Magic Review: Marksman Deck by Luke Jermay and Vanishing Inc

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Magic Review: Marksman Deck by Luke Jermay and Vanishing Inc

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Effect trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ct3RirHBppw" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Title: Marksman Deck
Creator: Luke Jerrmay
Publisher: Vanishing Inc.
MSRP: $ 35
Skill Level: Intermediate
DVD Run time: 45 minutes

Type of effect: Open Marking System Deck of Cards

Manufacturer's Write Up:

Magicians have used marked decks for centuries to fool even the most astute audiences. Luke Jermay's Marksman Deck builds on classic marking systems, with additional secret marks that open up a whole range of new tricks and possibilities.

How accurate is the ad copy? No deception

What's in the box?

Includes a specially marked red Bicycle Mandolin deck in Mnemonica stack, 33 page pfd of technical notes and a 45-minute instructional DVD by Luke Jermay. Your deck has the standard faces, the trademarked Bicycle Ace of Spades, Jokers and the traditional box. The top of the deck DOES say Marksman and ironically the tuck seal covers the “SMAN” and the deck top clearly reads “MARK.”

Your two extra cards (typically advertisement cards) have been offered as “key cards” that tell you how to read the cards and what the markings mean.

Key points:

This is an “open marking system” / in other words “readers” this is not a marked deck of cards (ie no scratch marks, no binary to memorize or flower petals to count)

How are the production values:

A lot of time and care has been put into this project and it’s apparent from the first frame. For the most part, Luke is sitting at a table, facing the camera and he is mic’d. Luke walks you through the “how” of each routine and also includes a studio performance.

Vanishing Inc has also included a full live performance video as well, but that is available on line here: https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/magic ... deck/soon/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Together these two videos create a “magical system” that is sure to give you more than just “ideas” but a real working knowledge of this utility.

Is it well made: The deck is made by USPCC and is in the Mandolin back design (809s) Magician Paul Harris directed the development of the 809 Bicycle back with USPCC. Paul worked with three world class artists (including Garrett Thomas) to create a soothing traditional looking back that's instantly trusted as part of the Bicycle family.

Is it well taught?

While the deck can be used for your own marked deck routines, Luke also teaches five of his own semi-automatic tricks: Three Tests of Intuition, Dowsing, Card Peeks Routine
Card Calling, Card Memory

What are the markings like?

Usable for magicians but built particularly for mentalists, the Marksman Deck is jam-packed with information that allows you to do effects never before possible. There are five (5) markings available to be read when the deck is flipped either way (10 markings in total).

The marks allow you to:
• Find the current card
• Find the card above (in Mnemonica stack)
• Know the position of the card in the stack
• Know how many cards are above it
• Know how many red (and therefore also black) are above it
• Know the combined total of all the card values above it
• The deck also has a one way back design

Yes, they are visible in plain sight – not hidden at all. For most of us, as magicians, we are trained to see the markings and so right away when you open the package, you will see all of them immediately with no problems. Luke assures you that they will still fly right by your spectators.

Storage? Does it "pack flat?" Everything you need is residing in this single deck of cards, nothing to add or take away.

Does it "play big?" Remember, Luke isn’t giving you one effect – he is giving you an entire system that will start you off with a myriad of effects – this coupled with your own ideas and card strengths will give you several working routines.

Difficulty / Skill level required: I only say intermediate skill, not because of the ability to do card sleights, but just in your ability at routining, reading markings in performance and being able to false shuffle.

How much arts and crafts are involved? Nothing to do.

How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Luke assures you that this can be used on stage or in a close up parlor setting.

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

Video review and more notes coming soon, but for now - we can "discuss" and field questions if you have any....
Playing Card & Magic Reviews / https://www.youtube.com/magicorthodoxy
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