What is the ultimate mark deck?
An ultimate marked card deck is a deck specifically designed for card magic. The ideal deck should be easy to read without being too obvious. It should look normal, so it’s not easy to be misinterpreted by the audience.
1. It should use a reader system
Professional magicians prefer to choose a marked deck that is factory-produced and uses a reader system. This allows you to focus on your magic, while your audience is still paying attention.
2. It should have adequate size markings
When you are trying to catch glimpses of the markings while performing magic, it is essential that you can see them easily at a glance. It is important that they be large enough to be easily read if you need them.
3. It should mask the markings sufficiently
When choosing a marked deck, another important consideration is the design of your card back. The card back design is important as it will be the location where the markings can be seen by a spectator when the deck’s face-up is displayed in a spread, fan, or display box.
It should also be capable of hiding the markings so they are only seen by a careful observer who is willing and able to spend some time studying them.
4. It should have markings along the long edges
The most common way to display a deck of cards is face-down in a spread, fan or spread. It is important that the markings are visible on the long edges and backs of the cards. This allows you see the markings and makes it easier to identify the card within a spread.
5. It should be the Bicycle Rider Back design
The Rider Back is the most common and iconic marked deck design, having been a USPCC staple for more than 135 years. However, the design has been threatened by the USPCC’s recent restriction on the number marking decks that can printed on their Bicycle brand.
This has meant that most marked boards on the market today come in either Mandolin Back and Maiden Back designs. These are two excellent options and the best for new magicians looking to purchase a Bicycle-branded marked card deck.
There are many great decks available that combine these three characteristics, such the Ultimate Marked Deck of Magic Dream. This is a very popular and sought after deck that has now been reprinted, so it’s a great chance to own one of the most desirable marked decks on the market.