Particle System
Particle System
This innovative new system from Joshua Jay revolutionizes memorized deck magic. It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced stack worker or have never attempted to use a memorized deck before, every magician will benefit from reading The Particle System.
For most of his magic career, Joshua Jay was a loyal devotee of the Aronson Stack. Then he did something that many magicians would consider insane: he created his own stack. After more than 10 years of meticulous development and refinement, The Particle System is finally available.
Josh has been fooling people around the world with this for years, including in his smash-hit shows Six Impossible Things and Look Closer. The biggest benefit of “The Particle System” is undoubtedly the ability to table the deck and cut to any named card without even looking. However, this powerful and versatile stack is also so much more than just another way to jazz your way through think-a-card-tricks.
As the name implies, this is a complete system. The Particle System contains a variety of clever in-built benefits and is easier to learn than other stacks. Get ready to unlock a world of new card magic potential.
With this beautiful, cloth-linen hardcover book, you’ll not only learn the ins and outs of the system, but also a variety of mind-blowing routines that take complete advantage of everything it has to offer. There’s even a whole chapter devoted to false shuffles and other easy ways to elevate the impact of the "Particle Stack". Everything is taught in expert detail alongside crystal-clear full color photographs.
Just be warned, once you read The Particle System, you’ll never want to use a deck of cards that isn’t in Particle Stack again.
What is the Particle System?
While most memorized decks rely on using the complete arrangement of cards, the Particle Stack can also be broken down into segments—each of which offers unique potential. You can perform many of card magic’s strongest effects (like Be Honest What is it? or a color separation) without disturbing the order of the cards, or locate any named card with near-perfect accuracy in seconds. And, at all times, you’re just a cut away from a blockbuster ending worthy of closing any performance.
“The Particle Stack” is easier to get into from new deck order than most other memorized decks, and is more practical and easier to memorize than nearly any other stack. It is not only perfect for someone just starting their journey into memorized deck magic, but also makes it a much easier pill to swallow for anyone who has already spent time working with another stack.
Memorization Made Easy
You do not have to fear memorizing the Particle Stack because Josh dedicates an entire section to breaking down every element and simplifying the memorization process. Careful consideration was given to creating an arrangement that looks genuinely mixed, but is also tacitly built in a way that makes it twice as fast to memorize as any other stack. Once you know one card, you also know its mate.
The Particle System also includes access to a custom online stack training tool that helps you learn the stack in no time. Anyone who purchases directly from Vanishing Inc. will also receive special emails from Josh that give you an overview of the stack and show you how to dive in before your book even arrives.
Full Routines & Videos Included
To help you get the most out of The Particle System, Josh teaches you a variety of powerful effects. He even gets you started with routines that don't require you to have the stack fully committed to memory. To make the learning process easier, a helpful visual key is also included that tells you at a glance if a routine requires the "Particle Stack" or can be done with any stack, if memorization is needed, if it can be done in the hands or not, and if it maintains the stack throughout the routine.
While many of these routines can technically be performed separately with any memorized deck, the real value comes from the way Josh has used the "Particle Stack" to combine them into three complete acts– each of which has a beginning, middle, and stunning ending. Get ready to discover the secret to blowing away any audience with nothing more than a deck of cards in your pocket.
Each book is accompanied by exclusive professional-quality videos where Josh performs his favorite routines in front of a live audience at the Rhapsody Theater in Chicago. You’ll get to see a full show in action before Josh dives deep into the explanations. He’ll even teach you how to get in and out of the stack, all of the possible blockbuster kickers you can add to routines, and even tricks that make switching in a stacked deck easier.
Since The Particle System is a living concept that will be continually updated, your purchase also includes access to a private Facebook group in which Josh will regularly share all his best new ideas and advice.
The Particle System is a labor of love that Josh has committed more than a decade of his life to. He’s so excited to finally share it with you and we can’t wait for you to get your hands on a copy of this groundbreaking book.
274 Pages | Hardcover | 8.5in x 11in

Particle Playing Cards Included
Anyone who purchases The Particle Systemfrom Vanishing Inc. will also receive a deck of custom "Particle Pack Playing Cards". While The Particle Systemworks with any deck of cards, these exceptional quality "Particle Packs" enhance the experience drastically.
"Particle Pack Playing Cards" are printed by the USPCC on premium quality air-cushioned mandolin stock with a perfect cut. They come in a modified new deck order that is just two Faros away from being in Particle Stack. They're also covertly marked and feature extra built-in revelations on three of the cards, as well as a bonus revelation on the box. Put simply, they will become your new favorite EDC deck.
Once you fall in love with them, we're happy to report that they are available separately.
Contents of Particle System
- Before We Begin…
- Foreword
- Explanation of the Foreword
- Another Foreword
- Introduction
- Part I: The Particle System Explained
- A Stack that Suits
- Switching Stacks without Looking Back
- The Particle System at a Glance
- A Closer Look
- A Problem, a Solution, and a Realization
- Seamlessness
- No Risk
- Stack to System
- Ready for the Fight
- The Particle Stack at a Glance
- Elements of the Particle Stack
- Memorizing Particle Stack
- Memory Aids
- Getting into Particle Stack
- Particle Stack Subtleties
- Putting in "The Work"
- Marked Cards
- One Short Card
- Breather Cards
- Super Breather
- Memorized Deck Maintenance
- The Particle Pack
- False Shuffles and Cuts
- The Chili Shuffle
- The Group Shuffle
- Zero Gravity Shuffle
- True False Cut (Max Lukian)
- False False Shuffle (Lew Brooks)
- The Undo Cut (Andi Gladwin)
- Ose Trilogy
- The Messy Utility
- The Fractal False Cut
- Half Stack False Shuffle
- Disorderly Thoughts
- Use Better Techniques
- Present Your False Shuffles
- Super-Ultimate-Best-Ever-Deluxe-False-Shuffle 2.0
- Part II: Close-up Magic
- Remember to Be Honest
- Memorized X-Ray
- Breather Cutter
- Invisible Touch
- Back in Time
- Bigger Back in Time
- Thoughts on Thought-of Cards
- Riffing in the Particle System
- One and Done
- Technique vs. Premise
- Part III: The Parlor Show
- Fooling About
- Matching the Cards
- Simulated Double Undercut
- Memorized Multiple Selection
- Dribblocation
Customer reviews for Particle System
Is it challenging? Well, it’s a memorized stack, so naturally, it requires effort. But is it worth it? Definitely, YES.
Thank you, Joshua, and a huge thanks to the Vanishing Inc. team for such a valuable release!
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I am absolutely blown away by the quality of teaching and the thoroughness of the material.
Plus the way it’s all presented makes it so EASY to digest and understand.
This might be the best product from Josh yet, and I own most of it.
I never thought I’d learn another stack after learning Mnemonica but, wow, now I want to.
Bravo Josh Jay… the magic community is lucky to have you!!
Tim Hannig
The teaching and thought behind this is incredible.
if you want impromptu card tricks there are hundreds of books on those. If you want to come prepared to do some heavy hitting card magic then you should consider this. I know that I will be having a deck set up for this system as a part of my repertoire.
I’m excited to see what additional work will be thought of with this system in the years to come.
The thought and care Josh put into this system are evident in every detail. Beyond its simplicity and elegance, the tricks and routines included are absolutely incredible. Whether you’re new to mem-decks or an experienced pro, this system offers something for everyone. It not only opens the door to learning powerful new material but also enhances and greatly improves routines you may already have in your repertoire.
This isn’t just a tool—it’s a game changer. If you’ve ever been hesitant about using a memorized deck, now is the time to dive in. Josh has made the process effortless, fun, and incredibly rewarding. A must-have for any magician looking to elevate their craft!
Wish the quality of the audio was more consistent in the early part of this video...seems the intercutting of several performances betrayed inconsistent mic'ing or technical snafus. Hope the main material is more consistent.
Also, when you make a bold claim like you can memorize this deck in 1/2 the time, that sounds ridiculous. How do you know that for sure? As it turns out, it is just logic. because of the way this deck is structured, you only have to memorize 1/2 the deck and the other half you get if you can just add +2.
As for the system, well, that is a very accurate statement. I think it is selling this short by calling it a mem deck. In fact, the first tricks I looked at require no memorization, they just require use of the stack and some of the other clever commonly used tools that Josh included. So one of the great things about this is that you can get started with some great effects that require no memorization while you start memorizing the stack.
The only negative is that unlike some of the other stacks, you really can't have this one examined face up on a table. But there are lots of solutions to that one issue and Josh goes through a number of them. The upsides of this very well thought through system are tremendous.
Well worth the investment.
The entire system revolves around clever applications of a stacked deck, unlocking an impressive range of effects that are not only visual but also deeply fooling. If you’ve been curious about working with a memorized deck or are looking for new ways to use one, this system is a goldmine.
What makes Particle System stand out is how seamlessly the memorized deck integrates into the routines. Jay doesn’t just show you what’s possible; he explains the logic behind the effects, teaching you how to get the most out of the stack while keeping everything smooth and natural. His teaching style is super approachable, so even if you’re new to stack work, you’ll feel encouraged to dive in.
One of the coolest things about this system is its versatility. The techniques and principles are adaptable, whether you want quick, jaw-dropping moments or more complex routines. Jay also offers tips on transitioning into and out of a stack, so it’s practical for real-world performances.
While the system does require practice to get comfortable with the memorization and moves, the payoff is huge. It’s not just about learning tricks – it’s about opening up a whole new way to approach card magic. If you’re ready to take your skills to the next level, Particle System is worth every minute you spend with it.
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The explanations are incredibly in depth and easy to follow. Working with a new system, the last thing you want is to be struggling just to understand the mechanics. Josh eliminates all of that not only in his book but with the video instructions.
The live performances. Wow! This is so neat. It's so cool seeing the effects performed for a live audience and seeing their reactions. Please more of that! Compared to one performance on the street with many cuts that work well to push the trick, these are live performances of Josh doing the very tricks you'll learn. No camera edits that hide the moves and it's not needed. Knowing how they work, you're still captivated by the performance. Helps to really see how to present the tricks while learning them.
Simple. Powerful. Magic. You can really pick up the influence Josh had in carrere with this system. The effects are strong, simple to follow, and down right magical. Perfect for what we should be striving to entertain. Laypeople. Don't get me wrong, theres material here that will fool the best magician, but for a lay person, this will melt their minds while not being overly complicated to follow.
Pick this up now!
This is not just a book of very good tricks and routines. These are from the repertoire of a working professional, and they include complete sets for close-up and parlor. These include routines for all skill levels. If you prefer effects that don’t require a table, there are many here. Josh also teaches simple and practical false cuts and shuffles.
It may not be obvious to everybody but much of the system is presented in the manner of suggestions. If some parts do not appeal to you, there is still plenty in the manner of methods, effects, and presentations that you are likely to adopt.
Most impressive of all are the clarity with which Josh writes, how well motivated his discussions are, and how much he explains his thinking and choices that come from extensive performing experience.
I'm sure there was some level of frustration with this long delayed project, but we've been presented with material that is truly tested and workable. Something very rare, except in those "lifetime of magic" books and even then it's not always true.
I genuinely think this will be around a long time.
I do hope the Facebook group remains viable for more that a couple of months. Only time will tell, I guess
This wouldn't be an honest review if I didn't mention packaging issues. My book arrived in one of those USPS plastic bags that generally means the contents have been mauled. In my case, the tape didn't cover the seam. Surprisingly, the deck and book were little the worse for wear.
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So much love and attention seems to have gone into the project. I have Mnemonica and a lot of other mem deck books and ebooks, and as blown away as I was by Mnemonica..and I have the book and the videos.. I feel Particle has opened up so many more doors..I especially like the way it teaches routines, and routines that don't demand a really superior skill set with sleight of hand.. I almost feel I don't need to ever buy another book about card tricks.
It is truly amazing for me.....and I strongly recommend having this in your collection. I would gladly exchange almost my entire collection for Particle. I love everything about it. And I think you will also. Bravo Josh..I am having an extraordinary experience with what you have done.
All of the interlocking elements make for a marvellous set performance of strong engaging magic. I made a point of having some strong effects I always perform when handed a brand new deck. All of my routines have joined The Particle System.
I consider The Particle System a great plug-in to my already existing data base of knowledge.
I still need to memorize the order(but this is on me)
Now, I read the first pages and it’s amazing, Joshua put a LOT of effort to this project.
I recommend 100 % this will be my goal for 2025 to master this book.
If you are serious about card magic, this is a MASTER WEAPON to always have.
What more can I say: it’s Joshua Jay work, do you really need a review ??? 😂😂😂. Just buy, study and practice, then you a no be admitted at Howard’s 🤣♥️🙈.
Good for VI for this master piece
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The focus is on three key aspects of a magic performance: Practicality, Spectacle and Artistic quality. These goals are achieved in Spades (forgive the pun). The stack system is very well designed and significantly much easier to learn than normal. The book plus video package gives excellent instruction on a variety of top notch effects with the Particle Stack. In addition, a number of strong non-stack effects are built in, including some that require a substantial set up. For example, a favourite effect is a handling of Oz Pearlman’s ‘Perfection’. This is a killer ending for a performance. These built in features are excellent for working performers who have limited space for carrying multiple decks. Highly recommended. I am absolutely delighted with this new acquisition, adding to my many other high quality products from Vanishing Inc.
I do recommend you acquire this book before it becomes out of print so you won't regret it not obtaining it.
I'm only a few days into it but can't wait to learn more and more.
The book is written clearly which my 65 year old eyes really appreciate!
I'm truly glad I made the investment.
member
Great Book for somebody new to memdeck work or you already use memdeck work but this is not memdeck this is system and what a great system to add to your toolbox.
There are just a few things I'd note for those who may be cautious about spending such a hefty sum, that I wish I had known before purchasing. First, I'm not sure that the stack stands up to scrutiny as well as it's presented. If spectators really get a chance to see the order, they'll likely know something is up. This means that the cards can't be spread face-up very much, if at all, in your show. It also means that any variation of ACAAN that features face-up dealing is off the table. Of course, one can easily argue that the ability for a spectator to themselves cut to any named card is at least as strong as the best of ACAANs, but it was a disappointment for me.
My other major disappointment was that the advertising says that "Anyone who purchases The Particle System from Vanishing Inc. will also receive a deck of custom “Particle Pack Playing Cards.” Even long before these decks were sold out on VI (something I hope changes in the near future!), my book did not come with a pack. Those packs were very affordable so I ordered one or two as soon as I realized I didn't have one but with them now being sold out, it would seem that people have to either sacrifice the markings and few gaffs that come with the deck or improvise with their own takes on those parts of the system. It's not the biggest deal in the world for me since I bought some myself, but it might be worthwhile not to advertise this as coming with a deck when it does not seem to and they're now sold-out anyway.
The quality of the book is like every other book from vanishing inc absolutely great. The explaned tricks are perfect for all situations, if close up, on stage or at a bar. Super simple explanations with great and professional produced videos. The techniques, tricks and performances will delight your audience!
Joshua, this one is a masterpiece!
As is often the case with Joshua’s work, he goes above and beyond. He doesn’t just teach the stack and its tricks—he also covers false shuffles and cuts, presentation, and all the foundational elements that turn a book of tricks into a cohesive act. I particularly appreciate how he dedicates significant time to helping readers integrate tools and techniques they already know into the material he presents.
I’m really enjoying this book. However, there are a couple of considerations to keep in mind. First, this stack isn’t as well concealed as some others, which might be a drawback for certain performers. Second, like any new stack, its effectiveness depends on its adoption within the magic community. If it doesn’t gain widespread use, this book may be one of the only sources of effects utilizing this stack. Still, I recommend adding this unique tool to your arsenal.
We all have had the experience. We wait anxiously for the “newest” book, reading the advertising hype, and finally receiving it. Often the disappointment hits us in the first hour of reading. We have all faced this “buyer’s remorse” not long after unpacking the book from its postal box.
I have a lot of books. In fact, between magic and books for my work as a professor, I own over 15,000 books in my personal library (it’s a sickness). I have felt this disappointment too many times. What I have already learned from The Particle System, the videos, and the collected emails makes this one of the best purchases (if not the best) that I have made in the last twenty years.
The videos alone are worth the asking price. I don’t say that as an overstatement, I really mean it. If all that I had received was access to the videos, I would feel as if I had been given more than my money’s worth. With the practice app, the emails, and book, the price is a huge bargain.
Others have pointed out the great teaching from Josh, the wonderful look and feel of the book, and the comparative ease in learning the system. I can only say is that this really is a “system” and not just a new stack order. With the work in the deck, the stack, and the marks, the many things that are available to the one who will put in the time to learn the system are incredible.
Of course, as one would expect from Vanishing Inc. the book is large, beautifully printed, carefully edited, and very well organized. The color photos are clear, well organized and placed on the same page as the instructions. Each piece begins with several things that the reader will want to know (e.g., can any stack be used, does the stack remain intact, etc.)
As many of you know, Josh is an “overthinker.” While this can be a burden to some, it is a blessing to the reader. Almost every small detail has been found, carefully considered, and dealt with. These pieces are not pipedreams or things that only the author and a few others can perform. They are often classic pieces that have been reworked to make them stronger with a mem-deck.
Obviously, Josh stands on the shoulders of those who have come before him (Mike Close, Juan Tamariz, and especially Simon Aronson) and he openly thanks those whose great work has come before him. Rather than just being a re-hash of old information or tricks, this work really pushes the concept of working with a mem-deck into new territory. Between the carefully thought-out presentations, the new thoughts on the use of a mem-deck, and the ability to perform many things while keeping the stack in order, the term brilliant is not too strong an adjective to use of this system.
Too often in magic, someone has an idea in the morning and publishes it that afternoon. Rarely does a book seem that it has been carefully thought about for years, the effects performed hundreds (if not thousands) of times, and the writing carefully edited for both accuracy and clarity. All of this is true for THE PARTICLE SYSTEM. I’ve spent much more and received much less so please don’t hesitate to purchase this work. At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, it will become a classic and will be referred to for many years.
I use the term “brilliant” with a great deal of caution. There are very, very few books in the art that I feel deserve the term “great” much less “brilliant.” I can count on one hand the books in magic to which I would apply this term “brilliant.” This is one.
Firstly there are the videos. The explanation video alone is 4.5 hours, and it feels like Josh is sitting in the room with you teaching you step-by-step, one-on-one. In addition, there are live performance videos of all the tricks, including two complete, and different, parlor shows, as well as bar performances. Those alone are worth the price.
Then there is the book. This is a big book, 8.5x11-inches, weighing nearly 4 lbs. 276 color pages printed on high-quality thick paper. (There is also a PDF Ebook option.) For me, having a book more than doubles the value of this project. Most modern tricks are taught by video only, and I find myself continually rewinding and replaying while I write my own note so I can keep all the nuances straight. But with the Particle System, Josh has provided everything in writing with detailed photographs.
Plus, they include a deck! While you can certainly use your own cards, these are very nice red mandolin-backed USPCC on premium quality air-cushioned stock. And they are marked! And while you don't need a marked deck to perform any of these tricks, as Josh says "If you are going to be using your own cards, why would you not use a marked deck!" And these marks are easy to read, even with those of us with aging eyes.
The Particle System uses a stacked deck, and Josh teaches everything even a beginner needs to know about maintaining the stack, including several false shuffles and cuts. He even shows how you can faro the cards new out of the sealed box from their modified "new deck order" into the Particle Stack.
While some of the tricks can be performed without memorizing the stack, the true power of the Particle System requires memorization. And even here Josh has helped us out. Due to the nature of the Particle Stack, it should in theory take only half the time/effort to learn it. And Josh has even provided a flashcard-type app so we can quiz ourselves while learning or reviewing the stack using only a smart phone.
Finally, there is a Particle System Facebook where Josh and others can share new and evolving tricks and ideas.
I love everything about this from the beautiful book to the videos the tricks are top tier Joshua Jay's thinking is on another level highly recommended!!! I don't care what stack you use or don't use, Everyone can learn something from this...
B-DoN The Magician
♣️♥️♠️♦️
member
Josh’s effects are stunning! The book and deck are so helpful. These videos along with the book and deck make everything a perfect combination. Hours of instruction and demonstration, along with the book really drives the lessons home.
If you have ever wanted to get into ordered deck work, this will be perfect for you. Within a short amount of time and with some practice you will be surprised with the results.
Don’t hesitate and order it today.
member
Community questions about Particle System
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.
Chris asks: What is the difference between the Regular Edition and the Book and Ebook bundle?
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:One comes with an ebook, and the other is only the physical copy
Chris asks: How many of the routines can be done with any stack (i.e., Mnemonica) vs. how many require the Particle stack?
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:Most can be done using a normal stack
Dean asks: when I ordered the particle system, the particle deck did not come with the book--I think they were out of stock at that time? will you be sending a deck when they're back in stock?
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:The decks are while supplies last, I'm afraid.
Moshe asks: Do you need anything other than a deck of cards to perform this?
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:No, this can be performed with any deck of cards however some of the routines are a lot easier if you have a particle deck
Francesca asks: I'm completely new to mem decks. I bought this book to learn, but it teaches the system like I should know what he's talking about. what do I do?
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:Please email us at wizards@vanishingincmagic.com and we will be happy to help!
Prahlad asks: Does the physical book still come with the ebook? I'm asking because there isn't an option for buying the book + a heavily discounted ebook as there is for other VI books.
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:Please email us at Wizards@vanishingincmagic.com
Prahlad asks: Is a card marking system taught in the book?
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:Yes.
Darren asks: Hi, can I please ask what skill level the routines in the book are once you have learnt the stack. Many thanks
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:The routines range from intermediate to advanced.
Jim asks: particle system watched the video of josh performing all the routines. are they in the regular one or do I have to buy the deluxe to get all of the routines. I watched????? thx
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:All of the routines from the Performances are featured in the standard edition.
Jim asks: I just watched the free video of Josh performing and was amazing Are all of the routines he did explained in the particle system book????????
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:They sure are.
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