If you perform close-up or strolling magic, you know you need material that is direct, hard-hitting, and above all, practical. In a recent discussion over at The Magic Cafe, the community gathered to share their favorite go-to routines from one of the most prolific creators in the game today: Craig Petty.
Craig is well-known for putting out absolute workers—routines designed strictly for the real world. If you are looking to refresh your card repertoire for your next walk-around gig, here are the top recommendations straight from the community:
1. Hard-Hitting Commercial Workers
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Oil and Water Extreme: The classic "Oil and Water" plot can sometimes divide magicians, but Craig’s Extreme version wins over even the skeptics. It's clean, visual, and has an excellent rhythm for live audiences.
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The Double Sandwich Routine: A rock-solid, commercial structure. It’s perfect for performing on your feet when you can't rely on a clean table surface.
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Mirage: Another staple routine mentioned by the community as a highly reliable, heavy-hitting worker for real-world environments.
2. High-Impact Gaffed Decks
When it comes to impossible card mentalism that lets you focus entirely on presentation, Craig's Savant Deck gets a massive shoutout. Workers specifically highlighted two killer effects from it:
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Blank ACAAN: A devastatingly clean Any Card At Any Number plot.
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UV Prediction: A modern, incredibly strong prediction effect that leaves spectators completely floored.
3. Interactive Packet Tricks
You don’t always need a full deck to make an impact. One of the highlights mentioned in the thread is a brilliant 10-card packet effect (sharing a method with a classic Bruce Bernstein routine). Two packets of five cards are mixed, and the spectator miraculously matches the cards of identical value from each packet. It’s the kind of interactive, hands-on magic that kills in a strolling environment.
The Worker's Verdict: The beauty of Craig Petty's material is that it isn't just designed to look good on camera for social media; it’s built to survive the grueling conditions of real-world gigs, featuring great angles and practical resets.