Creators: The Magical Art of the Impossible with Magician Jackson Aces

How can a magician still fool us in the most technologically advanced era in history? In this TEDx talk, Magician Jackson Aces explores that question through a series of impossible illusions, including what he describes as the largest grand illusion ever performed on a TEDx stage. 

Blending live magic with insights into perception, memory, and cognition, he reveals the psychological shortcuts that shape how we see and interpret reality. Rather than simply performing tricks, Aces uses cardistry and magic to examine how easily the mind constructs assumptions and fills in gaps... often leading us to misunderstand what we think we’ve seen. 

The result is a performance that challenges audiences to question not just the methods behind magic, but the reliability of their own perception. Filmed in his hometown Sutherland, NSW, the talk marked a personal milestone for Jackson... made even more special with his mother in the audience.

DMC ALPHAS Playing Cards

DMC ALPHAS Playing Cards are not simply a marked deck... they are a purpose-built mentalism instrument engineered for deeply personal revelation. Designed to go far beyond identifying a selected card by Magician Drummond Money-Coutts' (DMC), the ALPHAS system empowers performers to reveal names, memories, and emotionally charged words with clarity and conviction.

First released in 2016, the ALPHAS quickly became a global phenomenon in contemporary mentalism. They were embraced by leading performers around the world who recognized the power of combining technical precision with emotional impact. Nearly a decade later, the deck remains a trusted professional tool for creating moments that feel intimate, impossible, and unforgettable.

At the core of the deck is the Portcullis Marking System, a brilliantly concealed method hidden in plain sight within the back design. To an untrained eye, the pattern appears elegant and decorative. To the performer, it delivers immediate, unambiguous information at a glance. There is no hesitation, no awkward searching—just total certainty. The system allows you to know the exact identity of a card instantly, enabling smooth, confident performance under real-world conditions.

What sets the ALPHAS apart is not merely the marking system, but what it allows you to achieve. When a spectator thinks of a playing card, the effect is clever. When they think of a loved one’s name, a childhood memory, or a meaningful word, the experience becomes deeply personal. The revelation stops being a trick and becomes an emotional connection.

Whether you are exploring mentalism for the first time or performing professionally on stage and screen, DMC ALPHAS provide a foundation for stronger, more resonant demonstrations of mind reading. They transform technical knowledge into human moments—where the method disappears and the meaning remains.

Availalble now from Magination Store for $14.99

Inspired by Magic, The Orange Tree Deck

The Orange Tree Deck by Hau Jiun, produced by TCC and designed by MT Yang, is a tribute to the legendary magician Robert-Houdin and his iconic mechanical illusion. This elegant deck captures the essence of Houdin’s famed orange tree illusion, where a mechanical tree would blossom and bear fruit live on stage. With intricate illustrations and cutting-edge light-reactive printing, the deck brings that same sense of theatrical wonder into your hands.

Crafted from premium black cardstock, the tuck box glows with gold and silver foiling, styled after 19th-century theatrical posters. Its design includes symbolic nods to Houdin’s routine: a “medieval pistol” on the inner lid, an orange blossom on the dust flap, and a ring on the inner tab—all elements of the original act that help tell a story through design.

  

The card backs are filled with ornate detailing, featuring butterflies lifting a handkerchief around a flourishing orange tree. This flowing design is carried across the full back, surrounded by lush decorative motifs. 

Each suit on the card faces has been fully reimagined, with custom pips that reflect tree-like forms and indices set in the elegant Minion Pro typeface. Aces incorporate orange tree illustrations, and the court cards present traditional characters with botanical enhancements like entwined branches and oranges. 

The Jokers unfold the story of the orange tree in three visual stages: a bare tree, a fruiting tree, and one with an open orange. When exposed to light, these cards reveal hidden imagery, and the final Joker shows a butterfly flying off with a handkerchief holding a ring—echoing the illusion’s dramatic climax.

Available for a limited time at a special price of $27.90 through TCC, this deck is a celebration of wonder, crafted for those who appreciate elegance, magic, and mystery.

Sunken Anchors Playing Cards

Sunken Anchors Playing Cards is a collaboration between False Anchors creator Ryan Schlutz and Penguin Magic, an elegant yet enigmatic deck designed for both mystery and mastery.

At first glance, the deck’s deep-sea blue palette and clean design evoke a sense of calm- yet beneath the surface lies hidden treasure. Designed by Jill Breitbart, Sunken Anchors strikes a balance between customization and usability. 

The two-way back features a minimalist double-anchor motif with thin borders, blending nautical charm with visual clarity. The Jokers mirror each other with anchor illustrations, and the Ace of Spades is rendered with intricate rope detailing, tying the theme together. Standard court and number cards have received a tasteful color refresh, staying true to tradition while reinforcing the deck’s unique aesthetic.

For the magician, gaff cards are subtly tucked into each deck, far from the standard fare, and every purchase includes access to an exclusive tutorial video from Ryan Schlutz. Whether you're performing sleight-of-hand or simply appreciating fine design, this deck invites discovery.

Even the tuck box is a tactile experience, made from subtly textured uncoated paper and printed inside and out. A stamp-style seal keeps the deck secured inside.

These cards are printed on Penguin’s UltraLux stock with AquaFlow coating, offering superior handling and durability. Pledge starts at $14 on Kickstarter.

The TRIBUTE Deck Playing Cards by Daniel Madison

Celebrating 30 years of dedication to the deceptive arts, The TRIBUTE Deck Playing Cards pay homage to the key inspirations and supporters of Daniel Madison. This special edition deck is available in two editions: a standard deck and a specialized sleight deck- with each version showcasing original artwork by Madison. 

The TRIBUTE Deck series introduces innovative variations designed for different levels of performance.

The F-DECK, a finely tapered "stripper" deck, features one end slightly narrower than the other, allowing performers to easily feel and extract cards for ultimate control over the game.

The I-DECK, or "in-stripper" deck, modifies the Royal Flush Spades so they can be extracted from any position, catering to intermediate practitioners.

The N-DECK, a "negative stripper" deck, adjusts the winning Blackjack hand (Ace and Jack) for effortless retrieval, also aimed at intermediate users.

The crown jewel is the M-DECK, known as "The MADISON DECK," engineered to let any desired card be located instantly from a shuffled deck, a revolutionary concept that eliminates the need for advanced sleight-of-hand techniques and has even earned the endorsement of gambling expert Steve Forte.

Every deck comes with a downloadable video Masterclass sent out when your order ships, offering invaluable insights into mastering the art of card manipulation.

Available from Daniel Madison's online store from $28.

Not Just Another Custom Deck, Shipwreck Playing Cards

Ellusionist's Shipwreck Playing Cards deck isn't just another custom deck of cards- it's the ultimate utility deck for magicians, featuring 52 marked cards, and 6 exclusive gaffs all at the price of a standard deck.

With this powerhouse in your hands, you'll have the ability to perform hundreds of tricks you already know, plus many more to discover along the way.

Each card is marked for easy readability from all angles, letting you stay one step ahead with minimal effort. The six included gaffs aren't just add-ons; they're precision tools that eliminate the need for a separate gaff deck, combining both utility and creativity in one package.

A very cool and versatile deck of cards! Printed by Legends Playing Card Co. on Viper Finish. At only $12.95 on Ellusionist, Shipwreck Playing Cards offers unmatched versatility and performance.

Issue 81 of Kardify Magazine

Issue 81 of Kardify Magazine is now on Patreon! Patrons who pledged $3 or more will be able to download the latest issue from our Patreon page. This issue compiles selected articles published from mid-January to mid-February. Deck images, articles, and news to keep you informed and up-to-date with the latest playing card news, releases, and previews. If you love playing cards, you will love Kardify Magazine!

Also, don’t forget to check out our other cool reward tiers on Patreon! The tiers include monthly desktop and smartphone wallpapers, a mystery deck shipped to you every 4 months of ongoing contributions, social media shout-outs, and multiple sponsorship tiers! Check it out!

Funds received from the magazine will help us keep the site running and growing, and bring new quality content to you. Our aim is to support designers by backing crowdfunded projects and supporting magic and playing cards retailers with their new releases. If you want to support us, please head over to our Patreon page. If you have an idea for an article you would like us to pursue, do get in contact with us. We hope you enjoy the read. In this issue:   

+ Madame Laveau: From Stockholm17, this alluring deck draws inspiration from the famed New Orleans Voo-Doo Queen, Marie Laveau. Find out more!

+ Postage Paid 2024 Edition: A truly unique deck by Kings Wild inspired by playing cards from the early 20th century that was written on and sent as postcards. Check it out!

+ La Mouche: Elettra Deganello is back with another interesting deck is based on the multiple meanings of the word “mouche”.

+ Star Trek: The latest deck by Theory11 unveils a world of bespoke illustrations of beloved characters from the film, elegantly adorned within a luxurious matte-purple box accented with shimmering gold foil.

+ Atlantis V2: These decks by Riffle Shuffle take players on a visual journey through the rise and fall of Atlantis, a city once unrivalled in knowledge and technological prowess, now shrouded in myth and mystery.

+ Braniff: From Art of Play, the deck pay homage to the 1960s jet-set era, commemorating Braniff’s lasting influence on art, fashion, design, and the world of travel. Find out more!

 + Solitaire 17: Take a look at Stockholm17’s deck that seamlessly bridges the gap between the digital and physical gaming worlds. This deck is not merely a replica of the Solitaire17 app; it’s a luxurious extension with gold foil detailing on the back, exuding sophistication! 

+ Outkast: The iconic hip-hop duo Outkast joins forces with Theory11 to introduce an exclusive deck of playing cards that pays homage to the unforgettable Stankonia era. Have a look!

… and more! 48 pages of articles and deck images. Enjoy!

HEARTBEAT: The Sensational Connection in Magic

HEARTBEAT, Ellusionist’s best-selling product of 2023, is a magical experience that transcends visual perception into the realm of sensations. Developed by Juan, a seasoned magician, this effect offers a unique connection between the performer and the spectator, leaving a lasting impression on both. In this review, we delve into the captivating qualities of HEARTBEAT, exploring its simplicity, impact, and the profound experience it creates.

SETUP

Magic is typically a visual art, but HEARTBEAT takes a different approach. The real magic lies in the sensation it evokes. When performing this effect, you place a pencil against your fingertips, establishing an intimate link with the spectator. With a touch to your heart, an inexplicable connection is forged. The spectator can feel the rhythm of your pulse coursing through the pencil. It’s an experience that defies explanation and must be personally witnessed to be fully understood.

HEARTBEAT’s brilliance lies in its simplicity. There are no elaborate electronics or concealed gimmicks. The pencil and your hands can be freely examined by the spectator before and after the effect. This transparency enhances the impact of the experience, as the spectator is left with a sense of awe and wonder at the seemingly impossible connection that occurred.

EFFECT

HEARTBEAT is not just a magic trick; it’s an unforgettable experience that leaves a lasting impression. It creates a deep emotional bond between the performer and the spectator. The effect is so powerful that it has the potential to form special connections and foster unique relationships between individuals. This makes HEARTBEAT a remarkable addition to any magician’s repertoire, capable of creating moments of genuine astonishment and wonder.

On the product page, customers have praised HEARTBEAT for its effectiveness and impact, as evidenced by numerous positive reviews. One review commends the effect, items, and tutorial, emphasizing that while not everyone may be able to perform all the effects, the ability to astound those who can makes it a worthwhile purchase. Another review highlights the simplicity of the method, allowing performers to focus entirely on their performance.

OVERALL 

HEARTBEAT is a true gem among magical effects, captivating both performers and spectators with its sensory connection. With its simplicity, impact, and ability to forge deep connections, HEARTBEAT has rightfully earned its position as Ellusinonist’s best-selling product of 2023. If you seek to astound and leave a lasting impression, HEARTBEAT is an essential addition to your magical repertoire.

Available NOW from ellusionist for $34.95 and get 10% off automatically on checkout.

Dani DaOrtiz's Enchanting Card Magic Fools Penn and Teller!

Spanish magician Dani DaOrtiz fools Penn and Teller with his mind-blowing card magic! The judges including the host were full of wonder and joy as they watched Dani perform his close-up card magic. Thoroughly delightful and entertaining to watch… probably one of the strongest performances on Fool Us.

To see Pen and Teller go back to a place and time when they were once full of wonder and joy for the art of magic; fooled and delighted as we all were, was such a beautiful thing to see. The childlike expressions they had, laughing, giggling, jumping up and down in their chair…it’s rare for them to not only be fooled but thoroughly delighted and entertained at the same time!

The JLB Deck: The World's First Connected Playing Cards

We are really excited about this deck! Now on Kickstarter, the JLB Marked Deck is the World's first connected deck, the latest tool for magicians created by French Magician JeanLuc Bertrand. If you don't already know, JeanLuc is a creator, producer, and director of David Stone’s DVD, The French Twins, Split, No Smoking or Blinking Effect… you will probably have seen some of the effects on YouTube or Social Media. 

Designed by Destino, this entirely custom deck combines elegance for collectors and practicality for close-up artists. Destino’s craft and talent mixed with JeanLuc’s working Magician approach deliver a unique tool coated with a sleek art design. 

 
The deck will be a novelty that will greatly impact the magic industry. This new approach to card manufacturing will make that deck an instant classic item. Apart from being a set of custom playing cards, the JLB Deck holds an invisible technology that will connect it to ANY smartphone. 

 
The tuck case will allow you to transfer instantly any type of information into a spectator’s phone without them knowing (social media, business card, and of course impossible magic effects). Along with that innovation, the JLB Deck is tailor-made for zoom magic performances and will transform your marketing and social media communication into a magical act. 

The JLB Deck includes:

• 1 Dedicated APP - Endlessly updatable
• 15 downloadable tutorials - Including 5 Exclusive Zoom Magic Effects 
• 2 Duplicates - With original routines.
• 3 Customized Original Gaff cards

The JLB deck will be printed by the USPCC on Bicycle Quality Paper with Linen Finish and available NOW on Kickstarter for $19.

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Watch Magician Eric Chien's Astonishing Routine on 'AGT' Season Premiere!

Wow! Get ready to have your mind blown by Magician Eric Chien's audition on Season 14 of America’s Got Talent! Eric is a 22-year-old magician from Taiwan and based on his track record he could be one to watch this season.

Previously, Eric took home the 2018 Close Up Magic Grand Prix from the FISM (International Federation of Magic Societies) Magic World Championships in South Korea. Also, he was the winner of the third season of Asia’s Got Talent last year.

Eric performed his “Ribbon” routine and the first few minutes of non-stop tricks and illusions are enough to baffle anyone but Eric keeps the momentum going for a captivating six-minutes routine.



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Watch: Magician Shin Lim Wins America's Got Talent Season 13!

Last night, Magician Shin Lim was crowned the winner of America's Got Talent's 13th season! He became the second magician to win AGT, after Mat Franco, who took out the ninth season. A master of sleight of hand, Shin collects $1 million and a headlining slot at the Paris Theater at Paris Las Vegas next month.

View this post on Instagram

America’s got talent has been an unforgettable journey. Thank you all so much for your love and support 🙏. I couldn’t have done it without each and everyone of you. I love you forever ♥️ and for the finale time: #shintowin

A post shared by Shin Lim (@shinlimmagic) on Sep 19, 2018 at 9:49pm PDT

Check out his incredible journey in the 2018 season of America's Got Talent who made an impression on the judges since day one. In his audition round, he left all four judges (and Tyra!) completely floored with his smoke-and-card magic. Then, Shin Lim continued to crank up the heat. In the judge cuts round, guest judge Olivia Munn got to witness his incredible talent. Round after round, Shin Lim has delivered jaw-dropping magic consistently.. with perfection!

Deck View: Cadenza (Red Edition) Playing Cards

Magic. Floral. Marked.

Cadenza is a deck designed by Hong Kong magician NKW with the working magicians in mind. The deck features a classic, timeless floral back design. Hidden in the vintage floral back design are several powerful features that allow you to perform miracles. Cadenza comes with 3 different marking systems, each with its own features and functions.

In terms of design, the deck is pretty much standard to maintain familiarity with the exception of the custom ace of spades and jokers. The tuck that houses the cards is elegant and printed on durable synthetic paper, which is waterproof and tear-proof.



Printed by Legends Playing Card Co. on diamond finish, the deck comes in Mnemonica order out of the box. Also when you purchase the deck, you gain access to the e-book that explains all the marking systems, the gaff cards and the tricks you can do with it, for free.

Available at JP Games or from Legends Playing Card Co.

First Look: Art of Play's Peau Doux Playing Cards, The Cards That Cardini Used!

Art of Play in collaboration with Pitchford Entertainment Media and Magic have released a modern poker-sized replica of the special "Peau Doux" playing cards used by Richard Valentine Pitchford (1895-1973) or better known by his stage name, Cardini.

Cardini is known for his superlative manipulation act, which showcased his unparalleled card fanning and production skills. For his fanning sequences, Cardini originally used a brand called "Park Avenue," which was obtainable from Woolworth's, until he was introduced to a card with an even more attractive back design on general sale in Walgreens drug stores in 1934. Trademarked as "Peau Doux" cards, the brand name was derived from the name of Mrs. Walgreen's dog Po Do, which translates from French as "smooth skin".

The stunning Art Deco design depicted a series of five concentric arcs in red, black, white, gold, and red, reading from the top left-hand corner to the bottom right-hand corner of the card. The deck carries the iconic image of the winged horse Pegasus, silhouetted in gold, emerging from the gold arc.

Cardini realized the potential of the deck for display fans and color changing effects. He wasted no time in entering into a transaction with the Walgreen Company. It is believed that he bought up the complete stock of the cards, extracting from the company an assurance they would not manufacture any further decks. Cardini even went so far as to purchase the printing plates, which he then smashed, further to protect his exclusivity. Today, an unopened Cardini' bridge-size 1934 Peau Doux playing cards go for up to $700 in auctions.

I am pleasantly surprised how well these turned out! Art of Play's replica is a faithful reproduction, from the Art Deco-styled tuck box to the iconic card backs. The Ace of Spades has been updated and features the pegasus instead of Mrs. Walgreen's dog Po Do.

Gold metallic ink on the courts and the card backs create a striking and elegant look, especially when used in contrast against the black background. Also, the indices and suits have been enhanced to match the theme of the deck, giving it a more modern look and feel. The jokers feature a black and white illustration of Cardini's profile.

Peau Doux’s, will be available in a limited supply this Friday (9th February 2018) on Art of Play for $15. Don't miss out if you want to own a piece of magic history. Use coupon code KARDINI at checkout to get 10% off the Peau Doux decks on Art of Play.

Deck View: Nicholas Arnst Playing Cards

Magician. Belgium. Intricate.

The Nicholas Arnst Playing Cards is an intricate deck printed by Cartamundi for Belgium-based professional magician Nicholas Arnst (@nicholas.arnst). The deck features custom tuck in a blue-red colorway, a stylized Ace of Spades and mirrored back design with intricate line work. Like most magician decks, the pips and court cards remain pretty much standard, which maintain familiarity and easily recognizable by spectators.

What makes this deck so special is that it is the first printed with Cartamundi's improved finish which was subsequently used in DMC's Elite Rouge, Butterfly Playing Cards, Cardistry Touch's ORIGIN and USAGI. The stock is definitely thicker and like all Cartamundi's decks, it is really smooth and handles beautifully.

Find more Cartamundi decks here!

Magic: Popular Italian Magician Jack Nobile to Release the White Flower Playing Cards

Created by popular Italian YouTuber, Jack Nobile and designed by Kiran Kuruvithadam, the White Flower is a calm, relaxing deck of playing cards with a soothing blue colorway. One year in the making, the beautiful white flower floating on the water symbolizes pure nature.

On the deck design, Jack tells Kardify,

The card back features a white lotus flower on a light blue background and we took the idea from the Madison Dealers. The Aces have the same color palette to the Jacks, Queens and Kings. The jokers are an up-oriented hand that gives life to a flower symbolizing rebirth and inner peace.

The face of the Jacks have been customised to include Jack Nobile's best friends: Lorenz on the Jack of Clubs, Hyde on the Jack of Diamonds, Iac on the Jack of Spades, and Jack Nobile on the Jack of Hearts. Jack continued,

We've also added a red/blue double face gaff card and a blank card to create magic effects. I hope you'll like this new deck! The idea is always the same... whenever you want to relax, after a hectic day, you can use this deck and devote your time to magic. It's just a relaxing deck. Thanks for letting me live this beautiful dream!

The White Flower Playing Cards are produced by AssoKappa and printed by the United States Playing Card Co. with Air Cushion Finish. The deck will be released on September 20, 2017.

Magic: Butterfly Playing Cards Available NOW for Pre-Order!

Beautiful. Impossible. Miracles. If you've missed out on the Indiegogo project, the Butterfly Playing Cards are now available for pre-order. We've featured Ondrej Psenicka's beautiful Butterfly Playing Cards on Kardify numerous times (we love this deck!), including our recent pick for the Top12 Best Marked decks list and Ondrej's performance on Penn and Teller's Fool Us.

Effect: The deck was designed by Swedish graphic designer and magician Stefan Eriksson, this groundbreaking deck features TWO unique marking system hidden in its beautiful back design that can be used separately, and they will make you a miracle worker if they are combined. Here are some effects that are possible with the Butterfly Playing Cards:




What you get: This Gorgeous deck comes with standard faces as it is intended mainly for magicians who prefer standard faces as they are familiar and easily recognizable by the audience. The Ace of Spades, jokers, card backs and tuck box are custom. The cards are printed in Belgium by Cartamundi on their brand new card stock. Also, the explanation of the marking system is included, as well as a link to online video instructions.

What we think: Endless possibilities and a game changer. This beautifully crafted deck will blow away your audience. The markings are slightly more complex than other marked decks and may take some time to get used to if you want to get the full potential of the deck. However, they are definitely worth it in terms of the reactions and the endless possibilities this deck will bring to your magic routines.

Who should buy: If you are card worker, definitely get this ingenious deck. Also for the card collector, this beautifully designed deck will make a great addition to your collection.

Available now for pre-order for $29 from Murphy's Magic featured dealer.