Small But Deadly by Paul Hallas – The Essential Guide to Packet Tricks

Small But Deadly by Paul Hallas is a comprehensive reference work dedicated entirely to the fascinating world of packet tricks—one of close-up magic’s most creative and enduring branches. Designed as both a buyer’s guide, historical reference, and practical performance resource, this book is an invaluable addition for magicians interested in focused, high-impact card magic.

Whether you are looking to discover the best packet tricks ever created, learn more about their inventors and history, or expand your repertoire with new routines and presentation ideas, Small But Deadly offers a wide-ranging and thoughtful exploration of the subject.

Paul Hallas is known for his deep knowledge of packet magic, and this book reflects that expertise with detailed research, practical insights, and material useful to both collectors and performers.

What Makes This Book Valuable

Unlike standard trick collections, Small But Deadly serves as a complete guide to packet magic, helping magicians understand:

• Which packet tricks have stood the test of time
• The history behind classic packet effects
• Who created influential packet routines
• Different themes and plots used in packet magic
• How packet tricks can be presented more effectively
• Which routines are best suited for different performance settings

For performers, the book also includes fully detailed packet tricks, along with alternative presentations and handling ideas for routines you may already perform.

Covers a Wide Range of Packet Magic

Inside, you’ll find discussion and material covering:

• Classic packet trick plots
• Original packet routines
• Historical background and creator credits
• Presentation ideas and scripting suggestions
• Close-up packet magic
• Cabaret and stage packet routines
• Effects using normal and jumbo cards
• Practical ideas for modern performers

No matter what type of packet trick interests you—visual transformations, mental effects, transpositions, surprise endings, or comedy presentations—this book offers insight, inspiration, and practical knowledge.

Why Small But Deadly Stands Out

Packet tricks often represent some of magic’s strongest compact routines: easy to carry, quick to reset, and capable of creating memorable reactions. Small But Deadly explores this field in depth, making it not only an enjoyable read but also a practical long-term reference that performers will revisit often.

For anyone serious about close-up card magic, this is more than a niche book—it is an important reference on a classic performance format.

Highlights

• Written by Paul Hallas
• Comprehensive guide to packet tricks
• Covers history, creators, methods, and presentations
• Includes fully detailed routines
• Offers new presentation ideas for existing tricks
• Discusses packet tricks for close-up and cabaret performance
• Covers normal and jumbo card packet effects
• Valuable for performers, collectors, and magic historians
• Excellent long-term reference for any magic library

Discover the history, creativity, and performance power of packet magic—add Small But Deadly to your collection and explore one of close-up magic’s most versatile genres.