Ah, the age-old game of chance that’s as notorious as it is entertaining — the classic Three-Card Monte! Known by various cheeky names like Find the Lady and Tossing the Broads, this little gem has been conning the unsuspecting since the 16th century. And believe it or not, the hustlers are still out there today, luring folks into betting their hard-earned dosh. It's a testament to the allure of this simple yet captivating game. Naturally, magicians couldn’t resist its charm either, with legends like Professor Hoffman being among the first to twist the premise for a bit of audience amusement.
In Volume 1, you’re in for a treat. A diverse lineup of artists showcases their own spin on Three-Card Monte. Dai Vernon kicks things off with a routine that sticks to the game’s roots, using just three ungimmicked cards. He’ll leave your mates scratching their heads and then share some nifty handling tips with Michael Ammar, Gary Ouellet, and Steve Freeman. Next up, Fernando Keops takes Vernon's routine and adds his flair, along with a treasure trove of extra handling insights.
Ever seen a card with a paper clip on it still manage to elude the audience? Well, Chicago card whiz Steve Draun does just that! David Regal then takes a turn, crafting a brilliant card conjuring act where the money card does a vanishing act and pops up elsewhere. Scotty York paints a picture of card hustlers of yore with his rendition of Martin Lewis' routine, while John Guastaferro sets the stage for a spectacular transposition between two chosen cards.
Gregory Wilson even takes it to the streets, winning personal belongings from passers-by (who said magic isn’t a bit cheeky?). And to cap it all off, Henry Evans delivers a stunning Two-Card Monte routine that leaves spectators baffled, regardless of how many cards he eliminates.
Running Time: Approximately 2hr 4mins
