Dick's 5 Tips for Working With a Stiff Deck

Every magician has been there — you pull out your deck and it’s stiff as a board. Maybe it’s brand new, maybe it’s been sitting in a cold car. Whatever the reason, a stiff deck can make your tricks harder to pull off. Here’s how Dick deals with it:

1. Break It In Properly

Dick never performs with a brand new deck straight out of the box. “You’ve got to work it first,” Dick advises. Spend at least 20 minutes doing shuffles, fans, and springs before you take it anywhere near an audience. Dick puts on some smooth jazz and just works the deck until it feels right.

2. The Pressure Fan Technique

If you need to loosen up a deck quickly, Dick recommends the pressure fan. Spread the cards in a wide fan, then close them up and do it again. Repeat 30-40 times. “It’s a real workout for the deck AND your hands,” Dick says, “but it gets things nice and flexible.”

3. Climate Control

Dick learned the hard way that temperature matters. “I left my deck in the car overnight once during winter,” Dick recalls. “It was so stiff I could barely get it open.” Keep your deck at room temperature and moderate humidity.

4. Know When to Replace

“A deck has a lifespan,” Dick says. “Once it starts clumping or the edges get rough, it’s time for a fresh one. Dick goes through about a deck a week. Don’t get too attached — there are plenty more where that came from.”

5. Dick’s Secret Weapon: Fanning Powder

A light dusting of fanning powder can work wonders on a stiff deck. “Just a little sprinkle,” Dick advises. “You don’t want to overdo it or things get too slippery. Dick likes it with just enough powder to glide smoothly.”