I really like the 'Invisible Deck' and Svengali. Problem is, how do you throw those tricks into a card routine?

Any good ways of switching decks? I'm not normally wearing any coat with pockets, just regular street clothes.

I'm presuming you've not been in magic long. You might want to think along the lines of developing ungaffed magic, and no one will be upset if you dress with a casual sport coat.

There's a certain satisfaction gained when you provide the magic, rather than a 100 year old pitchman's prop doing it for you.

I won't dismiss the use of completely gaffed decks- but, it might be wise to use them strategically.

Good question. As a beginner, I have been asking myself the very same question. So far, the solution I have used is very simple. If I'm having dinner at a friend's house and afterwards, while talking at the table, they ask me to show them something. I simply go get my deck of bikes from my coat (along with my Invisible deck) and leave the ID in my lap under my napkin. I then do a couple of effects with the ungaffed deck, and while they are getting over that I simply case the deck and switch it for the one in my lap. I do not use a "move" as such, as there's no need to. I was very nervous the first time I tried it, but it really was a piece of cake.

I think the most important thing is to create a fun atmosphere where people are talking about what you do and having a good time. That way there is always plenty of built-in misdirection.

I also like the ploy of emphasizing the psychological aspect of the effects I do, treating them more as "experiments in observation and perception". In my very limited experience, I have found that this approach really takes the heat off the cards and also off you. As a result, they are not trying to catch you doing any moves.

Of course, if you're performing on the street, setting the table up as if for dinner can look a little strange lol.

(just kidding sweetcarl)

But if you're dressed for dinner, you do have your jacket pockets.

Paul.

What? Don't you normally take your evening meal sitting at a table for two on the pavement in your coat and tails?

Still, I like the image that conjurs up!

I wouldn't recomend switching at all just when you are done with the ID just put it in your pocket and take out a trick not involving cards. And the later you can come back to the ordinary deck of cards.

-Dave

no intellect here

This is a bit overkill, but I used to like to make my invisible deck go from invisible to visible by having them toss it into a change bag.

put the cards in the box and say that was your last trick but then when u put it in ur pocket pull out the other deck and say "well maybe one more" thats how you can switch the deck... it would be better if you let them beg for another trick but if they dont then just say "well maybe one more wont hurt" or something like that.

ChriS

How about "and now let's do a test of imagination...using imaginary cards" as you pocket the deck you've been using. Do the ID routine and, at the appropriate moment, bring out the faked deck.

Logical?

Sid