better and you can't convince people otherwise because emotion and nostalgia are tied to those memories. Even now, some of those veterans are shaking their heads at me in disbelief.
 
But it's totally true. Pick up a deck of White Lions from David Blaine or the Smoke and Mirrors decks from Dan and Dave and tell me that those cards suck. Pick up a deck of Shifters from Theron Schaub and tell me the Ohio decks are better.
 
There is no way.
 
The truth is, in the past few years USPCC has had some incredibly talented people working for them - people who are into magic and card collecting and their quality has made incredible strides just within the last 4 years.
 
Not to mention, how many designers have walked through their doors and personally worked with them on projects. The staff at USPCC today has an incredible amount of knowledge - so much more so today than anyone at the Ohio plant did seven years ago.
 
Not to mention that Richard Turner uses USPCC for his "gold standard" decks - I would argue that nobody can tell the difference better between the quality of cards more than him. The United States Playing Card Company employ his services as a "touch analyst" to evaluate the texture, flexibility and cut of dozens of decks of cards each year.
 
3. You might not be able to tell the difference anyway. In the end you might end up with what is called "buyers remorse." You hear all this hype about Ohio cards, you save your money, you find a deck and then..... you open it up. THIS IS IT? You thought it would be like riding a unicorn while Boys 2 Men sang Motownphilly in the background?
 
It's what happens a lot when something is "hyped up" and you buy without knowledge. You open your new purchase and discover it's really not all that it's chatted up to be. So now you have 2 choices - ADMIT that you can't tell the difference or ... lie
 
Sadly a lot of people lie when they say "oh these are totally better." The sad truth is they don't want to be ridiculed or put down for not having the same reaction as the masses, so if the crowd says it's "delicious" you say it's "delicious" even though it really tastes like old wet leaves.
 
* NOT that the Ohio cards taste like wet leaves- they totally don't. Ohio cards taste a lot like you'd expect them to... like hard paper. 

** Please do not eat playing cards
 
Are the Ohio cards good cards? Totally! Should you get a deck for your collection? Absolutely! But let me drop some more knowledge on you....
 
I also collect STAR WARS figures. And one of the mistakes a lot of veterans make is that they purchase an old sealed figure and then OPEN IT. Why? Because they want that rush of being the one to open something that had never been opened. And what they end up saying is.... "I wish I had never done it."
 
In the end, they find that the rush lasted only seconds and now they wish they still had the unopened figure.
 
I want to make that same argument for Ohio cards. Again, Ohio cards are becoming more and more rare every day - why? Because people are opening them! Every time a deck of Ohio cards is unwrapped - it makes all the sealed Ohio decks worth more.
 
Because we can't go back in time and make more. Which means one day a deck of Ohio cards will be worth $20, $50 or even $100 - YES, in your lifetime.
 
Which means the truth is - that deck is worth MORE as an investment than it is as a consumable commodity.
 
If you want to "play" with an Ohio deck - then buy an opened deck; and save your sealed decks. Invest in sealed Ohio decks. Because the truth is - those are the decks that will be worth money in 20 years - it won't be your Madison Dealers or your Federal 52s that you still have sealed - Just like anything collectible - the older stuff - the early stuff - will ALWAYS be worth more in the long run.
 
So yes, buy some sealed OHIO cards.... and save them.
 
* Do you think you can tell the difference between the old Ohio cards and the new Q1 cards coming out of Kentucky? Do you think I am full of crap? Comment below and tell me what you think. 
​

​First off, my intention is not to insult. I think the people that are into cardistry are awesome. But as a Magician and also as someone who is into cards, I feel there can also be reverse criticism.  No, I am sorry I don't know how to do a Sybil cut or a giant fan, but it's not because I don't have skills, it's because my 'focus' is different than yours.
 
If you're just starting out in Cardistry (or flourishing) then I hope you have done your homework and gone back to how it all began. It started out underground and small - when I was young there were only a few resources. Remember Xtreme Handz? They used to put out some of the best resources and back then it wasn't called "cardistry" or "flourishing" it was called XCM - and it stood for Extreme Card Manipulation.
 
Isn't that awesome? I wish it was still called XCM, sounds cooler.
 
I tend to think of it like Skateboarding and BMX. For one, riding a bike is about getting from point A to point B, same with skateboarding. But, along the way people started to use those tools for a new purpose. BMX moved into the realm of racing which is super cool, but it also moved further into trick cycling. People started to use bikes (and skateboards) to do tricks.
 
Cards are also tools.
 
Now, cards have always been used to do "tricks" but cardistry and flourishing have taken those subtle hidden moves and given them new life and pushed them out into the light. Cardistry is now sleight of hand on speed. It's beautiful, it's acrobatic and it's a form of juggling.
 
Yes, juggling. You can't think of juggling anymore as clowns throwing balls in the air, mainstream juggling has proven this is a highly crafted art form. People juggle everything from chainsaws to live animals.  Don't believe me? Look up "Pen juggling" on youtube and you'll find guys doing a lot of the same moves cardistry uses except with pens.
 
I say this because I once had a kid tell me that his favorite magician was Zach Mueller.  And I am sure that Zach IS a great card magician, but here is the thing.... I've never seen him do a magic trick! Have you? My point is, Zach doesn't market himself as a magician, nor does he call himself a magician. Is he awesome? Absolutely, probably the best there is! But a magician and a juggler are 2 different things.
 
Can you be both? You sure can. But, I have made my 'focus' on magic and not juggling.
 
And I will tell you why.....
 
For me, cardistry is pulling the curtain back on process too far. My point as a card magician is for my audience to believe that the "solution" to the trick is magic and NOT my technical skill.
 
I never want anyone to believe (or know) that I have any "skills" with card manipulation.
As soon as they can see that I know fancy moves, they will assume that all my card tricks are done with sleight of hand. You see, audiences already know the term 'sleight of hand' lay people already know the phrase 'the hand is quicker than the eye' so why would I was to enforce those already preconceived ideas?
 
And it seems the card magic legends agree with me. Consider these following quotes.
 
"A conjurer is not a juggler, he is an actor playing the part of a magician"  
Jean Robert-Houdin
 
“Never tell the audience how good you are, they will soon find out for themselves.” 
Harry Houdini 

“The worst reason to do magic is the desire to display your superiority to your fellow humans.”  Roberto Giobbi 
 
"Without proper presentation, the best sleight of hand is nothing more than a feat of juggling."  Nate Leipzig 
 
Those are all terrific, but my favorite one is below and it's from card magician Wesley James, this was taken from the book Fooling Houdini by Alex Stone and I highly recommend reading it.
 
"...That an open show of skill, however brief, is deadly during a magic act, because it gives the audience a reason not to believe. Even if they don't figure out the method, they'll attribute the effect to manual dexterity and not to magic... You're giving them the secret to everything you do. Magic is not about selling your prowess, it's about the effect you create - a profound violation of the natural laws of the universe. I don't want them to think I'm skillful, I'm a magician not a juggler. A juggler is selling skill. I want to get credit for my magic, not the skill.... This is not to say that the technique isn't important in magic - it's crucial - but must remain invisible at all times. There can be no man behind the curtain. There can't even be a curtain."
 
So there you have it. My philosophy and the reason I don't do giant fans or fancy shuffles. That's not my character. That's not my focus as an artist.  We're all different and we should celebrate our differences.
 
I don't celebrate my prowess.
 
I don't want people to think I am skilful.
 
I'm a magician, not a juggler. 

* Hey, this is my opinion it's not the end all end all. I can admit I have room to grow and new things to discover all of the time. If you have something to say or an opinion to share, i'd love to hear it

How a deck feels - is a much easier answer than how a deck handles.

​If you're a fan of my deck reviews that you'll notice that every so often I measure the deck with a caliper. Why do I do that? Well, because it's scientific and can't be disputed. I could say the deck was a "thin" stock or a "thick" stock but what does that mean? I could say the cards "feel" great but that's subjective - I can't tell you how you will like them, or how they will feel in your hands.
 
Just because I like them and they work for me, doesn't mean it will feel good to you. So below is the MASTER LIST of measurements so far, bookmark this page and keep coming back. If I do a deck review - come look up the deck and see where it falls in the list - you'll be able to see neighboring decks to better understand how it could feel.
 
"Oh, the new Coven deck will feel the same as a Rider back 808"
 
"Wow, the new Memento Mori is a very thin stock"
 
I don't want to be like other deck reviewers who give you information that you can't use or that doesn't apply to you.

As usual - the measurements below are based off of a stack of 10 cards. This is much more accurate than measuring a single card as most readings on a single card will not show as much discrepancy. Also the unit of measurement is in millimeters (mm). 
 
I hope this can be a useful tool.
 
3.61 Bowlerama – Cosmic Lanes – Legends
3.22 Superior - Expert
​3.08 Bee - USPCC
3.07 Aviator - USPCC
3.04 White Lions RED - USPCC
3.04 DMC Rouge - Cartamundi
​3.03 Mirage v2 Legends
3.03 White Lions Black Label - USPCC
​3.03 Dynasty Red - EPCC
3.03 Brybelly Elite - China
3.02 Split Spades - David Blaine - USPCC
3.02 Kings of India - USPCC
3.02 Smoke & Mirrors v1 - USPCC
3.01 Crown - USPCC
3.01 Dynasty Green - EPCC
3.01 Misc Goods - USPCC
​3.01 Jetsetter Premier Blue
​3.00 Deception Deck - David Blaine - USPCC
3.00 Transformaton Deck - USPCC
​3.00 Odd Bods - USPCC
3.00 Whte Lions BLUE - USPCC
3.00 Karnival Dead Eyes - USPCC
3.00 Woodlands - P3 Expert PCC
2.99 Arcana - USPCC
2.99 Honey Bee - USPCC
2.99 Superior - Black - Expert
​2.99 Bloodlines - USPCC
2.99 VHS
2.98 Camp Cards - USPCC
2.98 Silver Gatorbacks - USPCC
​2.98 Decoder Deck - USPCC
2.97 Blood Kings USPCC
​2.97 Olympia - USPCC
2.97 Casino Royale - made in Taiwan
2.96 Aladdin - USPCC
2.96 Black Mint USPCC
​2.96 Ember Waves - USPCC
​2.96 Black Kings - USPCC
2.96 Rome - Legends
2.95 Royal Pulp USPCC
2.95 Optricks - USPCC
2.95 Mail Chimp USPCC
2.95 Hesslers - USPCC
​2.95 Green Gatorbacks - USPCC
2.95 Carpe Noctem USPCC
2.95 Prism - Legends
2.94 Bicycle Rider backs - USPCC
2.94 Coven - Expert
2.94 Silver Arrows Poker - USPCC
2.94 Americana USPCC
2.94 Darkfall - USPCC
2.94 Dominus Divina - NPCC
2.94 Sleepy Hollow - USPCC
2.93 Bicycle Pinup - USPCC
2.93 Steeplechase - USPCC
2.93 Silver Arrows - Expert
2.93 Inverted Kings - Ellusionist 
2.93 White Tally Ho USPCC
2.92 Tally Ho - USPCC
2.92 Red Arcane - Ellusionist
2.92 Dominus Obscura - NPCC
2.92 Viridian - Legends
2.92 Moirai
2.92 Laura London NOC Expert
2.92 Piff  The Magic Dragon - Expert
​2.91 Richard Turner Gold Standard - USPCC
2.91 Revolvers - USPC
2.91 Smoke & Mirrors v2 - USPCC
​2.91 Republic 02 - USPCC
2.91 Shin Lim
2.91 Saturn - Expert
​2.91 Split Spades Silver Edition - USPCC
2.91 RAVN - USPCC
​2.90 Denim - USPCC
2.90 Blue Bomber – TPCC
2.90 Union – USPCC
2.90 Snow Leopard – Expert
2.90 Citizens - USPCC
2.90 Grinders - Legends
2.90 Artifice Black Club - Ellusionist
2.90 Draconian Legends
2.89 Eco - USPCC
2.89 Nocturnal - CPC
2.89 Rouge - USPCC
2.89 Bowlerama - Legends
2.89 NPH - USPCC
2.89 Architect - Legends P3
2.88 Red Core - USPCC
2.88 Red Wheel - USPCC
2.88 Gold Artifice - Ellusionist 
2.88 International Cardistry Open – Expert
2.88 Blue Steel - USPCC
​2.88 Westminster - USPCC
2.87 Black Lions - USPCC
​2.87 Vanda - USPCC
2.87 Craft Beer - USPCC
2.87 Kete Moon – TPCC
2.87 Tally Ho Circle Back USPCC
2.87 Black Scorpion – USPCC
2.87 1st editon Split Spades - USPCC
2.87 Purple LTD - Ellusionist
2.87 Never Forgotten Project - Expert
2.87 Icon - USPCC
2.87 Black 808 Bicycle - USPCC
2.87 Arcco - USPCC
2.86 Carbon - USPCC
2.86 Tally Ho Fan Back - USPCC
2.86 Black Lions (Red / Blue)
​2.86 Fate Chip
​2.86 Sinners
2.86 Tzaroka - Legends
​2.86 Virts SS16
2.86 Karnival DOSE Redux - USPCC
2.85 Magic Con 2012 USPCC
2.85 Shell Backs - USPCC
2.85 Glitch - Legends
2.85 Karnival Ryujin
2.85 Purple Floral - USPCC
​2.85 X Deck - Penguin USPCC
2.85 Black Roses - MPC
2.84 Wasteland - USPCC
2.84 Hornet no 6 - USPCC
​2.83 Mantecore - Legends
2.83 Omnia Oscura - Expert
2.83 Veteran - Legends
​2.83 Faded - USPCC
2.83 Regal - Expert
2.82 Auto Bike Back - USPCC
2.82 Chancellor - Expert
2.82 Sons of Liberty - USPCC
2.82 NOC - Expert
2.82 Red Bar - Legends
2.82 Sisterhood of the Blood - Expert
2.82 Mandalas – USPCC
2.82 Black Crown - USPCC
2.82 Spring - Legends
​2.82 Domino Cards - USPCC
2.81 Memento - Legends
2.81 Chicken Nuggets
2.80 Cocktail Party -USPCC
2.80 Gold Gatorbacks - USPCC
2.80 Mana Sybil
2.78 Bee Red Casino Back - USPCC
2.79 Memento Mori - USPCC
2.79 NKW Cadenza - Legends
2.79 Gamesters - Expert
2.79 Blue Choice - USPCC
2.76 Roadhouse - Ellusionist
2.76 Dapper - Expert
2.76 Murphy’s Signature NOC - Expert
2.76 Knights – USPCC
2.76 Liars and Thieves - Expert
2.75 Bumble Bee - Ellusionist
2.75 Aurelian - USPCC
​2.75 Killer Bee - Ellusionist
2.73 Regal Playing Cards - Expert
2.72 Keepers - Ellusionist 
2.72 Memento Mori (Art of Play) USPCC
2.69 Makers - USPCC
2.50 Autocycle - USPCC



* Don't see your favorite deck listed? Let me know in the comments below and I will do my best to add it to the list

Memento Mori - "Remember your mortality" 

Stemming from the medieval Latin theory and practice of reflection on mortality, it has been a ubiquitous part of human culture for centuries. From the philosophical to the artistic, the fascination, fear and appreciation of death has consistently captivated and cultivated our imagination. Many practitioners of this theory kept with them, artifacts or keepsakes which served as a reminder that the only thing certain in life, was death. Many of these items were often objects (watches, necklaces) in the shape of skulls. ​

Hey, I am giving away my prototype deck for the new SISTERHOOD OF THE BLOOD kickstarter campaign. - Contest rules and deadlines in the video above

You can stay up to date with all the latest news from 52Ravens by the following social media platforms:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/fiftytworavens 
Twitter: @FiftyTwoRavens or www.twitter.com/FiftyTwoRavens 
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Website: www.52ravens.com
​
Good luck

​Culture changes with time, it's how things work and so just as our niche is influenced by vendors and card designers, we as the consumer must also "push back" with knowledge.
 
Somewhere a long the way - we were influenced to believe the subtleties of either a fraction of a millimeter in card thickness or the amount of ink applied to paper stock could be felt by the experienced card handler.  In talking about the latest deck we would marvel at the design, but then quickly add, "Yes, but how do they handle?"
 
I hate this question.
 
Not because I disagree with it, but because there is no way to answer it. I have written two previous articles as introduction - and if you didn't read those, I would suggest you back track and start there.
 
Why do I not like the question? There are just too many variables and in this article I want to address one of them. You
 
How does a deck handle? Well, it all depends on you.
 
Think of it like a car, a bike or a skateboard. All are inanimate objects and yet we would ask the same question of all three. How does that car handle? Well, it depends on you. Right? How good are you? A great car can handle like crap with the wrong person behind the wheel.
 
So let's address some factors:
 
Talent - As mentioned above, how cards handle strongly depends on you. There is a phrase in the magic community "there is no bad magic, only bad magicians." (paraphrased from Raynaly) Meaning, even the poorest trick can handle amazingly in the right hands.
 
I can't answer the "handle question" because I don't know what your talent level is. Nor do I want to mislead you if my skill is better or worse compared with yours. The right deck might handle amazingly in your agile fingers. Which leads to...
 
Preference - _Each of us have difference preferences. And the truth is, the subtle differences in playing cards might resonate with you more than me. You might be a person who prefers a smooth finish on a deck. I might prefer Legends cards over other manufactures.
 
It's the same as asking a Ford owner how a "Chevy" handles. Call it biased. We each have our favorites. I have listened to card collectors SLAM United States Playing Card Company - but my preference is I would rather own a Duck Dynasty or Sleeping Beauty deck from USPCC before I'd use any other brand....
 
One last factor.
 
Care - how you take care of your cards is CRUCIAL in how they handle. So most questions about how cards handle are only applicable to their feel and performance straight out of the box. But all decks change over time though the owners care.
 
The best care for cards is the best care for all paper goods. Stored in a container with limited air exposure and in a cool dry place - preferably low to the ground. I store my cards in cardboard long boxes in the floor of my closet.
 
Air and humidity deteriorate your cards over time.
 
So do the oils and dirt in your skin. You should always wash your hands before card handling and if you are worried about resale on collectible cards, then I would wear clean white cotton gloves.  (but no, your fontaine's wont be worth a million dollars in 50 years)
 
Breaking the deck in also is a factor in care and how they handle. There are a lot of people who prefer a deck that has been "broken in" to their preferences over a few weeks time. The same way your bed or your favorite chair has worn an indent where you sit or sleep. Cards can also "bend to your will" making it "feel" amazing, but in truth - you've just conditioned it over time to fit your style.
 
Ok, so that's my last piece of input - I hope this was helpful.  If you ever have questions please post them below or contact me directly through my channel.
 
Out of the three criteria above - what do you think has the most influence in how a deck handles? Talent, Preference or Care? Comment below:

Previous articles: What if it is not a USPCC deck? / How does this deck handle

Title: Psychomatic Deck
Artist: Nathan Kranzo
Publisher: Anatomy Magic
MSRP: $ 40
Skill Level: all
DVD length: 26 minutes

Type of effect: One way force deck

Manufacturer's Write Up: “The Psychomatic Deck is an *invaluable tool* for casual and professional magicians alike.”
 
Imagine being able to show a deck of cards to a spectator and mixing them so that they see that the cards are legitimately mixed. After the cards are mixed you hand them the deck of cards and asking them to peek at and remember any card they see and without a doubt KNOW the card they chose. With the Psychomatic deck you can this and so much more.
 
While many gimmicked decks limit you to only one effect, Psychomatic gives you ultra clean predictions, forces, tossed out deck routines without breaking a sweat.
Psychomatic requires no skill and come completely ready to perform as soon as you open the package. On the Psychomatic companion DVD Nate Kranzo teaches how to use this deck to its fullest potential so this is sure to make it as part of your normal repertoire.

How accurate is the ad copy? This deck is as limited or as versatile as a Svengali deck or Mirage deck

What's in the box? DVD and full gimmicked deck (no arts n crafts)

Key points: This is strongly based off of the Siamese Svengali deck (Lu Brent) pg 254 of the Encyclopedia of Card Tricks - also marketed as the Telematic Deck (1946)
 
How are the production values:  There is one live on the street performance and the rest is filmed in a living room set. Nathan is miked, but it does not appear to be in high definition.
 
Is it well made: Bicycle quality stock, anyone who knows how a telematic deck works - it's nice when someone makes it for you.

Is it well taught: You do get 26 minutes, but any magician who has been around a gimmicked deck (especially the ones I mentioned) is going to figure it out pretty quick. I found Kranzo repeated himself a lot and the "ideas" seemed obvious.
 
My thoughts: I bought this because it is the "tossed out deck" that Luke Jermay uses as his "extended tossed out deck" in Jermay's mind as well as the Bob Cassidy Mental Miracles DVD.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?" only as big as a pack of cards
 
Does it "play big?" the David Hoy variation is a powerful piece of mental magic
 
Difficulty / Skill level required:  none
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? zero
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) In the DVD Kranzo keeps insisting that a spectator can select a card while you are "across the street" or "in another room" I highly disagree unless there is a strong amount of set-up or instruction.
 
Overall score: let's toss out the traditional score of 1-10 and make this something that we all can appreciate and understand.
 
   X     Very Satisfied
_____ Somewhat Satisfied
_____ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
_____ Somewhat Dissatisfied
_____ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
 
This is a strong worker and with Jermay's and Cassidy's endorsement - how can you go wrong?