Have you ever got the sensation that the brand new cards are just TOO MUCH slidy and impossible to handle? I use bikes only until now, and I always have this sensation until the deck gets a little bit worn.

Is this sensation common or it's just me? Just for curiosity: could it depend by brand?

Thanks.

Metius

I prefer a one-day old deck. To make it less slippery try this technique I saw from Marlo's video: individually rub both sides of each card a couple of times on your close-up mat. It makes the deck feel like it is already a day old.

I agree that the brand new out of the pack cards are more slippery and shiny than they were.

I think breaking in a new deck is just part of the fun of card magic. I agree with Rannie that after a good day of handling, the cards are just about perfect.

Yes, I don't like riffle stacking a new deck. If I bend the corners up they put a straight bend in them. I like to wear the deck in a bit, but for magic I am not that bothered

You ever try to pressure fan a brand new deck of Tally's straight out of the box? Ha, good luck!

Break 'em in. Just like when you buy a new car, you gotta break 'em in. A baseball glove, lots of things. JUST THINK.

Slightly used decks that are properly broken in feel really good.

The only ones I've found that feel really good out of the box are squeezers. The cambric finish gives a nice smooth glide without being as slippery as the linoid or air cushion finish, and they aren't quite as thick as Tally Ho's, so they have just the right amount of give.

Anyone else found that if a deck gets left on your dashboard or in your pocket after it's been opened but before it's been broken in that it's impossible to break in properly?

Dave

I agree that brand new cards are slippery and can either help or hinder sleights performed.

I usually do several Faro and waterfall riffle shuffles before using the deck in public.

You are right! Brand new cards are just too slippy. I put them in a bag containing cigarette ash and shake up the bag for about 30 seconds, and hey presto! That does the trick.

To me they're like bass strings. You gotta play with 'em for two years before they feel right...err, I mean GUITAR strings. Play with them for a day. Or like a new harmonica. Gotta wear that in too. But don't soak your cards in bourbon.

Yuck.

If it's too much of an issue, you could always switch to a plastic coated card which slides less. (I use Imperial brand). Or you could drop them a few times on the floor. That should do the trick.

If you are breaking in a new deck , you might as well farro train them while they are fresh.

Cheers!

Rannie

I never use a new deck for actual perfomances,i have to break it in but as has already been said aftera day they are almost perfect.

Yeah, the oil from your skin needs to penetrate the cards to make them less slidy.