Rising Card: Manual Methods and the Devano Deck
The Rising Card is the classic effect where a spectator's card mysteriously rises from the deck. Borja Montón compares manual solutions with the Devano deck and dedicates a good portion of the masterclass to understanding, building, and adjusting its gimmick. The opening performance features two aces rising one after another from a deck placed inside a glass.
Manual Solutions
He teaches a version using a doctored card box and a small rubber or silicone ball. The study covers prepping the box, holding the ball, stealing it from your pocket, and handling a previously controlled card. He analyzes how to prevent multiple cards from rising at once and what angles require cover.
He also goes over a sleight-of-hand alternative using just your fingers and an ordinary deck. He explains how to sell the illusion that the selection is rising from the center, paying attention to friction and packet positioning. This is a move that demands good audience management—as the class points out, it's not an all-angles worker.
Furthermore, the card box version allows for a smooth transition into another routine via a deck switch. A toothpick and radio deck solution is mentioned as a reference, though not taught in as much detail as the other handlings.
Understanding and Building the Devano System
The instructor demonstrates how a small prepped gimmick is added to the deck. The explanation connects the dimensions of the assembly, the travel of the mechanism, and the friction to the speed at which the card rises.
The construction demo covers cutting and punching holes in cards, aligning the pieces, rigging the thread, attaching the weight, and the final outer finish. Special attention is given to the clearance needed for the gimmick to move, the thread tension, and the spots where you want to avoid friction or excess adhesive.
While the prototype built during the class uses a coin to show the assembly, Borja warns that its weight isn't enough for smooth operation. Performance tests are done later using a Devano deck he already has ready. This highlights why simply building the pieces doesn't replace fine-tuning the mechanism.
Performance in a Glass
He covers how to insert the selection and place the deck into a glass so the card starts to climb. The explanation shows the impact of the tilt, the number of cards applying pressure, and the balance of the setup. The desired rise is progressive; it takes practice and shouldn't be rushed like an instant appearance.
Card orientation during the ascent is also addressed. Borja explains why he prefers to keep its identity hidden until the moment of the reveal and how to shadow the rising card without pushing it. The finish includes removing the card cleanly so the gimmick stays put.
Tuning and Maintenance
This section keeps all the live tests and fixes right on camera. The double-sided tape is replaced, adhesion is checked, and the handling is repeated to find the sweet spot where the card rises without sticking.
Two common issues are explained: insufficient grip which stops the rise, and too much stickiness which makes pulling the card out a struggle. Thread anchoring, weight travel, and friction between components are also reviewed. Maintenance is just part of the craft, and no fixed number of uses is promised without a quick tune-up.
Materials and Requirements
For the manual handlings, you'll need a deck, a card box you can prep, and a small rubber or silicone ball; the finger handling uses a regular deck. It helps to know a solid card control and practice palming or stealing the ball.
To build and study the Devano system, you'll need extra cards, nylon thread, a suitable counterweight, glue, double-sided tape, and tape to secure the parts. The demo requires a hobby knife, a ruler, a hole punch, and a work surface; you'll also need a glass for the routine. Alternatively, you can study the handling using a pre-made Devano deck. This work calls for steady hands and patience to dial in the mechanism before performing it.