Marked card magic is incredibly versatile. They can be used to perform a variety different effects and can also serve as a safety blanket in case something goes wrong.
Marked cards cannot be seen with the naked eye. This is the first thing you need to remember. There are many ways you can identify if a card is marked. These include the “riffle” test, certain filters, black lights, and angled light.
The backs of cards can also be used to detect a deck marked. These marks are usually written in a coded system or embodied in a clock face. The information contained in these marks can be easily interpreted and can give an idea of the card’s value or suit.
These marks can also be tactile. Some decks employ a stripper technique, which separates cards by feeling. This can be very useful if you want to know whose hand is broken by a high card, or if one of your opponents is playing a seven low, for example.
A marked deck can also prove to be a powerful weapon for magicians performing close-up tricks. It can open the door to opportunities that you would not normally have, such as a spectator cutting his selection after he has shuffled it into the deck, or a magician being able to recognize the top card in the deck, even without touching the deck.
Using a marked deck is an essential part of any magician’s repertoire, and it should be included in every magician’s closet. The marked deck can also work well with an invisible deck, making them even more effective for close-up effects.