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3 Card Con by Alakazam Magic

Created by: Alakazam Magic

3 Card Con is a close-up card trick that puts a magical twist on the classic 'Three Card Monte' scam. The spectator sees three cards—two blue diamonds and one red diamond—and the magician uses sleight of hand to make the red diamond vanish and reappear at will, creating a baffling and visually impressive experience. This self-working trick is designed for beginners, with no advanced skills required, and it combines storytelling with visual magic to engage audiences. Buyers should note that it's affordable (under £10), comes with clear instructional videos, and is part of a kit or can be purchased individually for table or close-up performances.

Key features

  • Affordable and budget-friendly (under £10)

  • Easy to learn with step-by-step instructional videos

  • Self-working nature requires no advanced sleight of hand

  • Suitable for all ages, from children to adults

  • Blends storytelling with visual magic for audience engagement

  • Part of a larger magic kit but available individually

Pros

  • Visually impressive and can fool even seasoned magicians

  • Great for beginners or those on a budget

  • Provides strong audience reactions and clear impossible moments

  • Quick to master and perform

Cons

  • More experienced magicians might find it too basic

  • Requires practice to perfect sleight of hand and storytelling for maximum impact

Effect

The 3 Card Con trick presents a magical version of the classic 'Three Card Monte' scam. A performer uses three cards, typically two blue diamonds and one red diamond. The red diamond appears to vanish and reappear at the performer's will. The effect is visually impressive and leaves audiences baffled.

Full details

This trick is a self-working card effect. It does not require advanced sleight of hand to operate. The method is clever and allows the magician to control the outcome completely. The trick is designed to be combined with storytelling. A common presentation involves the magician telling a story about being scammed by the Three Card Monte, then performing the trick to show how they can now control the cards magically. This combination of narrative and visual magic creates a memorable experience for the audience.

Who should consider the trick

The 3 Card Con is an excellent choice for beginners or magicians on a budget. It is described as affordable and easy to learn. Its self-working nature makes it accessible for newcomers to magic. It is also a good option for performers looking to add a quick, impactful trick to their close-up or table act without needing to practice complex moves. More experienced magicians might find the method straightforward, but it can still be a valuable addition for its strong audience reactions and storytelling potential.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The 3 Card Con is considered easy to learn. Clear, step-by-step instructional videos are provided, allowing complete beginners to start performing quickly. The trick is self-working, meaning the method handles the magic for you. However, to maximize its impact, a performer should practice the presentation and storytelling. Mastering the performance to truly captivate an audience requires rehearsal, but the technical skill required to make the trick work is minimal.

What magicians say

Reviewers from AlakazamMagicUK highlight the trick's accessibility and power. They note it is "affordable and easy to learn," making it "great for beginners or those on a budget." One reviewer states that the trick is "clever" and "self-working," capable of fooling "even seasoned magicians." They also point out its strength in a performance context, saying it provides a "clear, impossible moment" for audience engagement. While appreciated for beginners, the same source mentions that "more experienced magicians might find it too basic" or "crave something more challenging." The trick is praised for its visual appeal and is recommended as part of a "low-skill, high-impact act."

What people are saying about 3 Card Con

AlakazamMagicUK says...

The '3 Card Con' trick is affordable and easy to learn. Great for beginners or those on a budget. [...] While they appreciate its simplicity and effectiveness for beginners, they also point out that more experienced magicians might crave something more challenging.

Performance videos

Promotional videos