Magic Stack Pro includes four classic memorized stacks that have been used by card magicians for over a century. Each has its own character and strengths. Here is what they are, where they come from, and how to use them in the app.
Si Stebbins
Created by Si Stebbins in the early 1900s, this stack follows a simple mathematical pattern: each card is 3 values higher than the previous one, cycling through suits in a fixed order (Clubs, Hearts, Spades, Diamonds). The beauty of Si Stebbins is that knowing any single card instantly tells you the next card in the deck — a powerful tool for impromptu effects.
Eight Kings
Named after the classic mnemonic “Eight Kings threatened to save ninety-five queens for one sick knave,” this stack orders the cards by a memorized value sequence with rotating suits. It is one of the most widely taught stacks in card magic and appears in countless instructional books. Many performers learn Eight Kings as their first memorized stack.
Hungry Jackass
A lesser-known but effective stack favored by some professional performers. The mnemonic “Hungry Jackass” encodes a specific card value sequence. It is particularly useful for certain dealing effects where the mathematical relationships between card positions create surprising outcomes.
New Deck Order
This is the standard factory arrangement that comes in a freshly opened pack of cards — Ace through King of each suit, arranged in a specific order. While not a “magic stack” in the traditional sense, New Deck Order is the natural starting point for many routines. Loading it in Magic Stack Pro lets you calculate how many faros and cuts it takes to reach any other arrangement from a sealed deck.
Using Presets in Magic Stack Pro
From the home screen, select Preset Stacks. Choose your stack from the list — the full 52-card arrangement loads instantly. Add your operation sequence (faros and cuts), and the app calculates the starting deck you need.
Presets are especially useful as a starting point. Many performers modify a classic stack slightly for their own routines — load the preset, then switch to Fully Custom Stack mode to make your adjustments while keeping the mathematical foundation intact.