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DynaMix Inner circle 1148 Posts |
Hello all,
So I'm curious as to how everyone manages that one deck of cards they bring with them everywhere (I know I'm not the only one haha). How long do you keep a deck? Do you keep it full? How do you handle cards that are destroyed? Etc etc etc I have no real "system" - I basically have a pile of old decks that I keep rubberbanded together. I use those cards as a running pile of "extras", or to practice say, mercury card folds with. The one deck I take with me everywhere - I will frequently do tricks that require dupes, or a card to be folded etc. So when that card is "gone," I replace it from that pile of discards. The thing is, it keeps my "go to" deck full, BUT it is quite old at this point. I'm not 100% sure if that's good or bad. I like a worn in deck, PLUS I think specs assume it to be normal (at least maybe they are more likely to). Lately I've been doing way less sleight of hand stuff anway and more mentalism, so the cards don't come out as much as they used to. When they do, a beat up old deck has its advantages. I think part of the reason I'm not quick to just keep replacing full decks is becuase I still have 3 bricks of the orginal Rider Back Bikes from Costco that I literally bought YEARS ago. I know its stupid but I kind of like not having to run through them until I need to. Another point of thought - lately I have been toying with the idea of bringing a second, unknown (to the audience) deck with me, that is say, stacked, or a gimmicked deck etc. Something to ring in...in that scenario I'd probably have to start using newer decks because obviously I don't want there to be a discrepency in the "newness" of the deck. Just curious as to what everyone here does. Thanks! |
Lundonia Veteran user refuses to read more than 321 Posts |
I keep a deck in my jacket pocket in a porper clip. Best way to keep it from clicking. I change it fairly often, depending on how much impromptu magic I do of course. I guess a deck would last me maybe 2 or 3 performances in a formal setting then it goes into the practice pile. Nothing wrong with it per se but for paid gigs I like to bring a deck that looks new.
Every now and then I make new complete decks from the practice pile and use them for more practice.
"Only two things are infinite; the universe and human stupidity - and i'm not sure about the former" - Albert Einstein
www.jensmagi.se |
pepka Inner circle Uh, I'm the one on the right. 5041 Posts |
I always carry a deck, that is 100% full, jokers and all, and sometimes blanks. Always in a Porper clip. If I do an impromptu performance with a signed card, I use the jokers and blanks, once a deck has been used for a few performances. If I have no extra cards and I need to do a signed card trick, I leave it with a spectator...IF I already have that deck on my shelf at home. I.E. if it's an unusual deck of the week or something. When actually performing, I only use red back Richard Turner Bicycle cards and keep a deck of blank facers and use those for signed cards.
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jeebs9 Regular user 190 Posts |
This is a great question. Because I've been running into trouble with my system. I usually carry around 3 decks of cards (a normal deck, a dirty deck with 52 cards but 3 dups and an invisible deck). I usually switch out the dirty when someone wants to see it or for certain tricks. Any time a card gets messed up I throw it away. But I use old cards just like the way the OP does. I usually have a fourth deck of cards in my bag so that I can load them in different places.
I had a trick go wrong on me. Where the spec picked a dup. And I did card under the watch. But as I showed them the deck (to show them their card wasn't in it). They goes the dup. At this point was kind of stuck and took the card quickly distracted her and put the card into my pocket. Then I toward her the card was under her watch. Which made it a even more powerful. |
DynaMix Inner circle 1148 Posts |
I didn't even think about clips, glad those were brought up. I have a free one I got as a bonus with some order somewhere but it just sits there unused. I should probably put it to work.
The issue of gimmicked boxes also complicates things. I have tool and just got the Romero box. But again I rarely bring them out because I haven't come up with a good structure on when to switch things in and out. I've really got to stop being so lazy and just figure it out. As far as dupes go, I've definitely lost track of which cards are missing or duplicated in the deck. One thing that has helped me is that I keep my running pile of discards in order. I can then quickly replace missing cards or what not. Thank you for adding to the conversation gentlemen. It is much appreciated. |
Montana76 Inner circle I hope I one day reach 1177 Posts |
This is a great thread!
I easily burn through three or more decks in one night, which means that I more often than not perform with fresh decks. I am not a paid performer and I mostly perform at bars... I keep old discarded cards organized and make complete decks when I am bored. I then set these decks up in stack and seal with bicycle sticker and make a small note on the box of what stack. These goes in the freezee to eliminate deck pop. I have practice sets with hot shot cut, mercury card fold and long distance spinner. I then throw discarded cards in piles of 50 and make a mess on the floor before picking up all the cards. I buy decks in bulk and right now I have aprox 70 decks and waiting foe a shipment of 144 decks. I find it incredibly liberating to have more than enough decks. I also have a wallet for gaff cards which I tend to never have time to use, so I'll guess I'll be leaving it at home in the future. |
DynaMix Inner circle 1148 Posts |
Wow that's impressive. Can you tell me more about the freezer? What does that do exactly?
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