The Gaff Masters
Lots of magicians use gaff cards and gimmicks to perform magic tricks and card tricks. What playing cards are best for these performers?
The Answer?
If you perform magic with a heavy dose of gimmicks and altered cards you will have two primary decks to consider.The Bicycle 808 (available almost anywhere that sells cards) and the new The Bicycle 808 The Bicycle 808 (available almost anywhere that sells cards) and the new Bicycle 809 Mandolin Decks. The 808s are by far the most commonly gaffed card in history. There are more gaffs and gimmicks that specifically use the 808 than any other. Within the last few years United States Playing Card Company (USPCC) was forced to restrict the use of the rider back design(the 808’s back design) in gaffs and gimmicks. The issue revolves around trademark issues and is too complex for detail here. The good news is that any gaff or gimmick that does not alter the back design is still approved. Therefore, the majority of gaffs on the market will not be effected by this. For those gaffs that do require altering the back of the deck(ie. Twilight Angels, Princess trick, ect) the Mandolin deck has arrived to pick up the slack. The Mandolin deck was specifically made to look like an 808 on casual inspection. Therefore, people familiar with 808s, but not as card obsessed as the average magician, probably won’t notice the difference unless it was pointed out to them. Though I have yet to actually review the Mandolin, it is said to be traditionally cut and printed with higher quality controls than the 808s. This should appeal to some of the more experienced card manipulators in the room.
Other cards that may interest the Gaff enthusiasts may include thePhoenix Deck, the Anglo Poker Deck, and most Ellusionist decks. The vast majority of you, beginners, walk around workers, gaff enthusiasts, and magicians who do card magic but do not use cards as a core of your routines, honestly need to read no further. Get some Bikes, get some Mandolins and maybe try out some Phoenix, Anglos, or E-Decks if you’re feeling frisky. Other than that there is nothing else that will be as cost effective or offer as many effect options. For those of you who are, or would like to become, serious about card magic or flourishing, we have just scratched the surface. Read On!
playingcardblog 