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I'm looking for a swindle routine, but one that isn't as well-known as the three shell game or Find the Lady.

The three shells are in almost every magic set going, and its performance tends only to be applauded as a demonstration of skill and sleight of hand these days. And both it and Find the Lady are recognised as being no-win exercises.

So I want the same level of fun and frustration that a three shell game can evoke, while still leaving the spectators thinking they're in with a shot of winning.

Any suggestions?

Cheers,

Pete

I think Greedo may be able to help here, he has a few nice gambling routines worked out and his fast and loose (chain escape) is a nice routine indeed and might be just what you are looking for,

Perhaps the ten card poker deal? Simple plot...easy to do, with great impact.

not strictly bunko booth - but kinda fairgroundish...

guess the weight/age/height/how many buttons kinda thing...

swami!

Thanks!

You've now got my mind racing along the 'how many buttons' line...

Keep the suggestions coming though - they're all appreciated!

Cheers,

Pete

One routine that I use, that gets 'em everytime, involves my special card - the three and a half of clubs.

Force the 7 of clubs onto a spec - don't let them see it and place it face down on the table. Next, force the three and a half of clubs onto another (or the same) spec and place this face down on the table too.

With both cards face down on the table, point to the three and a half of clubs and patter on to the effect of, "okay, you've both chosen 2 random cards. What would be the odds of this card being exactly half of this card" (now point to the 7 of clubs) ?? You clarify the situation by explaining that there is no play on words, so if, for example, the first card is the 4 of hearts, then the other needs to be the 8 of hearts.

You now let the spec pick up and look at the 7 of clubs and ask them again, what they reckon the odds are - I usually ask them would they be willing to bet on the outcome ?? I do, however, stress that I won't take their money should they lose - but would they bet if I was willing to take their money.

I tell ya - I could have made millions (okay, slight exaggeration) if I'd wanted to. It's more than enough though, watching their faces when they turn over the 7 of clubs and then you reveal the other card to be the three and a half of clubs ...... priceless .

There is this trick I beleive it is called the Sidewalk Shuffle. Although it is kind of like Find the Lady. You can also always do the basic which coin is in what hand. I know a lot of cheap methods but those aren't really tricks.

What about Fast and Loose?

Whit Haydn put out notes on this old con. You can find it here.

http://www.chefanton.com/scoundrelsstore/fl_chain_review.htm

Jim Steinmeyer's Bunko routine might be a good choice - a classic Short change con.

edit - sorry, I didn't see the suggestion for Fast and Loose above...

As far as swindles of this ilk goes I would heartily recommend Marc De Souza's chain gang dvd with chain as this is an excellent introduction and fully explained routine of Fast and Loose.
The routine flows very nicely and can be played out to last 7-10 mins.

Review here: http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/ftopic24668.php

Another game I've recently been practicing (thanks to Abraxus) is Slay Bells by Jay Sankey or also Rattle Bells (International magic shop). This is a 3 card monte type effect with little bells.
You show two bells that ring and one the doesn't and all the punter needs to do is pick one that rings. Of course they alway pick wrong.
I'm not sure about Slay bells but rattle bells can be picked up for under a fiver.

As far as a card routine which is put across as a swindle then David williamson's "Aunt Mary's Terrible Secret" is very very good. It is slightly tricky in regards to the effect being geared towards using lots of one dollar bills but this can be altered to either IUO's on slips of paper or if you are feeling flush having 52 £5's on hand....I go with Iuo's

Finally you may be best looking for ideas on the School For scoundrels forum where they specialise in this sort of thing