12 pack of Bicycle playing cards

Mark Frauenfelder 2:09 pm Mon Feb 13, 2017

I go through about one deck of playing cards a week. That's how long it takes for the cards to get dirty and bent from frequent handling (I spend a couple of hours a day practicing sleights during phone calls, watching TV, during meals, waiting in line, hiking, and so on). It feels extravagant to replace a deck every week, but it's actually an inexpensive habit. I buy decks by the dozen on Amazon. Right now a 12-pack of Bikes sells for $(removed). I wish I could subscribe to them.

You get 6 red backs and 6 blue backs. Jason likes blue back cards, and I like red back. (Hey, Jason – I'll save the blue ones for you if you save the red ones for me.)

If you want something to do with the cards, let me gently steer you in the direction of my book, Trick Decks:

Quick change artist, Léa Kyle, stumps Penn and Teller

On Penn and Teller's Fool Us, French quick change artist, Léa Kyle, does just that. The magic duo admit they were not fans of the artform before seeing her act, as most of the trick is the same, but many aspects of this routine stumped them. Léa also designs and makes all of the costumes… READ THE REST
Magic trick revealed: how to escape from plastic handcuffs

If you want to add a fun new trick to your magic performance routine, watch this video, which explains how to escape from plastic handcuffs, Houdini style! READ THE REST
If you are stuck with little kids in the house, show them this magic trick

It's not too difficult for anyone over the age of six or seven to figure out this magic trick, in which a nickel seemingly passes through the cardboard of a matchbox. But show it to a kid and let them have fun trying to learn how it works. Image: YouTube READ THE REST
Save 20% this Cyber Week on a holiday-themed Advent calendar full of goodies

We thank our sponsor for making this content possible; it is not written by the editorial staff nor does it necessarily reflect its views. The holiday season is upon us, which means it's that time of year to indulge in the things that make us happy while we're surrounded by loved ones. Of course, indulging… READ THE REST
Boost your productivity with 40% in Cyber Week savings on over 200 Mac apps

We thank our sponsor for making this content possible; it is not written by the editorial staff nor does it necessarily reflect its views. Back in school, mastering subjects like calculus and French was of utmost importance. But as you go about life, adulting your way through your complex personal issues and your chosen profession,… READ THE REST
This Cyber Week, make using your tablet easier than ever with 20% off this stylus pen

We thank our sponsor for making this content possible; it is not written by the editorial staff nor does it necessarily reflect its views. By now, we all know how useful iPads and digital tablets are. Their functionality and versatility make them a handy tool whether we're utilizing them for personal or professional use. Even… READ THE REST