The Genius of Card Magic: Theodore DeLand

Theodore DeLand, a revolutionary figure in card magic, crafted over 100 tricks between 1904 and 1915. Renowned for his innovative gimmicked cards and marked decks, he enabled anyone to perform astonishing feats without requiring sleight of hand. DeLand stands as one of the most significant inventors in the realm of card magic during the 20th century.

For over a century, DeLand’s life remained shrouded in mystery. However, extensive research by acclaimed author Richard Kaufman has unveiled DeLand’s hidden secrets, culminating in a compelling book that intertwines magic with biography.

This exquisite 608-page, full-color volume weighs an impressive 10 pounds and showcases all of DeLand’s remarkable creations.

Imagine the Possibilities …

• A Ten of Spades card is shown to the audience. With a simple command, the pips transform into the Ten of Clubs, including the index corner pips.
• Four cards are displayed and placed into a borrowed handkerchief or purse. Each card is revealed one by one, only to show that three have turned blank after the fourth card is waved over the purse.
• A packet of Ace through Ten of Clubs is shuffled and placed face down. The spectator can cut the packet as desired, yet the performer can instantly name the card at the bottom, regardless of how the packet is divided.
• Two red Queens are shown front and back. In plain sight, they magically transform into the Jack of Hearts and King of Hearts, without any gimmicks.
• Five small playing cards are fanned out. After being placed into a closed fist, two cards are removed and waved over the fist, causing the remaining three to vanish.
• The Ace, Two, and Three of Clubs are displayed face down. No matter how closely the spectator watches, they cannot locate the Ace, even after multiple attempts.
• A group of six cards is shuffled and laid face down. The spectator rolls a die and names a number, revealing the Ace of Clubs at that position on the table, regardless of the roll.
• The four Aces are placed face up on the table, covered by indifferent cards. As one packet is chosen by the spectator, the Aces vanish from the others and reappear under their hand.
• A selection of nine cards, including Aces and court cards, is fanned and then placed into a spectator’s pocket. When asked to retrieve the remaining cards, the spectator finds them missing.

These are just a few of the 20 incredible tricks you can perform with the Mystery and Madness Deck, printed by The United States Playing Card Company on Bicycle stock. This deck is included for free with the new book, “DeLand: Mystery and Madness,” which features over 100 effects by Theodore DeLand.