
Magic Video - AF ESP Deck by Alexander Marsh (Digital Download)
Description & Effect
Step into the world of sophisticated mentalism with the AF ESP Deck by Alexander Marsh, a meticulously crafted tool born from a desire for perfection. Tired of the aesthetic and practical compromises found in other ESP decks, Alexander Marsh embarked on a journey to create a deck that truly serves the serious performer. This isn't just another set of Zener cards; it's a thoughtful evolution designed to enhance your performances and elevate your connection with the audience.
A Refined Aesthetic: Triangles Over Wavy Lines
One of the most striking innovations of the AF ESP Deck is the thoughtful replacement of the 'wavy lines' symbol with a clear, geometric 'triangle.' Alexander Marsh found the wavy line symbol to be visually incongruous with the other geometric shapes and awkward to name during routines. The introduction of the triangle symbol brings a harmonious, consistent aesthetic across the entire deck, making for a cleaner, more professional presentation. For those who appreciate tradition or prefer the option, both triangles and wavy lines are included, allowing for complete customization of your preferred set.
Beyond Standard Decks: Unique Sizing and Presentation
Breaking free from the conventions of standard playing cards, the AF ESP Deck features a distinct 'trump card' size of 62 mm x 100 mm. This subtle yet significant alteration immediately sets these cards apart, signaling to your audience that these are not mere 'trick cards,' but instruments for genuine psychological experiments. Further reinforcing this unique identity, the deck eschews a traditional cardboard box in favor of a classic string-and-washer style kraft envelope. This packaging choice not only evokes a sense of vintage authenticity but also aligns with how many professional mentalists prefer to store their experimental tools, akin to Tarot cards rather than a standard card deck.
Vintage Charm with Modern Utility: The Back Design
The visual appeal extends to the back design, which adopts a simple, 'vintage' retro style. This aesthetic choice is a deliberate nod to the era in which the original Zener Cards were conceived, adding a layer of historical resonance to your performances. Beyond their charm, the backs are intelligently marked using a standard one-to-five mnemonic system, ensuring ease of reading during performance. Crucially, the triangle and wavy line symbols are marked differently, offering flexibility if you choose to incorporate both. A subtle one-way design is also integrated, providing experienced performers with additional layers of possibility for complex routines.
Expand Your Repertoire: Gaffs and Expert Instruction
To further empower your mentalism, the AF ESP Deck comes complete with various gaff cards, unlocking a myriad of creative possibilities for unique effects. As a digital download, your purchase includes exclusive access to video instructions from Alexander Marsh himself. These detailed tutorials cover essential handling tips and guide you through his personal, highly impactful '5-for-5 ESP Match Up' routine. This comprehensive package ensures you have both the superior tools and the expert knowledge to deliver truly unforgettable demonstrations of intuition and mind-reading.
Original Specs
Oh good, another f**king ESP deck... but this one is Alexander Marsh's.
I wanted certain things from an ESP deck that I couldn't find elsewhere, so I created my own.
The key things I wanted from an ESP deck were:
Triangles instead of Wavy Lines - to me the wavy lines have always seemed the odd one out. Personally I find they don't sit well visually with the other geometric shapes, and having to call them 'wavy lines' feels a bit strange. I have however included both triangles and wavy lines should you wish to use one, the other, or both.
I wanted to dissociate my ESP cards from standard playing cards, so they are slightly longer and thinner than regular card; trump card size - 62 mm x 100 mm.
With every ESP deck I've ever owned I have thrown away the box and instead kept the cards in a plain Kraft or Manila envelope. Others I know have kept them in a small velvet bag, the way one might keep Tarot cards, because these are not a deck of playing cards for tricks and games; these are for experiments. So my ESP deck doesn't come in a box, instead I supply you with a traditional 'string and washer' style kraft envelope to keep them in.
The back design is a simple 'vintage' retro style, more in keeping with the time period in which the original Zener Cards were designed. The backs are of course marked in the standard one to five mnemonic (the triangle and wavy lines are marked differently, allowing you to use either or both in in a full deck of six symbol cards). The back design also has a subtle one way design.
The marks are very easy to read plus the deck comes with various gaff cards (see below for details) and a link to download video instructions detailing a few handling tips and my own '5-for-5 ESP Match Up' routine













