(Review) Atomic Deck by Craig Petty – Magicians React!

Craig Petty's "Atomic Deck" offers a groundbreaking solution to the classic Any Card at Any Number (ACAAN) effect, aiming to replicate the legendary Berglas Effect with remarkable simplicity and effectiveness.

Update (Mar 02, 2025): We've added a new section below covering what magicians are saying about Atomic Deck—the praise, the controversy, and Craig Petty’s response!

Click here to jump to the magic review video by Paul Romhany.

This innovative trick allows a freely named card to appear at a freely chosen number in a deck, all without complex sleight of hand or memorization.

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Key Features:

Craig Petty's The Atomic Deck Review by Paul Romhany

Here are some of the key features to Craig Petty's Atomic Deck:

Ease of Use

Designed for magicians of all skill levels, the "Atomic Deck" requires no sleight of hand, memorization, or mental calculations. The deck remains in full view throughout the performance, and cards can be dealt directly into the spectator's hands.

The method is facilitated by a specially designed deck that handles most of the work for the performer.

Innovative Design

The deck utilizes a unique stock that eliminates the need for roughing sprays or chemicals, ensuring durability and longevity comparable to a standard deck of cards.

This thoughtful design allows for some level of examination by lay audiences without revealing the secret, though magicians may detect the method upon close inspection.

Versatility

While the primary effect involves the use of a phone to encode necessary information seamlessly, alternative methods are taught to perform the trick without any visible technology, catering to various performance styles and preferences.

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My Thoughts

PROS:

• Easy to do

• Use any phone to do the trick - no APP, just web-based applications.

• Two different versions - one is a 'science' type site people punch in information to and you can see what you need - the other is a fake 'note's on your phone that will get you the peek you neeed.

• Supplied with gimmick cards.

CONS:

• It works about 80% of the time due to the method (calculations), so you must ask several people to write down Any Card and Any number.

• Cards can't be handed out - well, they can, but the order can't be disturbed.

• Cards are paper-thin, which is part of the method, so I'm not sure how long they will last.

  
  

Overall, Murphy's Magics "Atomic Deck" stands out as a significant advancement in the realm of card magic, offering performers a practical and astonishing tool to captivate audiences with the elusive ACAAN effect.

Price: $49 US dollars

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Watch the Review

For a visual demonstration and further insights, you might find this review helpful:

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Magic Community Reactions: Praise & Controversy

Few tricks lately have sparked as much conversation as Atomic Deck, and the online magic community has been buzzing with passionate discussions. Some call it the "trick of the century," while others debate its practicality, method, and construction.

Here’s what magicians are saying:

The Praise: Innovative & Powerful

Many magicians are blown away by the effect’s clever method and powerful impact. Some are even dubbing it a game-changer for the classic Any Card at Any Number (ACAAN) plot.

• "This is possibly the trick of the century." – Joel S

• "I ordered three today—one for me and two for my best friends. Been waiting for this for a long time!" – Michael K

• "Love your work, Craig! Atomic Deck is AMAZING!" – Doc S

• "Just watched the trailer, and it looks very good! Laypeople won’t care if it’s not a Bicycle deck." – Phil K

The mechanics of the trick—designed for a seamless audience experience—are a highlight. Even those hesitant about gaffed decks acknowledge how smoothly the cards handle and how deceptive the effect is for laypeople.

The Criticism: Practicality & Handling Concerns

On the flip side, some magicians have concerns, particularly about the thin stock of the cards and the necessity of using a phone in the performance.

• "Minus the paper-thin cards that aren't Bicycle… awesome effect." – Daron M

• "Super thin, weird-looking cards, restrictions that make you stumble around until they get the number and card you want, and you have to use a phone." – William V

• "Why did you make the cards such an odd-looking deck? Most guys use Bicycle." – Andy A

Others have debated whether Atomic Deck truly delivers on its "Any Card at Any Number" promise.

• "It’s NOT any card at any number 100% of the time." – Dean C

• "There are about 10% of card/number combinations that won’t work, making it somewhat of a restricted card choice." – Robert P

Additionally, discussions on the trick's advertising and transparency have surfaced, with some arguing that the marketing doesn’t fully explain certain details, like whether a phone is required for every performance.

• "There is ZERO mention that you need a mobile phone for every performance." – Dean C

• "This isn't the 'Holy Grail' of ACAANs—just hype." – Jeffery B

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Craig Petty Responds to the Debate

Craig Petty has been highly active in the discussions, defending the product and engaging directly with magicians.

• On the card stock: "Bicycle was the first company we reached out to, but they don’t make thin cards like this."

• On the phone requirement: "We are updating the tutorial constantly with new methods. A big update is coming that eliminates the need for a phone entirely."

• On marketing transparency: "I expose all my tricks openly before release. Anyone can see exactly how it works before they buy it."

Despite the polarizing opinions, Atomic Deck is selling fast, and many who have actually performed it in front of audiences report that it kills.

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What Do You Think?

Have you been using Craig Petty's Atomic Deck? Share your thoughts in the comments below!