Starting with the design, the tuck box is undeniably stunning, the gold and electric blue create an extremely visual contrast that immediately catches the eye, both of these colours are metallic meaning they glisten in the light. The entire design, every bit of detail, is embossed upon a matte textured box, this creates a luxurious aura to the cards both visually and tactilely. 

The detail on the box is phenomenal, the more you look the more you discover, both the front and back designs of the tuck box are extremely elegant, featuring exquisite detail that you could study for hours, the right side of the box features some intriguing co-ordinates which I shall leave for you to decode, the left side features a quote which reads, “I could not rest by night or day for dreaming golden dreams”, this quote is full of insight and up to the reader to interpret.

Excluding the court cards, ace of spades and the jokers, the cards feature a standard face design with a very minimal tweak in colour to that of a regular bicycle deck. This could be viewed as a positive or negative thing depending on your area of expertise, for magicians the standard faces are perfect, card collectors and cardists may wish for something more extravagant, it merely comes down to personal taste and for magicians, performing practicality.

I mentioned that the Abandoned playing cards court cards, ace of spades and jokers are different, let’s take a look. All four suits of court cards(J-K) feature the same colourway, once again it is a metallic turquoise and gold design with the pips being untouched. The ace of spades is excellent, it is an elegant design featuring the metallic gold once again with a room contained within the ace, it continues to conform to the aesthetic of the deck and to the classical look of the ace of spades. The Jokers are two keys, they are not identical, mild differences occur such as the orientation of parts and the pip text colour, for magicians this isn’t ideal. 

There are two extra cards within the Abandoned playing cards deck, one contains a poem suggesting there is more to it than meets the eye and the other is a red and gold, what seems to be a Red Herring, literally. I will be honest in saying I have no idea what the Herring is doing here, I can only assume it is a reference to something I am unfamiliar with, nevertheless, it’s a unique card just waiting for the card collectors to discover! The magicians, and/or cardists amongst you may be disappointed with the extra cards, let’s be honest, for us these two pose no practical value – it raises the question of, would a blank card or a double backer have been better which in return raises another question, do you use these gaffs enough to care?

Moving onto the feel and quality of the cards, they are printed on a true linen B9 Slimline paper by Cartamundi. Upon testing the cards out, they handle and feel good, they are soft cards to handle and also very flexible, this could be seen as a positive by some and a negative by others, thick cards often last longer than thin cards, it depends on how much you are going to properly use these and the rate at which you practice, I would certainly lean away from these for everyday practice otherwise practice suddenly becomes very expensive! As an individual I tend to use cards printed by USPCC, however, despite how good they feel, USPCC cards are prone to alignment issues, cartamundi cards feel great and shouldn’t, fingers crossed, have so many printing errors.

In terms of practicality, it varies per individual and what you would be buying these cards for. My honest opinion is if you are a magician wanting to practice and perform with these cards, buy something cheaper like a regular deck of Bicycles, however, for card collectors you simply cannot go wrong with this deck, it is elegant, detailed, unique, they handle great, what’s not to love! I am sure cardists would love this deck too but it’s hard for me to comment, each cardist has their own personal style and design preference, that’s something only you can answer!

In conclusion, the Abandoned Playing Cards deck is wonderful and it comes with my utmost recommendation, the deck ticks all of my criteria, I won’t be performing with this deck, nothing to say you can’t, but from a collectors stance it is simply wonderful and that is my honest opinion, buy this deck – you’ll love it! it will certainly be getting pride of place on my display, how about yours? Let me know your thoughts on the review and the cards down below!

Thank you for reading and I truly hope this review provided the insight you were after,

Matt Homer 

Stockists:

Merchant of Magic Stock Abandoned Playing Cards Here

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The good

Although I don’t like the way we throw around the word ‘organic’ today –there is something natural about using the card case for some mind-reading – which can either add variety to your card set or transition into a mentalism segment. You’re provided with a number of gimmicks which seem well made and enable more than one outcome if you’re repeating it in an evening.

The teaching is clear, the DVD simple but nicely produced, and a couple of variations are taught – including a version which will leave your business card in the spectator’s hand.

The bad?

Hmmm. I’m not sure there are real ‘bad’ points, but there are some less good things! The ‘tabs’ you are provided with don’t match current Bicycle tuck cases. Now I am not one of those who think this is a deal breaker – because how many spectators know what a tuck case really looks like? So this is probably simply overthink/magician’s guilt for some people.

To be most effective the performance does require a bit of careful scripting and a certain amount of boldness. In my mind, almost any mental magic effect worth its salt needs both of these – but I’m just warning you that you might not be able to perform the strongest version straight away. This is one of those tricky things to evaluate – it isn’t something ‘difficult’ you are required to do – but does require confidence to sell it fully.

The verdict

There’s a lot we like about this, but with a few reservations. Although Wayne describes it as a big set piece – I’m not sure that I see that. It feels like a smaller effect – perhaps, as suggested, making that transition into a set of mental effects. It has the potential to be genuinely fooling, but feels a little over-priced at £26.99 (at the time of writing).

Available in the UK direct from MagicShop.co.uk.
Review copy kindly supplied by Murphys Magic – to whom all dealer enquiries should be made.

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The first is Peter Duffie’s Phantom of the Wallet – which is a really nice no palm (signed) card to wallet which requires only basic card handling skills. I was reminded about it in an email from Martin Breese International – who produce the effect – offering it at a reduce price this week. Only £10! To be honest, even the special wallet (which is nicely made in leather) which you receive is worth that – and would lend itself to a variety of other routines. Grab a bargain whilst they’re available.

On the subject of bargains, MagicNevin are offering Blue Backed Bicycle Cards for only £1.49 this week – which is an excellent price – and UK postage is free on orders over £10.

Let us know if you spot any bargains, or re-discover any classic routines.

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Our first recommendation is based purely on the demo video (which is always a dangerous strategy, I know), but Ash and Ember which is available to pre-order now, really does look like stunning visual magic and ideal for close up and walkaround magic. A gold (or silver) ring visually transforms into a black one – or vice versa. Check out the video. £40.50

Playing cards have always been our bread and butter content, and here in our view is an exceptionally stylish new deck from USPCC. The Legacy Deck is a really classy development of the classic Rider Back. New hand drawn court cards (well worth a look) and printed on premium stock. These are really smart. £9.49 (also available in a blue variation).

Here’s a new take on a handy utility – a neoprene (think wetsuits) close up mat – in a useful sized 30cm round version.  £23.99

And finally here’s another effect which has been causing a bit of interest recently.  Cloth, by Steve Valentine, is a modern take on the classic card through hanky – but so much more.  An amazing multi-dvd resource on methods and variations on this great visual effect – gimmicked and impromptu.  £36.99

That’s all for now. Watch this space for our announcement of the winners in our amazing summer giveaway, and more great reviews and articles coming soon.

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Bicycle Cards have always been our homeland. Why not take the chance to stock up on a collector’s brick. Follow the link for more details of the contents. £49.99 (they also have a lovely wooden card case for that special deck at only 99p! Bargain!).

 
The original haunted deck was a strong one – then Peter Eggink came up with a great new concept. And now everyone is talking about Haunted 2.0 – which takes the whole thing to a new level. A hands off, self-cutting deck revealing the spectators card. Really spooky. £28.99

If the New Year leaves you in a reflective mood you could do little better than spend a few hours sat down with the latest book from card master Roberto Giobbi. I have been reading Confidences over Christmas and it contains some thought provoking essays as well as some great effects. Beautifully written and produced – a delight to own and enjoy. £32.50

Happy New Year!

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If you’re behind the picture, the Death Heads were the first plastic deck put out by the Karnival crew and the Carnage Edition is basically the same design but on regular Bicycle card stock.

We put a couple of packs side by side so you can see the difference.  Notice my Death Heads box is a bit worn because against all my preconceptions I actually really liked the handling and wear of the originals!

(On a minor side point, I think USPCC must have read my review of the  Karnival Infernos because the cellophane was much easier to take off!  Or maybe I’m just getting better at it in my old age…)

When you compare the decks side to side, the first thing you notice is the weight.  The Carnage Edition are much lighter, as you’d expect I suppose.

They also have different faces.  I presume this is because the original Death Heads use Fournier faces and the Carnage Editions use standard Bicycle pips.

The exception to that are, as ever, the Aces and the Jokers which have been given the Death Head treatment.

The Bicycle stock handles as well as it ever has done.  In the past we have had some questions about the stock getting thinner and flimsier, but this no longer seems to be an issue and these handle like a dream.  I suppose if you’re not very good with cards they might handle like a nightmare.  But they’re up to most things.  If you can bring yourself to overlook my excessively highlighted thumb you will see they fan very easily…

 Bottom line – this is everything you liked about the original Death Heads, but on Bicycle Stock.  And the skulls may come in handy in time for Halloween…

Snap them up direct from BBM for £4.99.  If you like them that much you can even buy an uncut sheet!

PS watch this space for a chance to win a load of awesome Karnival decks in our Halloween competition…

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Timeless deck – the second RSVP deck opens up some really interesting presentations possibilities with its time theme. Also limited edition. £7.49

(UPDATE – actually both these new bicycle cards are slightly cheaper at MagicShop.co.uk – only £6.99)

Big Gun Deck – THis is a bit of history in every sense. A re-release of a historic deck which originally celebrated victory in WW1. Now reproduce in a imited edition deck – £4.99

Gaff Arcane Deck White – Whatver you think of Ellusionist (and we know they divide people) they do produce some beautiful decks. Here is a range of special and unusual gaffs to co-ordinate with the White Arcane Deck. Hold your breath for the price… £29.49

There seem to be an endless variety of marked decks available. But what marks this Bicycle Marked card set out is that it includes a deck, the marking material, instructional DVD, and even some deck seals so that you can really give the impression of an ordinary Bicycle deck. £18.99

And in other non-deck news, these flash cards will bring some fizz to your performance. £6.66 – pack of 10.

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This is not new and we have mentioned it before (back in 2009) but you cannot fail to have noticed all the Titanic celebrations going on at the moment, so White Star is a wonderful effect who’s moment has come. Powerful, atmospheric magic. £29.99

Regular readers will know I have a bit of a thing about magic books – especially beautifully produced ones. As its name suggests, the FFFF Book is crammed full of world-class close up magic from the legendary Fechter’s Finger Flicking Frolic convention £34.50

This site started its life letting you know about all the new Bicycle cards in the UK, and this new design especially pleases the Geek in us. The Robocycle Deck blends playing cards and circuit boards in a stylish way with very Robotic court cards. Available in Black or Metallic Blue £4.99

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BTW – this video was shared by one of our facebook friends. Why not join us there?

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