$18.50
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Published in 2005 by H&R Magic Books, "Small But Deadly: The Packet Trickster’s Handbook" by Paul Hallas is widely considered the definitive reference work, historical guide, and consumer buyer's guide for packet card magic.
Rather than just being a simple collection of instructions, the book serves as an exhaustive, witty, and highly structured exploration of the history, evolution, and creators behind the world's most famous small-packet card effects.
Key Core Themes
1. A Comprehensive Historical Reference
At its core, the book is an analytical history of the packet trick genre. Hallas traces the lineage of classic plots, exploring how basic concepts from early magic history evolved into modern miracles. He meticulously documents who invented which variations, which gaffs were introduced when, and how classic sleights changed the landscape of card magic.
It covers the pioneering packet effects of Theodore DeLand and Charles Jordan (including historical notes on the Jordan Count), tracing their influence on modern plots.
It pays deep respect to innovators like Brother John Hamman and Alex Elmsley, whose contributions completely revolutionized what could be achieved with a small handful of cards.
2. Analysis of Classic Plots & Variations
Hallas dedicates chapters to major, iconic packet trick plots, breaking down their history, variations, and where they can be found in magic literature. Instead of reprinting every routine, he acts as a guide, telling you which books or marketed items to look for to study specific versions. Some of the major plots analyzed include:
The Wild Card / Watch the Ace variations
Twisting plots (Vernon’s Twisting the Aces and its countless descendants)
Oil and Water / Jazz Aces variants
The Homing Card and Six Card Repeat adaptations for smaller packets
The Princess Card Trick, MacDonald’s Aces, and The Last Trick of Dr. Jacob Daley
Packet Printing Effects (tracing ideas back to roots that inspired tricks like Daryl's Presto Printo)
3. Practical Performance Advice
The book isn't just academic; it features practical essays on the theory of packet magic. Hallas includes sections like "From Big Time to Small Time" (transitioning full-deck effects into concise packet tricks) and "The Sensible Use of Packet Effects," offering advice on how to naturally introduce, perform, and transition between packet tricks in a real-world close-up or cabaret set without fatiguing an audience with endless "special" small packets.
4. Fully Detailed Routines
While it serves primarily as a reference work, Hallas includes over a dozen fully explained packet routines—including several of his own marketed or signature effects—complete with performance tips and presentation scripts. Notable routines detailed in the book include:
Clone Zone (Peter Duffie) – One of Duffie's favorite commercial routines.
The Vain Queen (Mark Townsend) – A story-driven packet trick utilizing a jester and a queen who accidentally makes her own face, and eventually herself, disappear.
Vampire Dawn (Paul Hallas) – A spooky, narrative-driven presentation.
The Beautiful Witch (Paul Hallas) – A themed effect where homely witches transform their appearances.
Paul’s Bread and Butter Trick (Paul Hallas) – The author's personal, highly commercial variation of the classic Oil and Queens plot.
The Monster Mash (Paul Hallas) – A fun, family-friendly variation of MacDonald's Aces using custom artwork cards featuring monsters and blank faces.
Summary of Book Structure
The History & The Sleights: Early history from DeLand and Jordan to the mid-century explosion of gaffs and counts (such as the Elmsley, Jordan, and Hamman counts).
The Plot Deep-Dives: Individual, thematic chapters examining every conceivable packet plot—assembly tricks, color-changing backs, printing themes, gambling routines (poker/blackjack themes), and mentalism packet tricks.
The Practical Repertoire: The final sections shift from reference to instruction, laying out ready-to-perform routines utilizing both standard cards and easily crafted or sourced gaffed packets.
The Bottom Line
Small But Deadly is essentially the ultimate consumer's guide and bibliography for the packet trick enthusiast. It prevents magicians from reinventing the wheel by clearly laying out the credits of the past, while simultaneously delivering highly commercial, story-driven routines ready for the modern close-up repertoire. (Note: The success of this book later prompted Hallas to release a massive expanded sequel in 2010 titled "Still Small, Still Deadly").