The Effect
No matter how hard the spectator tries to follow the Ace - the money card - they just cannot keep track of it. In a series of magical moves, the Ace jumps from hand to pocket to hand, finally disappearing altogether to reveal three loser cards. The climax shows the three loser cards have changed into three Aces!
Cost
£7.25/€10.91/$12.95 (free p&p)
Available from Penguin Magic.
Your first order from Penguin Magic will result in a 10% discount on all future purchases. This gives excellent value for money on Penguin's already keen prices.
Difficulty
(1=easy to do, 2=No sleights, but not so easy, 3=Some sleights used,
4=Advanced sleights used, 5=Suitable for experienced magicians only)
3
Only one sleight is used, but this is not advanced and should certainly be within the capabilities of your average "amateur hobbyist". Even those "eager newbies" amongst us should be able to perfect this sleight with some practice.
Review
Stand Up Monte uses normal and gaffed cards to great effect, combining a nice (but long) routine with fairly simple handling.
One simple sleight is needed and this is explained in the instructions for the inexperienced or beginning magician. The printed instructions are good and include a few illustrations to aid learning; it also features two "position checks" to ensure the cards you hold are in the correct set up at key points in the handling, which is a nice touch and certainly helps in this long and fairly complex routine. Fortunately, Penguin Magic offer demonstration videos and I would highly recommend you view the demo for Stand Up Monte, as this will greatly facilitate the learning process.
The advertising blurb on the packet states that Stand Up Monte is "...a fabulous strolling trick that requires no table and packs a lot of magic and fun into a really great routine". I couldn't agree more. It can be performed impromptu and because a table is not required, the magic happens in the spectator's hands, which is always guaranteed to elicit incredulous responses. Due to the use of gaffed cards, Stand Up Monte will not withstand examination, but as usual in packet tricks of this nature, a simple switch would solve this.
Overall
Stand Up Monte is a great trick, but is by no means self-working. Those of you looking for a simple, basic trick that you can perform within minutes of opening the packet, are advised to look elsewhere. You must be prepared to put in a fair amount of practice in order to memorise the long routine so it can be performed without pause. All the required cards are supplied printed on red Bicycle stock and packaged in a small envelope. Highly recommended.
Score: 8/10
