This is very similar to the Invisible Deck, both in terms of the method and the routines you'll end up doing with them. The major difference is, with the Brainwave Deck, aside from showing the spectator that you knew what card they would select by having it reversed in the deck, you also show that it has a different back from every other card.

The problem is, why is it necessary to double-prove it? You've already shown that you "knew" the card because it's the only card in the deck that's face up. That's all the proof you need. By taking it a step further, you're drawing unwanted attention to what was already a good effect. To paraphrase Shakespeare, "The Magician doth prove too much"

This is why I prefer the Invisible Deck. I don't think the "extra" provided by the Brainwave Deck is helpful. If anything, it's detrimental. I also find the Invisible Deck easier to work with, because you're keying off the faces of the cards, rather than looking at the backs trying to find pencil dots that you hope aren't too noticeable.

I'd never say that the Brainwave Deck is bad, but if you can get an Invisible Deck instead, I'd have no reason to want one of these.

Hi! This is your official PenguinMagic reviewer, B_Magic.

I cannot recommend against this trick enough. I purchased it years ago, and I think I performed it maybe a handful of times before it was shelved, ne'er to return to my arsenal.

The reason is actually interesting. There are certain effects that are almost too powerful. This is one of them. What I mean is that when an effect is THAT powerful you don't want a non-examinable gimmick to be its focus. People will automatically assume it's in the cards, and unfortunately with this trick, there is no real way to end clean. You just got to hope that the spectators don't ask. Even with doing a deck switch, you really can't end completely clean because of the improv nature of the effect. The trick is really awesome, but because you are super dirty at the end of a powerful trick, people are going to be less impressed with you if they can't examine the cards.

Almost the same effect can be done with Invisible Deck, and can be done cleaner and better. Some argue that Invisible Deck is also gimmicked and non-examinable, which is true. But Invisible Deck doesn't lead to the same amount of skepticism due to being "overpowered" the way Brainwave does. Brainwave not only finds the card, but also focuses attention to the back of the card being different from the others. People will question not so much the appearance of the card but if in fact the others are all truly a different color. Invisible Deck doesn't have that problem. It's the same effect, but to the audience they see everything they need to see when you show it. And bonus, Invisible Deck can be easily switched out if needbe. Not so with Brainwave.

I would highly recommend Invisible Deck over this, as it is more versatile, cleaner, and provides the same if not even greater reactions as Brainwave. Brainwave just isn't worth it.

If you're deciding between this and an invisible deck, stop, get both. It's an interesting effect and very powerful, but it seems a little "buggy" to me. I played with it for about six months after getting it and it never found its way into my regular repertoire. I'll still pull it out every now again, and that says a lot, but it's not my favorite gimmicked deck, or second favorite gimmicked deck for that matter, but it's still a helpful one. Add to cart.

Honestly, I feel Invisible Deck is a much better buy than Brainwave. The two effects are similar, and although Brainwave adds the color change, that extra punch puts much more heat on the effect than Invisible does (which leads to much more unwanted questioning/skepticism by the spectators). I feel Brainwave is a good effect, but Invisible Deck is much, much better. B_Magic score: C-

I didn't really like this trick because it is hard to perform it more then once for people without them suspecting something and the way the trick is designed makes it very hard to master.

This is one of my favorites, because of all the magic packed into it. Read the effect. INCREDIBLE! Watch the video demo. INCREDIBLE! Easy to do, based on the principle of the Invisible Deck for those who own it. That's the positive, and keep in mind, theres a lotta positive. The problems: Similar to D'Lite, if you buy only one, you're selling the trick short. The trick cannot be done exactly as the video shows, the deck must be in your pocket first. If you buy two decks, its gonna take a lot of the awkwardness (on your side of the trick) away and make everything a little bit more convenient. Another problem: expect a lot of suspicion on the deck of cards, suspicion that you really can't answer to. I've mastered three types of deck switches, and use them often, but never ever for brainwave. Its just too much crazy attention going on the deck, to much magic happening to the cards to get away with a switch. Solution: walk away before they say a word. Leave the card in there hand, its replacable. I LOVE THIS TRICK. Absolutely get two brainwaves in your next purchase. Practice hard, get the routine down for this one. This is a trick where the routine really makes or breaks the effect. Enjoy.

Good effect, Easy to do! and blows people away!!! Thats why Blaine and other pro Magicians use the effect!!!

I own this deck as well as the Invisible deck. Personally I like the Invisible deck a bit better. The effect on the BW deck is really strong however. Once you were comfortable with either deck they both make very strong effects. Watch the videos on both to see the diffence. As far as difficulty goes, I would say the Invisible deck is slightly easier, but not really by much. Of course other people have the exact opposite opinion of mine. Just pick which effect you like better and stick with that.

I purchased two Brainwave decks very recently from Penguin and was most impressed with the their delivery to Australia.
However both decks work well with the rough & smooth but will
not spread at the correct named card. I have performed the
Brainwave deck for very many years successfully but in recent months when purchasing new Brainwave decks, they all fail to spread at the appropriate place. The decks I have been buying are all from Murphy's Magic, so I think the fault lies with them and not Penguin Magic. The Brainwave routine has long been my favourite effect, so feeling disappointed that the
Murphy's Decks ( that most dealers now supply) are poorly prepared by the manufacturer. David J. (down under)

I know many people love the invisible deck. but to me, it can stay invisible. this trick, instead, if shown right, will make their jaws drop. they can't think that you secretly flipped it because their choice has a diff. color. back.