How to Switch Decks During a Performance

When performing tricks with playing cards, some magicians prefer to use more than one deck of playing cards during a performance. Playing card decks can be previously set up, regular or gaff. Switching card decks during a performance can be a tough thing to accomplish. You will need to do a fair amount of practice before you can master the art of switching decks in front of the same audience. Here is what you will need to do in order to switch decks during a performance without letting the audience know.

Instructions

  • 1

    Realise the fact that you will need to misdirect your audience before you even begin performing the trick if you are to be successful at switching decks later on. Moreover, you will need to keep your audience distracted while switching one deck of cards with another one.

  • 2

    Before you begin, place all the decks which you will use during the performance in the same pocket of your coat or whatever wardrobe you are wearing. Make sure that all the decks are identical in size. This will make it a lot easier to switch decks.

  • 3

    You will have to place small markings or tears on all the card decks which you will use. The markings or tears should be easy to see or feel because they will be used to differentiate one deck of cards from the other.

  • 4

    Start performing your trick with Deck A. Perform a few tricks with that deck of cards. Ensure that while performing the tricks, you allow the audience to see the deck of cards you are using only blatantly.

  • 5

    When you feel the need to switch the initial deck of cards, casually place it in your coat pocket and immediately divert the attention of your audience by starting a trick which does not involve the use of playing cards.

  • 6

    When you are ready to start another playing card trick, carefully feel in your pocket and take out Deck B this time. Of course to the audience you will still need to present the deck as A. The fact that there would be very little visual difference between the decks would make it nearly impossible for the audience to realise that you have switched decks. A possible way to distract the audience before you try to switch decks is to tell that you will be reverting card tricks once more.

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