Description
Gimmicked card tricks exploded in popularity in the mid-20th century, offering magicians quick access to strong effects without relying solely on sleight of hand. Publishers like Magic Inc. and performers like Paul Diamond and Karl Fulves helped usher in the golden age of trick decks: Svengali, Stripper, Invisible, and more. Among these, the FA-KO deck — an assortment of double-backs, double-faces, short cards, and other gaffs — became a favorite for close-up performers who wanted versatility in one package. Paired with instructional booklets, these decks gave amateurs and pros alike a Swiss army knife of routines, and the booklets themselves often became prized items, filled with bold graphics, gimmick diagrams, and trick-by-trick breakdowns. More than a product manual, these books were gateways to experimentation and style.
Ronald Haines’ 36 Tricks with FA-KO Cards is the definitive guide to getting the most out of your gaffed deck. Originally produced as a companion to Haines House of Cards’ FA-KO set, this booklet breaks down three dozen routines using common gimmicks — from double-backs to blank facers to corner shorts. The tricks are fast, visual, and practical, perfect for the walkaround magician or hobbyist looking to level up without years of knuckle-busting sleights. The book is cleanly designed, easy to follow, and filled with classic patter suggestions and effect descriptions. Whether you’re using a pre-made FA-KO deck or assembling your own from extras, this is a go-to manual for building a deceptive and hard-hitting routine. A vintage piece of practical magic literature that still holds up — and still fools.
Simple gimmicks, strong reactions — practical magic done the smart way.
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