This is a simple idea that you can use in your Bicycle “end-for-end” or “misindexed” gimmicked decks. These are the gimmicked decks which show a different spread of cards when the short edge is turned 180 degrees. Common examples would be the Kennedy Mind Power Deck or the Mastermind deck.

Now that you know what I’m talking about, this is my little method to indicate which way the deck is currently facing. I’m sure others have come up with it too. I personally stumbled upon it when working with the Mastermind deck. In performance I had forgotten which orientation it was. I can focus more on presentation now, with this safeguard in play.

Look at your King of Spades. Now look at the photos below, before and after marking the card.

If you look carefully enough at the marked king on the right, you will notice a flower with a black center beneath his beard. By filling one of the circles in with black sharpie, you will instantly know which orientation the deck is facing, just from a quick glance at the face of the deck. For instance, when performing with the Mastermind deck you can orient it so the black flower facing upwards means it’s safe to spread and show all the different cards. You never have to doubt yourself again or do that awkward spread for your eyes only.

I’ve heard of people marking all the cards on the back so you know which corner to cover with your fingers as you turn the card over at all times. By marking just this one card on the face, you never have to do that as you’ll know the orientation before you turn the deck face down to spread.

You can obviously do this with other court cards, but I think the King of Spades offers the best space in the design of the card for your eye to catch the marking easily. You can also experiment with doing this using the flowers in the crown, since the yellow space there is also quite generous.

This marking may not be the most subtle, but it has never been caught, can be seen from a far distance under any lighting condition, and can be set up at a moment’s notice once prepared.

You could just use a card with a one-way face, and remember which way it points. I personally prefer this subtle way myself.

Editor’s note: For a more subtle way of one-way marking any card on the face, see Annemann. Or if you don’t know what I’m talking about, email us at themagicoval@themagicoval.com asking. This isn’t a ploy for emails, we’re just unsure what to actually cite and will have to simply tell you what Annemann did.