Trick Review: Riser Deck by Mark Elsdon

Want something different to end your ambitious card routine? If you’ve done the wallet or the envelope or any other “card to impossible place,” you may like the Riser Deck. This impressive gimmick allows you perform classic ambitious card where a chosen card repeatedly rises in the deck, but it happens while the deck is in its box.

The spectator clearly takes the chosen card and pushes it into the deck and can pull out the card when the box is opened again. This one is pricey, but the gimmick is a work of art that is reliable and does everything that it’s designed to.

At the end of your ambitious card routine, you decide to perform “one more” rise under controlled conditions. The deck is replaced in its card box to prevent any possible manipulation on your part. The spectator pushes his own signed card into the deck, anywhere he wants and the card can be shown face-up if desired. The selection is clearly pushed by the spectator flush into the deck. The case is closed and given a shake. The case is re-opened and the top card of the deck is the spectator’s signed card. There are no switches.

This effect is based on a concept by Daryl. The heavily gimmicked deck does all of the work. There’s a small move that you’ll have to master, but it’s easy to learn and perform. You also have to bring the gimmicked deck into play and for this, the DVD offers three versions to choose from.

Because of the timing, there should be little heat when you make the switch. Spectators will think that your ambitious card routine is over. You place the deck into your pocket and bring out your hand. Say, “oh heck, want to see one more?” and then bring out the gimmicked deck. The other two handlings are more involved and probably not necessary.

The cardboard case, a Bicycle box, is also gimmicked. The downside of this is that while the gimmicked deck will probably last a long time, the card box will eventually wear out after some use. However, once you understand the concept, it’s probably not that hard to gimmick your own case with a little work.

The accompanying DVD offers excellent instruction on performing the trick. The trick itself if not difficult to learn and perform.

Riser Deck is not a trick in itself. It’s an effect that builds on a card routine, the most likely candidate of which is an ambitious card routine.

My only reservation is that I’m not sure that this effect plays as strong as a conventional card to wallet or other traditional ending. I think it’s more appropriate in the middle of an ambitious routine. This one is somewhat pricey, but it’s a quality product.

-Wayne N. Kawamoto

MSRP: (US) $90 (Available in red and blue Bicycle decks)

Dealers can purchase from Murphy's Magic Supplies, Inc.