Price$28.99
Media TypeTrick
CategoryClose Up
Date AddedJan 22, 2014
Simplex Monte
Bromley, Rob; Nardi, Peter
Alakazam UK
(Based on 2 reviews)
Simplex Monte takes this classic street hustle to a new visual level that has never been possible before.
Rob Bromley has created a gimmick which turns this once challenging routine into a self-working performance piece.
Custom Gimmick Created And Manufactured By Rob Bromley. Routines and Handlings By Peter Nardi & Dave Loosley
Easy To Do!
Hyper Visual!
Full Explanation DVD Unique Custom Made Gimmick Included. in the hands version. table version. visual changes.
Note: Please note that due to the manufacture of Simplex Monte the Jokers and gimmick included may be different Jokers to those shown in the trailer and can include the Guarantee Joker, Colored Joker, or Black and White Joker. Joker style is NOT an option.
Reviews
(Top ▲)
The Three Card Monte has been part of our culture for at least 600 years. It was well known by the 15th century. Most methods depend on sleight of hand and misdirection. At best it can be a gambling demonstration which will trigger comments like, "I wouldn't want to play cards with you." If that is not a response you want and are looking for a fun, visual and magical variation, then Simplex Monte may be just what you need.
This release from Alakazam Magic UK comes with the necessary gaffed Bicycle Rider Back cards and an instructional DVD. The gaff is credited to Rob Bromley but its a modern upgrade to an old gimmick. It was described in Hoffman's Modern Magic (1876) as well as New Era Card Tricks (1897). This new version works effortless and automatically. The cards are well made.
On the DVD, Peter Nardi and Dave Loosley demonstrate three routine variations. The first is the most visual and magical. The second leaves you cleaner but you pay the price of loosing some of the visual changes. The third version is the closest to the traditional Three Card Monte. The disk finishes with Nardi and Loosley sharing some additional visual changes that can worked into the routine.
Simplex Monte is fun, visual magic.
This release from Alakazam Magic UK comes with the necessary gaffed Bicycle Rider Back cards and an instructional DVD. The gaff is credited to Rob Bromley but its a modern upgrade to an old gimmick. It was described in Hoffman's Modern Magic (1876) as well as New Era Card Tricks (1897). This new version works effortless and automatically. The cards are well made.
On the DVD, Peter Nardi and Dave Loosley demonstrate three routine variations. The first is the most visual and magical. The second leaves you cleaner but you pay the price of loosing some of the visual changes. The third version is the closest to the traditional Three Card Monte. The disk finishes with Nardi and Loosley sharing some additional visual changes that can worked into the routine.
Simplex Monte is fun, visual magic.
(Top ▲)
Review of Simplex Monte
Two Jokers, One Crazy Cool Gimmick and a DVD of clever ideas all for the odd price of $28.99.
Effect
Simply put, this is a take on ye olde 3 Card Monte. The big difference is the kicker ending where the "lady" (i.e., the Queen) very cleanly vanishes from the spot where everyone "knows" it is occupying. Watch the trailer. That's the effect and it's very clean and clear.
Method
Short Version: A gimmick.
Medium Version: An awesome gimmick.
Long Version: An extremely well made gimmick that does 95% of the work for you, and depending on the handling you choose, it can do 100% of the work for you. The gimmick allows you to clearly show the Queen (or whatever you happen to get in your set) in one place, then instantly (even visually if you'd like) it vanishes/becomes a Joker. This gimmick has so many applications beyond 3 Card Monte. In fact, I almost wonder if it's slightly wasted on 3 Card Monte. I certainly don't mean that as an insult to the gimmick or the product.
I'm just merely pointing out that this gimmick has so much more potential. It's relatively angle-proof. There are a few places you have to be careful, depending on the particular handling you choose. The gimmick is very easy to manipulate and use; It will hide right under their noses. It's practical and very doable, and some of the handling ideas allow you to completely ditch the gimmick once it has done its job.
The gimmick cannot be handled by the spectator, but they won't need to, and the casual handling of the cards (and gimmick) are so clean that it's very much above suspicion. In fact, even with the gimmick sitting there right on the table in front of them, they won't see it.
Ad Copy Integrity
The ad copy is dead on. In fact, they even went as far as pointing out a "negative" which was the fact that you as a consumer don't have a choice of what kind of Jokers come with your DVD. Oh that more manufacturers were this honest.
Product Quality
The product is top notch quality. The gimmick is extremely well made and works like a charm. The DVD is well produced, well lit and well mic'd. There are a handful of different handling ideas and presentational suggestions and ideas. It's a short DVD, but there's enough information to get your juices flowing and inspire you to do this effect (if you like this kind of thing).
Final Thoughts
I've never been a fan of the 3 Card Monte plot. The only version of that I do is Paul Wilson's Gypsy Monte. However, this gimmick is something I would definitely use. So my point is that if you like Monte effects, you'll love this gimmick and you'll use it. If you don't like Monte effects, you'll still likely find a use for this gimmick. For all that you get for such a low price, this is super duper easy to recommend.
Final Verdict:
5 Stars with a Stone Status of GEM!