Description
The Definitive Guide to Marked Deck Mastery
The Ultimate Marked Deck Companion Book (English Version) is a 150-page comprehensive guide created by Magic Dream in collaboration with legendary marked deck expert Ivan Laplaud and the creators of the Ultimate Marked Deck, Vapau and Marcahri. This book is the essential companion to any marked deck—not just the Ultimate Marked Deck—and represents one of the finest resources ever produced for magicians seeking to master marked card techniques and routines.
History & Heritage of Marked Decks
The book opens with a comprehensive history of marked decks, tracing their evolution from handmade marked cards created by magicians in past centuries to the modern factory-printed marked decks of today. Readers learn about pioneering marked deck systems, legendary creators like Ted Lesley and Boris Wild, and the technical innovations that made marked decks practical for working magicians.
The authors explain the criteria for quality marked decks—what separates exceptional marked decks from mediocre ones, and why certain marking systems have endured while others have faded. This educational foundation helps magicians appreciate the sophistication of modern marked decks and understand the principles behind effective marking systems.
Over 100 Pages of Professional Routines & Effects
The heart of the book is an extensive collection of routines and effects spanning over 100 pages. Unlike many magic books that focus solely on how to use one specific deck, the Companion Book offers tricks and routines that work with ANY marked deck:
- Classic Marked Deck Routines – Time-tested effects that have entertained audiences for decades
- Modern Innovations – Contemporary approaches to marked deck magic from working professionals
- Presentation-Focused Techniques – Emphasis on storytelling and audience psychology, not just sleight mechanics
- Bonus Contributions – Additional routines from renowned magicians including Gaëtan Bloom, Darwin Ortiz, Juan Mayoral, Chris Kenner, Roberto Giobbe, and other recognized experts
Beyond the Ultimate Marked Deck
While the book is the official companion to the Ultimate Marked Deck, its utility extends far beyond that single deck. Readers can apply the principles and routines to:
- Boris Wild Marked Decks – Maiden Back variants
- GT SpeedReader Decks – Mandolin Back marked decks
- DMC Elites – Modern marked deck alternatives
- Penguin Marked Cards – Contemporary factory-printed options
- Any Professional Marked Deck – The techniques adapt universally
This makes the Companion Book a universal resource for magicians who work with multiple marked deck brands or want to understand marked deck principles comprehensively.
Critical Reception & Expert Endorsements
Professional magicians and magic historians universally praise the Companion Book:
- Gaëtan Bloom: "Diabolically hidden and readable in the blink of an eye" – praising both the Ultimate Marked Deck and the techniques in the book
- Darwin Ortiz: "The game Ultimate is currently the best game scored for the magicians. It manages to be both easy to read and difficult to detect."
- Juan Mayoral: "This deck will change magicians' lives. Do not buy one, buy TEN" – reflecting the value of mastery achieved through the Companion Book
- Roberto Giobbe: "I use it every day now!" – testifying to the practical utility of the routines
- Chris Kenner: "A product of the highest quality and very useful"
What's Inside
- 150+ Pages – Comprehensive, well-organized content
- Marked Deck History – Complete evolution from handmade to factory-printed systems
- Quality Criteria – How to evaluate and select professional-grade marked decks
- 100+ Routines – Tricks and effects for any marked deck
- Professional Contributions – Input from world-renowned magicians
- Helpful Diagrams – Visual aids to clarify concepts and techniques
- Presentation Guidance – Emphasis on psychological principles and performance nuances
- Solid Concepts – Time-tested principles that endure across different performance contexts
Ideal For:
- Professional Magicians – Building a deep repertoire of marked deck routines
- Serious Card Magicians – Those investing in marked deck mastery
- Collectors of Magic Books – A definitive reference for marked deck theory and practice
- Magic Instructors – Teaching comprehensive marked deck technique
- Any Marked Deck Owner – Whether you use Ultimate, Boris Wild, DMC, or other brands
- Mentalism Performers – Marked decks are essential tools for many mentalism effects
English Version Note
This is the English translation of Magic Dream's comprehensive marked deck guide, making it accessible to magicians worldwide. The translation preserves the original French expertise while making the content immediately practical for English-speaking performers.
The Ultimate Marked Deck Companion Book represents a lifetime of marked deck knowledge distilled into a single, practical resource. It transforms a marked deck from a novelty into a professional tool, enabling magicians to perform effects that audiences find genuinely impossible to explain.