Master advanced magic techniques with the Double Back 809 Mandolin Back (Red/Red) Playing Cards, a professional-grade trick deck designed for magicians who demand superior quality and versatility. Developed by legendary magician Paul Harris in collaboration with USPCC and perfected by world-renowned card technician Richard Turner, this double-back deck combines exceptional craftsmanship with a deceptively familiar back design that goes virtually undetected by audiences.
The Mandolin Back Story
The Mandolin back design was created to solve a significant challenge in modern magic. When magicians attempted to create custom gaff cards using the trademarked Bicycle Rider back design, they encountered legal issues—Bicycle's iconic back design is protected intellectual property. To address this, Paul Harris directed the development of the 809 Mandolin back, which intentionally resembles the Bicycle Rider back design closely enough that lay audiences cannot distinguish the difference, yet avoids trademark infringement.
The name "Mandolin back" comes from the central figure in the design, which holds a mandolin (musical instrument) shaped to subtly echo the Bicycle Rider back's front wheel imagery. The back design is so similar that approximately 99% of spectators will never notice the difference from a standard Bicycle Rider back.
The Double-Back Advantage
Unlike traditional double-back cards where both sides are identical, the Red/Red Double Back 809 Mandolin deck contains every card as a double-back. This means:
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Full Deck of Double-Backs – All 52 cards have identical 809 Mandolin designs on both sides
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Invisible Card Productions – Create card productions that seem impossible
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Advanced Techniques – Perfect for ambitious card routines, control-based magic, and illusions
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Red/Red Configuration – Both backs appear in red, matching standard Bicycle decks
Superior Craftsmanship
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Paul Harris Design Development – Directed by Paul Harris, one of magic's greatest minds
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Richard Turner Quality Control – Worked directly with USPCC manufacturing to ensure superior cut and quality
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Collaboration with Master Artists – Created with legendary artists including Garrett Thomas
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Premium Stock – Exceptional moisture content, pliability, and durability
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Superior Cut Quality – Precisely manufactured with rounded corners for perfect shuffling and handling
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Perfect Finish – Air-Cushion finish ensures smooth, controlled movements
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Trademarked Bicycle Elements – Includes the iconic Bicycle Ace of Spades and traditional Jokers
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Made in USA – Proudly manufactured by the United States Playing Card Company
Professional Recognition
Trusted and tested by the world's greatest card magicians, including Jon Racherbaumer, Bill Kalush, Alan Ackerman, Johnny Thompson, Richard Kaufman, Jason England, Justin Miller, Steve Haynes, David Ben, and countless professional performers.
Ideal for Serious Magicians
The Double Back 809 Mandolin (Red/Red) is the perfect tool for magicians seeking advanced trick decks with professional-grade quality, superior handling, and deceptive design. The Mandolin back's near-identical appearance to Bicycle Rider backs ensures audience acceptance while providing unlimited magical possibilities through double-back technology.
