How do you justify, if at all, only doing a trick witha small packet of cards?

I have enjoyed simply adding them to a deck, doing a false shuffle and then counting off a few dards from the top. That is, when the packet looks like a normal one!

I use red and blue back Bicycle cards during my performances (just for variety) and so I don't find it difficult to switch in cards for a packet trick (I don't, however, perform many packet tricks).

Regards, Steve

I generally do what you do - I add the packet to the deck and pull them off for the trick. I justify packet tricks by saying "A professional magician performs card tricks with a full deck, but as an amateur I'm only allowed to use a few cards at a time."

A funnier version is to say "...but as an amateur I'm not allowed to play with a full deck."

[quote]On 2006-11-03 13:07, wonderbott wrote:
How do you justify, if at all, only doing a trick witha small packet of cards?

I don't even try to justify it! Never been questioned either. Are you sure you're not "running when you're not being chased"?

As an inventor and producer of packet tricks I also use my favourates. But what is the problem? Most of the tricks do not even have normal playing cards printed on them. So they have a total different meaning and do not have to be added to a deck of cards. And so I carry these effects with me in my leather Showcase wallet of Ammar. This one is so nice and looks worthy so the cards become even a bigger value.

And so I have to say like gkfreed: why bother at all when it works well?

Christian

Packet cards that look like playing cards I'll add to the deck.
I don't feel special looking tricks like Color Monte are a concern.

Absolutely no problem doping packet effects. Matter of fact they are my favorite card effects and usually more entertaining than full deck miracles..
Never had anyone say "How come you only have 5 cards?". Just enjoy the world of packet tricks as they are here to stay..
Rennie

I'm with those who have no problem using packet effects...

I think this is another case of Magicians over-analyzing things....Remember, only magicians think about this stuff on an almost 24 hour basis...

When you hit a spectator (whether at a paid for gig where they expect Magic all the way to the Street performer doing guerilla Magic) the specy doesn't give a sh#t how many cards you have...

They just wanna be AMAZED....

So calm down and enjoy whatever you do to blow them spec's away!

Prof. Piper
(Terry)

Generally I find if you give the specs any reason as to why you would pull cards out of a leather wallet, instead of a deck, they'll accept that reason and think nothing of it. I say some have sentimental value. I say some are psychologically chosen (8 card brainwave). Or some I picked up on vacation (virginia city shuffle). Or just that it is easier than fishing through a deck for cards, like for 2 aces and a queen for three card monte.

But I find there are only so many cards that can fit into a card box, too limiting if you ask me. I have never been given any heat from taking cards out of my packet trick wallet...

Try performing Wild Card, and pull out eight 9 of clubs from a regular deck...You will get caught every time... ..

I havn't been at it very long,but being a rookie Magi in training, I usually go for the packet tricks. Some times I will remove the amount of cards from a reg. deck ,put in the packet cards,then say,let me pull a few cards for a quick trick. Either way,no one has ever asked me why I don't use the whole deck.I don't think it raises any suspicion at all. Works for me.

Thanks for all the feedback. yes, maybe it is "running when not being chased" or maybe it is just setting up good psychology for the suspension of disbelief (said with tongue in cheek because it really COULD be either)

But I really appreciate all the replies and the thinking on this subject!