Hey @mario_garcia_diaz, I don't think @Boky is criticizing or taking anything away from what @Zeta and I have published. It's simply an opinion that a lot of people in the magic community share, and it's perfectly valid.

Many folks aren't fans of Gaffs, just like someone might prefer a stick shift over an automatic car (which is my case, thanks to all the years I've spent driving manual). And that doesn't mean I can't disagree with him on the issue of over-reliance on Gaffs.

Personally, I like making them by hand. Sometimes you tear a card during a trick, and if I had to buy them all the time, it'd get a bit out of hand (not because of the cost, but because magic is a hobby for me, and I don't want it to become expensive). Making them is relaxing and keeps me busy for a while.

Gaffs serve various purposes, and for many, they're a valuable tool when starting out in magic. In my experience, whenever someone asks me how to get started in card magic, I always give them the same advice:

• Self-working tricks (they build confidence and help you overcome initial nerves).
• Semi-self-working tricks (when you start gaining confidence and skill with the deck).
• Prepared tricks (whether impromptu setups or pre-arranged).
• Easy Gaff card tricks (they create a sense of impossibility and help you build confidence).
• Skill-based tricks — and I'll stop there because this category includes everything else, from sleight of hand (faros, culls,...) to mental acuity (stacked decks, memorized decks, and so on).
• From there, to infinity and beyond!

Regarding the quality of homemade Gaffs, I have to disagree. It all depends on each person's skill, technique, and dedication. Of course, it won't look exactly like one manufactured and printed by UPSCC itself, but for what amateurs (and some pros) use them for, it's more than enough. Those who know me around here know I often say that we card magic enthusiasts look at things with 'magician's eyes'—we notice things the audience will never see.

Here's an example of a gaff that @DeZeta will know what I'm talking about, as I discussed it with him back in the day, plus a few others I uploaded to the Telegram group:

Gaff Example

Gaff Example 2

Skinned Card Example

A skinned card is a card from which the middle layer of paper has been removed.

Hey @Zeta, I'm sharing my video here to show you how I strip cards.

Corner Thinning

First off, I want to say that I've designed and made a tool for thinning card corners, and I use it together with what I call "the contraption" to make my gaffed cards and other things I'll show in another video sometime.

In the previous video, you can see the traditional way to thin the tip. I'll show you what I use, and if you're a bit resourceful, you can make it yourselves:

In the video I'm posting below, you can see how to use it.

Help with Card Stripping

To help me strip cards, I use two stainless steel straws joined by some rubber bands (that's what I know them as; they might be called something different elsewhere).

With this contraption, what you get is consistent pressure on the card's peeling area, so everything goes much more smoothly.

Demo Video

Below I've included a video. In it, you'll see that square straws presented a problem, and after that video, I haven't used them again. But I thought it was good to show that not everything goes right the first time.

I have to say that with practice, everything flows much better, and the act of stripping cards becomes quite mechanical. Sometimes I go into "production mode" when stripping cards.

I recorded the video some time ago and I haven't edited it, so I hope it's easy to understand:

Video 1

Video 2

Interestingly enough, a lot of what you see in the video came from conversations in the Telegram group, along with ideas from various people and some websites.

Like everything in life, learning is a continuous process. For me, I always say I'm a really lazy guy, and I try to find ways to make things easier.

Honestly, I'm completely blown away by everything I'm learning in this club. All I can say is, you guys are truly amazing! 👏👏👏

Ugh, getting my card orientations right 🤦🏻‍♂️ – that's been one of the toughest DIY challenges I've attempted, to the point where I almost gave up entirely 😔.

Now that I've seen you do it, I'll go through another deck trying again 😉😅.

All the best, and thanks so much for all the incredible work you're putting in 🫂🫂🫂

@cdiaz, the straw thing is awesome.

I also put together a corner softener, mostly just to have it, as I doubt I'll use it much since I can pull off the effect pretty fast using the traditional method.

I've tried it out, and it's super comfy and easy to use. I love it!!!

Again, thanks for sharing your idea.

Just wanted to say, your idea is already perfect, though a few things come to mind for me..

I've been thinking (my brain never quits, you know!) about making a stand for the straw so it sits at a certain height and is always positioned for direct use. I'm not sure if it'll be better or worse, but I might give it a try, and if so, I'll definitely let you know.

I've also thought about a mechanized design where you could just place the card with the prepared corner, and it would do all the work automatically. I don't think it would be too difficult.

But these are just ideas I'm jotting down, and I don't know if they'll ever amount to anything; I just wanted to share my thoughts.

All the best, and keep the magic strong!!!

@Boky:

It's clear that these days, out of 10 new effects that hit the market, 9 are gimmicks or gaff cards with refills.

We've already talked about this; that's just how the business is... but nobody forces you to buy 😊

You know that I, just by watching the promo video, already know the trick and can do it without having to buy it 😉, so the business model doesn't bother me in the least.

@Boky:

That's why my criticism also points out that the classic learning of many techniques and effects that don't require so much setup is being lost.

And you're absolutely right; gimmicks are fine, but you can't (and shouldn't) forget the classics.

Thanks so much for your input.

It's a pleasure listening to you share and talk through everything as you make the video.

I really enjoy it; it feels like I'm right there with you as you do the tutorial!!!

Kudos!

Now, speaking of gaff cards, decks, etc...

To create an Invisible Deck using both Spanish playing card suits (swords, clubs, cups, and coins) and standard French-suited cards (clubs, spades, hearts, and diamonds)...

How would I go about making it the same thickness as a regular deck? Is there a way to do it by splitting and thinning the cards?

A huge thank you for the tutorial; it's really sparked my curiosity again! Hope I don't mess up too many cards, haha.

@Zeta:

The print is very obvious, especially up close.

Honestly, I'm not concerned about them being noticeable, because it wouldn't be a secret that I printed them myself. I was thinking of it as a method for creating custom decks for effects like "Apples and Hats" or "Centaurs and Sirens," etc., using blank cards.

My concern is that the heat from the printer might damage the card backs or crease the cards or something like that. That's why I was asking.

Cheers