This deck was inspired by the recent book: The Magician and the Cardsharp: The Search for America's Greatest Sleight-of-hand Artist by Karl Johnson
This book is the best that I have read in a long time. If you want to know the story of Dai Vernon's search for the Center Deal and Allen Kennedy, the book can be purchased thru Barnes & Noble.
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In an effort to promote the art of card manipulations:
The Kennedy Center Deal Deck will be issued to those that have achieved and demonstrated competence at the following Skill Set Levels:
Competence is defined as the MECHANICS & the DYNAMICS:
You must demonstrate competence at the mechanics; being able to execute the technique in a non-performance environment.
You must demonstrate competence at the dynamics: being able to incorporate the technique in a performance environment --- routine, effect, trick.
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Level 1 (K-R): Skilled at: 10 of the following 14 techniques: Crimp, Reverse, Double Lift, Side Slip, Half Pass, Palming, False Shuffle, False Cut, Changes, Peek, Glimpse, Jog, Flourishes, Throwing
Level 2 ( K-B). Skilled at : Second Deal or Bottom Deal or Full Pass or Perfect Faro
Level 3 (K-S). Skilled at: Second Deal and Full Pass or Second Deal and Bottom Deal
Level 4 (K-G). Skilled at: Second Deal + Bottom Deal + Full Pass or the Center Deal
Notes:
Level 1 (K-R): receives the purchase rights to a deck with a K-Seal Red
Level 2 (K-B): receives the purchase rights to a deck with a K-Seal in Bronze
Level 3 (K-S): receives the purchase rights to a deck with a K-Seal in Silver
Level 4 (K-G): receives the purchase rights to a deck with a K-Seal in Gold
(See examples below)
The pricing will be as follows:
Collectors: can not purchase
Level 1 (K-R): $15.00 for first deck and $10.00 for a second working deck
Level 2 (K-B): $10.00 for the first deck and $5.00 for a second working deck
Level 3 (K-S): $5.00 for the first deck and $1.00 for a second working deck
Level 4 (K-G): Free for the first deck and Free for the second working deck
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Verification / Certification of Skill Sets:
The qualification process for the KCD Deck will consist of numerous accomendations (means for qualifying):
> Competency Checklist with signed witness(es)
> References from known-names in the field
> By way of video: mailed,emailed or hosted
> In person audition
> By way of contests (sponsored by Magic shops, IBM, SAM)
The details of the accomendations and which ones apply to the different KCD levels will be
issued with the release of the deck.
Reference Guide for Competency Checklist : Expert Card Techniques: Close-Up Table Magic by Jean Hugard and Frederick Braue
Current Status of KCD deck: Artwork complete ( will vary from the examples displayed), file conversions for 4 color printing press requirements done. Inventory amounts to be determined and approved. Release date: April 2008.
On a personal note; all the above is an evolving process. With input, feedback, and offers of advice, the Kennedy Center Deal Deck and it's requirements will be defined. If you have any thoughts on this matter, send me an email. Thanks, Shawn
Examples of designs:
K-Seal Red
K-Seal Bronze K-Seal Siver K-Seal Gold
