Marksman Deck by Luke Jermay (Blackpool 2017)

The Marksman Deck is a revolutionary tool for mentalists, allowing them to reveal the identity of a spectator’s card through a series of intuitive steps. The spectator selects a number of cards, concealing them from view. The mentalist then focuses and announces the identity of the lowest card, while simultaneously noting three significant numbers: the total number of cards held, the count of red cards, and the cumulative value of the selected cards.

Strengths:

• Endless possibilities for powerful performances
• Excellent routines included

Weaknesses:

• Price point may be high for some
• Limited lifespan of the deck

Difficulty: 2-star rating. While the routine is straightforward, some manipulation may be required to create the illusion of shuffling, but it remains accessible for card enthusiasts.

Our Opinion: 4 hearts. We were excited to preview this product in June 2016, ahead of its official launch at the Blackpool Magic Festival in February 2017. Currently available during Luke Jermay’s lectures, this deck is poised to be a standout in 2017.

While I typically don’t favor marked decks in general magic, my perspective shifts with ESP cards or Tarot. I’ve often felt that marked decks serve only to identify a card, lacking the depth of performance. However, the Marksman Deck piqued my interest due to its innovative routines and the author’s emphasis on its versatility.

After the conference, while others rushed to purchase various products, I was solely focused on acquiring this deck. The version I received includes a DVD and a red Bicycle Mandolin Back deck. It appears that the official release will feature a complete boxed set.

This deck is not beveled like others, allowing for card identification as a basic function, but it is designed for more than that. It operates on a well-known principle, enabling various routines depending on how the cards are cut. You can determine the identity of the cutting card, the number of cards cut, the total values, the count of red cards, and more. The symmetrical marking enhances routine creation.

Priced at €50 during the conference, the final retail price remains to be seen. While it is a significant investment for a card deck, the impact and originality of the routines justify the cost.

The DVD content runs approximately 45 minutes, although my experience suggests it’s closer to 1 hour and 25 minutes. The program begins with an introduction and a review of the markings, followed by five detailed routines. It concludes with the author’s insights and references, including Boris Wild’s book “Transparency.”

Featured Routines:

• Three Tests of Intuition: The mentalist reveals three digits corresponding to the spectator’s card count, red card count, and cumulative values.
• Easy To Read (Card Peeks Routine): The mentalist identifies three chosen cards through various methods.
• Dowsing: After cutting the deck, the mentalist reveals the identity of a chosen card and its twin’s position.
• Card Calling: The magician guesses each card held by the spectator.
• Card Memory: After removing a card, the mentalist identifies it and can also find a spectator’s card placed elsewhere.

My favorite routines are Intuition and Dowsing due to their originality, while Card Memory is also noteworthy. Card Calling is intriguing as it allows for the identification of all spectator-held cards. However, I find Easy to Read less compelling, as it simply reveals three cards in a standard presentation.

The explanations on the DVD are clear, but a strong grasp of English is beneficial due to the fast-paced delivery. Understanding the system is crucial to executing the routines effectively. Luke Jermay provides valuable presentation tips, especially for Card Memory, and shares useful techniques like the Gipsy pick. However, some explanations, particularly regarding Dowsing, could be more thorough.

While the DVD does not cover false shuffles, mentioning the techniques used would have been beneficial. Given the price, a more comprehensive product would have been ideal.

Luke Jermay has ensured the deck maintains the old Bicycle paper quality, which is a plus. Concerns about scoring visibility are addressed, with the creator confident that spectators won’t notice. However, I advise against leaving the cards in spectators’ hands for too long, as their fragility and visibility may become apparent over time.

In my view, the Marksman Deck is set to be a flagship product of 2017. It’s a multifunctional tool that caters to mentalists and other magicians alike, making it an essential investment for professionals and a valuable addition for amateurs. This deck is destined to become a classic in the world of magic.