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Does anyone else suffer from guilt after performing the two card monte. I performed it a few years ago to a stranger, and any trick I did after it didnt impress as much as the two card monte.

A sense of guilt after performing it overcome me, maybe because it was popularized by David Blaine and it felt like I was copying him.

Maybe the effect is too strong to perform first?

In my personal opinion, nothing is too strong to perform first, unless it is specifically created as a finalé, with a sense of finish afterwards...

Example number 1 - I use the ID as an opener!

If they enjoy it, then relish in it! Make it seem like an impossible feat! Make them mis-remember it! Make them think they mixed the cards themselves and you never even touched the deck!

I never perform an ID routine or a packet trick first and would perform a card routine using a regular deck.

We all have different ideas on what does and doesn't work and you have to find what works best for you from the material that you have at your disposal.

I used to use this as an opener, I found it very strong and that it worked very well.

I'd agree - whatever works.

I don't do a lot of card work but have a couple of routines that I sometimes use that start with Andy Nyman's 'Hidden', go into 'The 4 Coinidences' and then end up with 'The Last Trick of Dr. Daley' (which is similar in play to the 2 card monte) However, I don't always do the Dr.Daley trick because I can't always trust my DL(!!!!!!!!!) and, in any case, I only added the trick in because it makes for a nice organic end to the routine.

However, a couple of time recently people have said that it is the most impressive part of the routine - so I guess it's going to have to stay in!!!

Sean

You know the "2 Card Monte"by David Blaine (bare with the idlecredit) isnt actually the 2 card monte...
It isnt a bad effect though

Two Card Monte is one where you place the cards on the table. David Blaines version is pretty much Eddie Fetchers "Be Honest, What it is?".

I have to agree that I would not start out with a packet trick.
Something strong with a deck the spectator can shuffle.
Then a transition statement to why you have a small packet of cards like...
you know it takes many years to master a deck of playing cards, the key is too start out small, in fact, when I 1st usse to perform, I use to perform using X cards. (Daryl)
Or
Often when I perform magic, people ask me, what is the 1st trick I ever saw ( dan Harlan)

What is nice about the Blaine effect is the cards change in the spectator's hand. A nice take on this effect is Jon Allen's double back.

finneyfollower wrote:I have to agree that I would not start out with a packet trick.
Something strong with a deck the spectator can shuffle.

Athough David Williamson has the opinion that you shouldnt start with a card trick, instead a coin or a more used common object, then go into cards.

Figure out what works for you and go with it. Don't worry about what another magi is going to open with. You are not them. No effect is too strong. One person doing the two card monte may fall flat while another slaughters with it. It is your performance.

Just let the guilt go. You are not killing somebody, cheating them, or making them look like fools (unless of course you are, then shame on you) You are entertaining them. Only feel guilty if you are not entertaining them and only wasting their time. Then practice some more and try again.

I did not see that from Dave.
If you are talking about the person who wrote about ID or packet, this person IMHO is stating do NOT start with a gaffed deck or packet trick.
Also, I would not do my strongest effect 1st.
Something good enough to let them know you will entertain them with good magic, but something not soo strong, everthing after it would be a let down.

Think it was Daves international magic lecture. I could be thinking of someone else

I personally think that 2 card monte/Be Honest, What it is? is a decent effect to start with & use it often. It's quick, shows them you're pretty good with cards & I think it should be treated not as a 'look how I good I am' trick or even 'look how wrong you are' but more of a memory test/puzzle.

It usually makes them sit up & listen, grabs their attention pretty swiftly & hooks them in for the next few effects.

Russ

russpie wrote:
It usually makes them sit up & listen, grabs their attention pretty swiftly & hooks them in for the next few effects.

That was exactly my point, the effect is so strong sometimes you cant move on, and whatever you do after it they will always say, "ok but do that one (Two card monte) again"

yes, having two cards change in their hands is very strong so you better have something very good after words. On a good note, the change is not done visibly so there is room to move on if done correctly.