Trojan Deck

Trick and download by Joshua Jay
Out of stock
Price: £59.75£59.75exc VAT
47 reviews
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Trojan Deck

“The Trojan Deck” is simultaneously simple in premise and almost limitless in possibilities. At its core, it is the holy grail of card tricks: they shuffle a blue deck and you shuffle a red deck. Both decks match exactly.

There is no deck switch, the effect has no sleight-of-hand whatsoever, it is 100% foolproof, and the gimmick can be used in all sorts of ways to allow you perform stacked deck effects with a shuffled deck. But that isn’t even the best part.

The best part is the presentational possibility. “The Trojan Deck” is Joshua Jay’s closer, and he accompanies the trick with the (true) story of how his parents met. But you can also do this trick to music. Once each deck is thoroughly shuffled, you deal through the cards with the spectator, and the cards match. You can tell an interesting story about coincidence. Or you can talk about the mathematical impossibility of this classic feat. Or you don’t have to say anything at all.

Most two-deck matching tricks suffer from a couple of weaknesses: they either rely on very particular steps or mathematical principles that are easy to screw up, or require you to interact with spectators in a very, very careful way. In “The Trojan Deck” the spectator can shuffle their cards any way they like. There is nothing that can go wrong.

The other weakness in many versions is that the decks must somehow “touch” for a moment. There is often a moment when cards are transferred from one deck to another, requiring the performer to bring the packs together and do a sneaky move. In “The Trojan Deck” the cards are kept entirely isolated the whole time.

“The Trojan Deck” is more than a trick; it’s a devious gimmick that allows you to perform all sorts of parlor and close-up miracles, and all of these are explained in detail by Joshua Jay. In the package you receive the special box, and three decks of cards that will allow you to perform “The Trojan Deck” within minutes, or to customize it for many other possibilities.

We’re biased, of course, as Joshua Jay is our cofounder, but we’re in awe of the careful attention to detail that is on display in every one of his effects. He’s the guy who created “Inferno,” the best-selling and highest-voted “Trick of the Year” when it was released. He’s the creator of “Balance,” our best-selling trick of all time. He puts years into the development of every original piece. “I think this is my best effect,” he says of “The Trojan Deck.” “I didn’t intend for it to be this way, but I can’t follow this trick with anything else, because whatever it is seems anti-climactic by comparison. It’s the best thing I’ve ever created.”

Due to complicated nature of manufacturing this effect, we have a very small supply of “The Trojan Deck” in stock. Each one is built to last countless performances. Invest in yours today to avoid disappointment later.

Please note: In the trailer, Josh explains that "every card matches." This is referring to the effect and not the method. Please feel free to email us if you have any questions.

Note: Gimmick available only in Phoenix playing cards. You will have to stick a few pieces together once it arrives. No extra supplies are needed and it only takes a few seconds. But, please do not rush, as going too fast may damage your gimmick.

Trojan trick angles
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Customer reviews for Trojan Deck

John
The Trojan Deck is the best trick I have bought this year. I was completely fooled by it and that it doesn’t require a deck switch was amazing. I can perform it as a stand-alone piece while I get a chance.
Peter
I am now waiting in great excitement to receive the actual Trojan Deck in the mail after watching the explanation. The gimmicks open so many effects that it can be incorporated in my imagination is going into overdrive. The Trojan Deck box is set to become a classic gimmick of card magic.
Larry
J.J. has given us a miràcle from years of experience. Nuances that make or break the audience impact. There is a deck manipulation that is close to switch. Unless you're willing to spend a decade or more testing and improving, this is a bargain you will be proud of purchasing early.
Rick
This is a spectacular routine that I hesitate referring to as a “trick.” In my opinion it is much more - it’s a work of performance art. I think Joshua has achieved something extraordinary here and I’m so appreciative of all he put into it’s creation and development. Thank you for sharing this masterpiece and giving others the opportunity to perform and perhaps even build upon it. I’d give this 10 stars if I could. Bravo!
Scott
Brilliant effect. The instructional video is very well done. Joshua Jay takes his time to teach it very clearly, but there’s no fluff.
Dexter Yin
Another miracle magic trick by Joshua Jay! This deck gave many possibilities to explore.
Jeff
I was extremely skeptical about this effect. If you've been in magic for any amount of time you know there are companies out there that advertise their products one way, and how it actually plays out is very different. When I read no deck switch, I was like, this is impossible. Well, I was wrong.

This is clever, and makes use of principals and methods in a clever way. It's a super fun effect to perform if you like doing story pieces. The story Jay tells is not the only story that can be used. You can use a personal story or make one up, whatever fits your performing style.

I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who performs effects where you can weave in a 10min story routine. Probably not the best for strolling, but it could definitely be modified to be a much quicker effect that could be used strolling.
Craig
I have watched the instructional video several times, while I eagerly wait for my trojan deck to arrive. This looks fabulous and is really well explained and thought out. I like the fact that you not only have the trick but also a tool to add to, or to create other routines. I can imagine the possibilities thought of, will exponentially increase as you experiment. This does look like the trick of the year - great work Joshua and the Vanishing Inc team!
Hendrik
as always very clear and motivational explanation of the trick! Thank You!
Pasquale
To be honest, I bought The Trojan Deck,
because I wanted to support Joshua Jay's project and idea.
But ……
since I got it and after I saw the video instructions,
I realized that I have given myself a great gift.
It can be performed after a few hours of practice and the result is surprising.
Bravo Joshua Jay, you deserve 10 stars for your Idea.
John
Excellent !!!!!!!! Nothing more to be said Amen !
Richard
This was my favorite trick from the “Six Impossible Things” show. There HAD to be a deck switch and I COULDN’T have missed it. I didn’t dare ask Josh if he was planning to release this for fear of a negative answer. But here it is! The trick, the method, the gimmick are all as great as everyone says they are. JUST one little caveat: If you’re a klutz, get somebody with fine motor skills to assemble the gimmick for you. The glue, once stuck, cannot be unstuck! It’s not as easy as Josh makes it look in the video!
Madison
This is clearly a routine Joshua has worked and honed for years with thousands of performances. The teaching it direct and to the point, and the routine you get is stunning.
Kevin
Very cool concept! Many applications, if you’re a creative type. Would recommend!
David
This is my magic purchase of the year. Absolute genius thinking to achieve a powerful and direct coincidence routine. I would have preferred a couple or three of the gimmicks as it's something that might get damaged easily but I've made up my own and it's passable. It has so many possibilities for countless routines I've long wanted to do but which involved actions and sleights I wasn't particularly happy with. Top notch!
Chris
Super trick and great teaching! Loved learning this effect ??
Tony
This effect inspires me. I cannot wait to learn its secrets and take this effect to my audiences.
David
This is an excellent effect, clever method, and insightful tutorial. I'll definitely be using it in as many ways as possible.
Juan
This card trick is completely amazing, I was astounded when viewing the trailer and being completely absorbed into the moment and after seeing the tutorial and having the breakdown I was amazed again for the tutorial was magical in itself well worth the money and truly a 5 out of 5 illusion
Chris
Quite a brilliant trick with a brilliant idea. No particularly difficult moves, but it is a bit complex and so it requires some time to learn it -- not a criticism, just an observation. There are a couple of minor points that are left out of the video instruction, but you can figure out what to do. The reset is taught, but some ideas on how to get ready for the reset while the spectators are watching would be helpful. Part of the reset can be done in full view, but part cannot. Ideas on how to get things safely out of sight for the final part(s) of the reset would be quite useful.
Riccardo
This is one of the best tricks I have ever bought in my life. No complex sleight of hand at all. Just concentrate on the presentation and the effect itself will fool and surprise everyone in the audience. It seems impossible that two different decks continue to maintain the same cards order even though they have been freely and completely shuffled in several ways. Really impressive !
Dimitrios
Of course I give it a 5 stars, that's not the point. I would like Josh to see this review, so, please, please do me that favour. Josh, it is well known that you are a true master in the art of magic. This trick, was one of the best I bought from your company. I will not speak about the method,or the idea,they both were great. I would rather speak about your performance. Because, that was far beyond great.The method whispered to my mind, but the performance talked to my heart. It is 12:30 after midnight here in Greece, and instead of resting, I am writing to you, personal,in order to thank you.. thank you, because, after I saw your performance, I started to cry..cry, yes, this is a matter of fact. Not from sadness, but from astonishment. And it's been a while since the last time I saw something that touch me so deep. You see, I am a natural born artist myself, and I love magic more than anything. I wish I could afford to pay a visit in England, just to meet you, and learn from you. That's all I have to say, I am... speechless.
Elie
Here is a brilliant setup for an extraordinary card trick. Arriving at such a result with so much effort is a real challenge. How can two complete sets of cards after being thoroughly mixed be found in exactly the same order? An ingenious trick and two seemingly innocent games and this is the miracle accomplished. A routine that will earn us the reputation of outstanding magicians. Joshua Jay clearly explains how this diabolical tour works. Everything is planned. Trojan Deck is the fruit of a bright and wheeled mind.

Élie Bosc from France
Gary
I really like the Trojan Deck, but I have a lot of practice to do. The training explanation is excellent. Josh has a way of explaining things that really help with the presentation. I have some skill level things to work on but that is all on me. For example, making the cut based on a shorted card is not working well for me. Hopefully, practice will improve my sense of touch. The only complaint I have is with the trojan deck gimmick. The larger compartment ended up so tight that the recommended number of cards started to rip the box and using less cards makes the smaller deck easier for the spectator to notice. If I was to do it again, I would not fold the box as tight. I also notice that the flap does not hide the gimmick as well as the one Josh uses in the video.
Prithpal
VI are thé best
Randy
Very creative truck - outstanding instructions!
John
This trick is amazing. It’s one of the deepest, most personable card tricks ever. While it is fun performing (and the idea of how to perform this is completely in your hands) it, it’s nothing compared to how people react to seeing it. I would highly recommend this for magicians of any kind. Those who have grandiose shows or those who just love showing people card tricks. Few tricks will truly show the legitimacy and power of card magic effects quite like this one.
Jeff
I cannot tell you just how exciting and fun it is to perform this for people. It absolutely slays audiences. As always, you will want to make sure you are extremely comfortable with all that the routine requires and have your story details all worked out to where it flows naturally with the "moves". I wasn't sure if this trick would get a stronger reaction than "Out of sight" but it absolutely does, and that's saying a lot! I cannot wait to perform this again in front of a live audience. Highly recommended.
Michel
Very nice and surprising. Now see what is the reaction of spectators when performing.
Steve
Great tutorial, and awesome trick been blowing minds since the first day!!
Benjamin
This really is a beautiful effect! A wonderful balance of storytelling , and magic. The initial situation is clear, the ending reveal is clear, and the path between the two is fun and engaging. The method flies right by. Amazing!
Kirk
Wonderful piece of magic!
Jerry
I had developed a lecture for our magic club (being the featured performer) using the trojan deck to illustrate the the statistical impossibility of matching 52 cards in one deck (in order) to another 52 cards in another deck. The lecture went perfectly and it did stump some of the magicians when I told them that this did not involve a deck. Clever product and thanks to Joshua for his routine and solution to the problem.

Jerry Bowzer
Brenden
This is not just a singular trick. The ideas and concepts that the Trojan Deck are endless. Joshua goes into great detail not only on teaching his trick, but other applications and ideas. I do hope in the future this trick can be offered in other style decks or able to apply the card deck you use, as it is currently limited to the phoenix deck.
Thomas
Great trick and story line. I did alter the story line to fit me, but the responses from the people around when I perform this is really great.
Tyson
The only really complicated part is you do have a lot of confidence in pulling the trick off. It's a great closer due to the need for immediate cleanup. But WOW!!!!!!

THIS IS GOING TO BE MY CLOSER.

It includes a gimmick and I recommend being very mindful as Josh instructs you how to build the gimmick from the included prop.
Will
The Trojan Deck I have to say, I'm blown away by its clever design. This deck of cards is truly a game-changer for any magician looking to add some new tricks to their repertoire.

What's great about the Trojan Deck is that it doesn't require any complicated sleight of hand or special techniques. Anyone can learn to use it with a little practice, and the results are truly astounding. Whether you're performing for a large audience or just a few friends, the Trojan Deck will add a new dimension to your magic that will leave your spectators scratching their heads in amazement.

Overall, I would highly recommend the Trojan Deck to any magician looking to up their game. It's a high-quality product that delivers on its promises.
Jörn
This is so fooling. I performed it in a restaurant/bar environment fully surrounded and it worked like a charm. The reactions were amazing. They talked about it even hours after the trick (and some other). It stuck in their head.
Alan
I love it. What a trick! What a plot and the story is so adaptable. A reputation maker par excellence. I also loved the explanation, so detailed with good reasons. A masterclass in what makes good magic. It is a worker from an incredibly talented worker. I am already thinking of my own story to use, now that I have recovered from saying Wow many times over.
Edward
Worst deck of cards I have ever handled. For the price they should be bicycle decks. As soon as you take these decks out it looks like a trick deck. Cards stick like crazy. Very difficult to handle.
William
Follow all instructions carefully and it works beautifully. My wife is my test audience for all new tricks I learn, and she thought it was amazing. My patter needs some work; instead of a long winded story I made it about our brains being in sync, which I said won't work unless we go through the "ceremony" of that first chosen card trade. One great bonus: there was a card box sticker included which isn't mentioned in the videos; it makes it even easier to disguise the gaff than the way that Joshua suggests. Nice touch. As another reviewer mentioned, though, be VERY careful when assembling the box. If you're a little off you'll be struggling to get things the way they need to be. Thanks for this wonderful trick!

EDIT: I have a small suggestion for any beginners out there struggling with the false shuffle needed for this trick. (I am also trying to master it; I currently do it just well enough that my clumsiness isn't noticed if the other person is busy shuffling theirs) Hope it's not too presumptuous of me to mess with the trick, but if you really can't master the false shuffle... don't shuffle. Spread your cards out face up, already in the final order, and tell the other person to shuffle their cards while they look at yours. Then have them square the deck and proceed as normal, but you now make the trick about the power of their eyes to influence their hands, and amaze them when their shuffled cards match the ones you laid out. In a way it's almost MORE impressive; if you shuffle yours they think you could be up to something, but if the reds are already laid out and only THEY are shuffling the blues, they feel like they've done something amazing by having the deck they've thoroughly shuffled match the one that's already there. I tried this alternate way and it got a good reaction, so it's a possible variation for anyone not comfortable with the Chili shuffle.
Wesley
The ingenuity to create this effect is incredible. When I watched the video of Six Impossible Thing, I was impressed with the venue set-up first and foremost.

I'll admit a few of the effects in the show were not new to me; however, were nonetheless performed exceptionally well.

Of all the effects from the show, The Trojan Deck was my favorite. A spectator shuffles the deck then something impossible happens afterwards is something I'd like to explore in depth, which is why I purchased this effect.

I purchased "The Six Impossible Things" standard edition before I acquired this effect. After watching the explanations, I was still impressed with the effect and it encouraged me to purchase a copy for myself.

Since the story Joshua Jay tells as he performs this effect is true, you will need to create your own script. For those who do not like DIY, know when you purchase this, it will require minimal DIY skills. And careful assemble is required. From other reviews of this effect, as of this writing, refills are not available.

Highly recommended to add to your repertoire or if you're like me, to add to your unusual and unique effects collection.

Robert
I recently purchased Josh Jay’s Trojan Deck card effect following his presentation and explanation at the recent IBM convention in Pittsburgh, PA. Everything about the effect including the props, construction of the routine, video explanation is first rate. This effect is absolutely awesome and the method is diabolical! Being an accomplished amateur, it appears to be well within my skill level. Looking forward to adding this effect to my close-up show!
Walter
These props and Joshua Jay's instruction for how to employ them are phenomenally awesome for creating an absolutely unforgettable moment of awe!
If you've seen Joshua's "Six Impossible Things" video, you've seen him perform this illusion surrounded, and you've watched his audience assistant react ("I'm unwell," she later said when reflecting on what she had experienced). And I am pleased to report similar reactions, even as the amateur that I am.
When I first performed this for an audience at a fundraiser for a Christian mission trip, I was so nervous, because I thought there must be so many things that would readily go awry. But everything went smoothly, and I was able to tailor the trick into a message about characteristics of God's creation of the universe.
This is among the top illusions I've ever seen, and because Joshua Jay is such a great teacher on these video instructions, it's one I can actually perform.
Buy this. I'm so thankful I did.
Laura Bautista
I've always had reservations about the Trojan Deck because I thought it worked with a memorized deck, but it doesn't! You need practically nothing more than perhaps mastering a false shuffle to be able to perform this wonderful effect. The idea is absolutely brilliant and the materials, as always, incredibly fabulous. With Trojan Deck you are guaranteed levels of hallucination in your spectators above what you can imagine.
Vince
The amount of time Joshua had to put into coming up with this effect has to be a long time. It is a great effect and will amaze your spectators. The directions are very clear and easy to follow. Takes some practice as all good effects should and I changed my patter presentation as Josh's is specific to him. Highly Recommended. A+++++++++++++++
Christopher
I highly recommend this! This is one of those rare card tricks that has it all! Not only is it completely impossible but, the story that goes along with it brings out strong emotional responses in the spectators! The methos involved is nothing short of genius. It will take a bit of practice but its not a knuckle busting type of trick. A huge 5 stars!

Community questions about Trojan Deck

Have a question about this product? It's possible others do too. Ask here and other Vanishing Inc. Magic customers will be able to respond with assistance! Alternatively, email us and we can help too.

  • Modus asks: Hi, been trying to purchase the Trojan Deck from your site, but it gives a video & reveiws but no "add to basket" button?

    • 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:The button is "add to card" and is green and in multiple places on the site. If you still can't see it, please contact our Support Wizards and someone will help you out.

  • JOHN GRANTHAM asks: slightly embarrassed to ask this question but, aside from ordering this illusion (gimmick and instructions), will I also need to order a blue & red Phoenix deck?

    • 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:You will receive everything that you need to perform the routine.

  • Chris asks: With Trojan Deck by Joshua Jay, could I arrange the trick so that rather than every card matching, some cards would be soulmates instead of exact matches, and make that happen in specific order? So for instance first match soulmates, second two pairs of cards actual matches, followed by soulmates, followed by match, etc? Thanks

    • 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:Absolutely! You can use any stack you'd like.

  • Tim asks: Are all materials needed to assemble the gimmick included?

    • 1. Tim responds:Oh, I guess this was answered in the ad.
    Post an answer to this question

  • Matthew asks: I'm aware how this works form Joshua's lecture. Does Trojan Deck come with templates for constructing the gimmick and can you get a replacement should you need? Trying to decide whether to buy or just make myself.

    • 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:It does not but if something happens to the gimmick that you're provided with, our Support Wizards will help you.

  • Andrew asks: Do you currently, or will you in the future offer refills on the "box gimmick". Or a video on how to construct your own? I would love to have a back up. I know in the video Josh had been using his for a while. But in live performance we all know ":Stuff happens" and if someone spills a drink, or the box falls to the floor and gets stepped on, we're in trouble.

    • 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:If something happens to your gimmick, please email our Support Wizards at wizards@vanishingincmagic.com and they'll help you out.

  • Joseph asks: Is it possible to perform this in a stand-up show, or does the audience have to be able to view the table for the spread?

    • 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:It is best for the audience to be seated at a table but you can put a table on stage and perform it that way. It's a very intimate effect but Josh has performed this on very large stages so it is possible to play it big.

  • David asks: I am becoming very frustrated- I have finally committed to learning the Trojan Deck Effect BUT, having carefully followed the enclosed link for the instruction it will not go to the correct website to access it. I am typing www.magicexp.com/Trojan and it connects to the general video. I cannot locate where to insert the Password. Am I being ‘stupid’ or have you changed it - please advise

    • 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:Hard to tell what's going wrong for you, but yes, that is the right URL and it takes you to the page to input the password. Please email our Support Wizards - wizards@vanishingincmagic.com - and someone will help you figure it out.

  • Ivan asks: At beginning of trailer video it says ‘can be done without a deck switch’ but then in the Demo in same trailer video it looks like a clear deck switch right there ?

    • 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:This is true because there is no deck switch in the routine.

  • Rick asks: I received my Trojan Deck today and I really love it. However, I’ve had a little trouble constructing the gimmick and once it is put together it’s impossible to take apart without damage. How can I get a replacement gimmick?

    • 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:Please contact us at magic@vanishingincmagic.com for this type of question.

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