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Trick Deck - Real Deck

Kenton Knepper

Wonder Wizards

(Based on 1 review)

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Trick Deck - Real Deck Today!

FINALLY REVEALED IN FULL AT LAST!

We highly suggest that you watch this DVD with a deck of cards in hand. You'll learn the moves easier and you'll be even more astonished when you see it in your own hands.

Our description cannot do this justice. If you have ever seen Kenton perform the routine with a deck that keeps changing into a trick deck, after it has been examined, and back again, then you are already rushing to the bottom of the page to order this DVD.

For those who have never seen this live, we'll do our best to give you a taste of what happens in this trademark, entirely mad, routine.

Kenton removes a deck from a card case marked TRICK DECK. He precedes to explain what this "special deck" does.

The deck is fanned faces outward. All the red cards are seen on the faces - red cards only. But when Kenton shows the backs of the cards - the backs are all of the BLACK CARDS. That's right - a double-faced deck shown openly in a wide fan - front and back.

But then... The deck is openly fanned to show ALL BACKS on BOTH SIDES. Not just one or two backs are seen. Many backs are visible on all sides, from the top to the bottom of the deck.

And then... All the black cards turn face up in the deck. A selected card is peeked at and after some byplay, Kenton names the card. Big deal? He "explains" that this is easy because after all the shuffles and mixes the deck is in perfect order - and it is. Then he has the spectator examine the deck.

IT'S A REAL, REGULAR DECK!

Did we mention this is all just "Phase One" of a four phase routine?

The deck is repeatedly shuffled by the performer, even by the spectator, yet the deck always separates into reds and black cards! It's "Oil and Water" with a FULL DECK. Kenton shows that the deck is "really one of those Svengali Decks" and shows how these decks work with his deck. Then... yep, you guessed it... the deck is immediately handed to a spectator who finds that the deck is a REAL DECK again.

From here, things just get wilder. The deck becomes "marked", turns colors, shrinks, goes blank, and becomes a different kind of Svengali Deck again with the spectator's card. AT ANY TIME the deck is handed to the spectator and shown to be a REAL DECK. Then, the deck vanishes!

There is also an amazing and ingenious "Lazy Man's Ambitious" routine by Kenton that includes a full deck Triumph, the signed card turning over repeatedly in the deck, jumping from pocket to the deck, etc.

NO DECK SWITCHES - EVER.

Important psychology and other concepts are dropped during the explanations that will blow your mind when you stop to really ponder them too.

Spectator's and performers who have seen this routine have called it:

"Insane"

"Utter madness"

"A head-spinner like no other"

"The most bizarre and startling routine ever performed with a deck of cards"

"I know I am sober, but if I didn't know better, someone spiking my cola is about the only explanation I have."

The most riotous and memorable fun an audience can have with a deck of cards... at least in public.

You may not do all of the material in this astounding routine. That's fine. The routine was built so that you can pick and choose ideas, moves, concepts and effects and use them in your own way. You need not do everything together at all. You can do just as Kenton does however if you wish.

There are so many startlingly new and unusual original ideas and presentations here that even a casual card person will likely be delighted. The material is remarkable enough to be performed by the most ardent card enthusiasts as well. Challenge yourself or perform the parts that are easy to do instantly. Pick and choose how you will use these effects - and watch your audiences as they slip into a near trance state...

In fact, Kenton talks about the altered state created with this routine and also what he does with that in part of his last phase. Some of you may also want to use this routine as a "confusion technique" and put people into a real trance if you are so trained in such methods (KWA Students - Are you listening? We knew you were!)

Saying all of this, the only way you'll really grasp how wild this entire routine is will be by performing it yourself.

There is NOTHING like Kenton's constant alchemy of "Trick Deck/Real Deck".

NOW you can learn it all at last.

You will never look at card tricks or a deck of cards the same again.

Then again, neither will your spectators.

(Certain aspects of "Trick Deck/Real Deck" are best suited for those with some skill at cards. This is not a beginning card routine. There are aspects that may be performed easily. Other portions of "Trick Deck/Real Deck" will take practice.)

We highly suggest you watch this DVD with deck in hand... nothing beats seeing this live in your own hands. This will help you in learning the moves too.

Running Time Approximately 77min

Reviews

Paul Budd

Official Reviewer

Sep 05, 2022

Overview

This one is tough to review. The DVD/case is fine. It starts fast and plays perfectly OK. The performance segment was shot with a two-camera setup and the 'close' shots aren't really quite close enough, so you end up missing some of the magic. Maybe the two guys sitting at the table could see the red, black, now mixed, not separated, now back together, now in different sections, blah blah blah: BUT I COULDN'T see much of it on my TV screen. Honestly, nobody in the room seemed legitimately engaged OR impressed.

This is really about a 9-minute routine. He plays it with a 'this is a trick deck, no...its a real deck!'-kinda shtik that doesn't play as funny or as amusing as (I believe) he thinks it does. There is literally a moment in the performance that is a You-are-supposed-to-be-impressed-now in terms of the audience and they all look confused. Again, maybe the 2 guys seated 19 inches away from him were impressed. The whole mess comes across as exhausting and WAY TOO WORDY. Yes, there are a few bits about a key card you might glean that could help you.

To be fair: I have never been horribly enamored with Oil-and-water tricks. This is largely 9 minutes of that with an entire deck of cards. He tries to play it hard with these 'Trick deck', 'Real deck' stickers on the card box, but he seems more amused by it than the audience.
By-and-large, I am giving this one a HARD pass. The magic isn't nearly hard hitting enough.

Effect

Convoluted, with some good bits scattered here and there. A whole lot of talk and hand gymnastics, for little 'punch' in terms of entertainment.

Method

Not horribly difficult, but lots of "busy-ness". Generally, no killer sleights are required, but your fingers will be exhausted with all the turning, overhand shuffling, flipping, fanning etc.

Product Quality

I mean...it works. It is a DVD that plays when you press play. The setting in which it is shot is pretty, but the camera work is lacking in a variety of ways.

Ad Copy Integrity

Most fairly solid, but the 'hype' factor is a bit high overall. It reads great, but the performance is lack luster.

Suggestions

This might work for a VERY up close group of people, but lets hope they packed a lunch before it starts, because it is a LOOOOOOONG routine, that pays off minimally.
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