So the VP of operations of Theory11, Lyle Borders - got in touch with me about this matter, and this is what he has to say:laitostarr777 wrote:General note for those who decides to open up the decks:
The newer versions of the Monarchs doesn't have a double backer anymore. I don't know why Theory11 decides to pull that off from the decks, and it is quite a shame.
Creating a double backer from two ad cards is pointless, as it becomes one thicker card in the deck
Monarchs stopped containing double-back cards several years ago - probably 4 or 5 years. This goes for most decks that we sell to a wide audience. We do very few double-back cards these days. While a double-backer can be moderately helpful to magician customers in some instances, it is extremely confusing (and a bit of a spoiler) to most of our other customers. Unless you are a magician, that card is at best not helpful, and at worst a glimpse into how some tricks work. It is is also often considered a defect by those not in the know. If you are a magician, double-backers are super easy to make - perhaps the easiest gaff card you can make with card splitting skills.
No splitting skills? Two ad cards glued front to front will do in a pinch. Or, if you want to learn an insanely valuable skill, Blake Vogt teaches how to split cards in a couple videos on The Marketplace. Knowing the material in those videos will let you make as many double-back gimmicks as you want (and many other kinds of gimmicks.
https://www.theory11.com/marketplace/bl ... peed-split
https://www.theory11.com/marketplace/bl ... 2-assembly
When somebody asked about why not Theory11 created gaff decks just like how Ellusionist came up with one for Black Tiger and Ghost, this is what he has to say in his opinion:
1. He thinks you can easily create gaff cards by combining other cards - double backer, two colors, double face.
2. Theory11 had designed lots of decks, that it is not practical to create gaff cards for certain decks. Sure, Theory11 dubbed Monarchs as their best playing cards, but others would prefer Artisans or Tycoons
My thoughts on his opinions:
1. Well, he suggests that we should buy loads of the same deck, uses one or two decks and destroy all the cards to create your own gaff cards
2. Look at Ellusionist, they also designed a lot of decks, and still they provide gaff deck for some of their iconic playing cards (although that was years ago, and now its either out of stock or in clearance sale). Comparing the decks of Ellusionist and Theory11, at least Ellusionist new decks, they imply secret markings nor specific stack, unlike Theory11 that mainly focuses on beauty of the tuckcase and the design (the tuckcase is so beautiful and intricate, while the courtcards are just plain simple)
