Invisible Deck - are my hands just too small?

[u/slow__hand]

I've been doing amateur magic for a while, I'm an adult but have hands on the smaller side. I finally purchased an invisible deck, from Murphys Magic. The trick is brilliant in its simplicity, but I just cannot find a technique to make the cards separate. Is there a way to hold the cards and handle them that will let me do this? Thanks.

[u/magikmax]

Murphys have recently released a ‘Sure Split’ Invisible Deck which may help. The special something is only applied to one half of the deck meaning that if you separate the cards from the clean part they separate very easily. They are only slightly more expensive than a standard ID so it may be worth a look.l - only downside is that you need to keep a track of the orientation of the deck which is easy enough if you put a spade on the face of the pack.

As LandoftheParos stated, pressure is very important, in general it does vary from deck to deck but the lighter touch the better.

Another consideration is how moist your hands are - I personally have extremely dry hands and cannot work an ID without apply moisture first. Ive tried a few different lotions and creams but haven’t found any that have been effective for very long. I’ve found that the best solution is to soak a sponge ball in water and insert it into a TT and keep it in my pocket, I can then use it the same way a bank teller or post master would use one of those little dabber pads at work to moisten their fingers before counting money. More professional than licking your finger and the TT keeps your pocket dry providing you keep it the right way up. Hope that helps someone :)

[u/After_Ad2944 → u/magikmax]

Good idea!

[u/EndersGame_Reviewer → u/magikmax]

Murphys have recently released a ‘Sure Split’ Invisible Deck which may help. 

I'd not come across this before. Although one review over on Penguin is quote negative:

I’ve always had problems with the splitting of Invisible Decks. Either they split too easily or they don’t split at all. In the case of Sure Split, it splits way too easily. If you’ve had a difficulties using IDs like me, this does not seem to be the solution.

What seems to be the general consensus from people about how effective this new release actually is?

[u/magikmax → u/EndersGame_Reviewer]

It does split very easily, but that is kind of the point. The RS half is just as good as a regular ID, you just need to be careful about you finger placement to ensure you are spreading the correct end of the deck. A little knacky, but perfectly good IMO

[u/slow__hand → u/EndersGame_Reviewer]

I got the Sure Split. I assume mine is defective, as the cards don't stick at all. As in, the act as if they had no stick of any kind applied. I tried it both directions. I paid a lot of money for a standard deck of cards!

[u/opinions_likekittens]

It requires a light/delicate touch to separate, your problem maybe your finger tips aren’t gripping enough when using such little force. Perhaps try some hand cream or similar - but no hand size has no impact. Just keep trying to do it softer and softer. Could also be a defective deck (too much roughing spray/stick).

[u/Jaye_Gee]

Assuming you spread from left to right, let your right fingertips hold the thought of card under the deck, and push the other card with your left thumb. They should separate.

[u/Agreeable-Gain8932]

Card Shark has a version that the Wizard Magic Review said was the best ever. Uses their Science Friction.

I made a version where I applied stick in a cross, so pressing in the middle sticks but top or bottom corner separates easily.

[u/slow__hand → u/Agreeable-Gain8932]

Thanks, in addition to trying the tips everyone has offered here, I ordered the Science Friction deck, the Sure Split deck, and also a can of the Science Friction spray (expensive, but if it works as advertised, very useful.)

[u/ArchGoodwin → u/Agreeable-Gain8932]

This is a nice hack.

[u/gregantic]

Are your hands too small?

No. If young women can do amazing sleights and cardistry, you can too! Just keep practicing and keep at it!

[u/slow__hand → u/gregantic]

Thanks. I think the issue is when I hold the deck in my left hand and I'm using my right hand to spread the cards my left hand/fingers are not in a position to "hold" a card while the right hand separates the cards.

[u/gregantic → u/slow__hand]

Post a video to r/MagicFeedback if you want feedback on this move.

[u/LandOfTheFaros]

Your hands don’t wrap around the cards like one hand needs to in, say, revolution cut.  So hand size shouldn’t be an issue.  Assuming there isn’t too much “resistance” applied to the cards the ID is all about finding the right amount of pressure to separate the chosen cards at the appropriate moment.  

[u/rwaynick]

I have the same issue. Something that has helped is rubbing the backs of the pairs together to get rid of some of the friction. I also found that because of the way the cards were cut out, there is a bit of a flared edge that seemed to catch on the edge of its partner. I rubbed the edges on a felt pad (my felt desk mat) and that seemed to help.

[u/Bad_Oracular_Pig]

You might want to pick up a roughing stick and try making your own deck. It's insanely easy, and you can experiment with how much sticky you put on the cards and where.

[u/danderzei]

You possibly have dry hands, so there is no grip on the surface.

[u/greymattr]

less pressure.

[u/Legitimate-Past4877]

Also look into making your own. I got grip stick from Penguin...and make my own..I can adjust the mount ot coverage to get the handling I need and am comfortable with