Monkey in the Middle by Bill Goldman

Created by: Bill Goldman

Monkey In The Middle is a self-working card trick by Bill Goldman, perfect for close-up or parlour magic. A spectator signs a card, places it into the deck, and positions two jokers on top. With a snap, the signed card magically appears between the jokers. The deck remains examinable, and the trick is easy to reset, making it practical for repeated performances. It’s highly visual, interactive, and versatile—ideal as an opener, part of a sandwich routine, or even a finale in an ambitious card routine. Suitable for beginners and experienced magicians alike, this trick delivers strong audience reactions with minimal sleight of hand.

Where to buy

Monkey in the Middle by Bill Goldman from Monster Magic
Monster MagicMonkey in the Middle by Bill Goldman£19.99
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Monkey in the Middle by Bill Goldman presented by Magick Balay from Alakazam Magic
Alakazam MagicMonkey in the Middle by Bill Goldman presented by Magick Balay£19.99
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Key features

  • Self-working, no complex sleight of hand required

  • Deck is examinable after the trick

  • Easy to reset and repeat

  • Highly visual and interactive

  • Versatile: works as an opener, sandwich routine, or finale

  • Spectator signs the card for added impact

  • Affordable and gimmicks are easy to recreate if lost

Pros

  • Strong audience reactions

  • Minimal handling and easy to learn

  • Deck remains examinable

  • Highly repeatable and practical for performances

  • Versatile for different routines

Cons

  • Beginners may need practice for precise card placements

  • Relies on a gimmick (though easy to recreate)

Effect

Monkey In The Middle is a visually striking card trick where a spectator's chosen card magically appears between two jokers. The spectator signs their card, places it into the deck, and positions two jokers on top. With a snap of the fingers, the signed card instantly appears between the jokers, creating a strong and memorable moment for the audience.

Full details

Monkey In The Middle is a self-working card trick designed by Bill Goldman. It requires minimal handling and is easy to reset, making it practical for repeated performances. The deck remains examinable after the trick, adding to its credibility. The trick is versatile and can be used as an opener, part of a sandwich routine, or even as a finale in an ambitious card routine. The gimmicks used in the trick are simple and can be easily recreated if lost.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is ideal for beginners due to its simplicity and self-working nature. It is also suitable for experienced magicians looking for a reliable and visually impactful addition to their routines. Performers who value audience interaction and strong reactions will find Monkey In The Middle particularly effective.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Monkey In The Middle is easy to learn and perform, requiring minimal sleight of hand. Beginners may need some practice to ensure smooth card placements, but the trick is straightforward and quick to master. Its self-working nature makes it accessible to magicians of all skill levels.

What magicians say

Craig Petty describes Monkey In The Middle as a "flawless design" that is hard to improve upon, praising its simplicity and strong audience reactions. He highlights its versatility, noting it can be used as an opener, part of a sandwich routine, or a finale. Magick Balay emphasizes the trick's visual impact and spectator involvement, calling it a "crowd-pleaser." Overall, magicians agree that Monkey In The Middle is a reliable, engaging, and practical trick that delivers consistent results.

What people are saying about Monkey in the Middle

AlakazamMagicUK says...

Highly visual and repeatable, Monkey in the Middle is promoted as a crowd-pleaser with easy handling and spectator involvement.

magic-tv says...

Monkey In The Middle is a self-working card trick with strong audience reactions. The trick is examinable and easy to reset, making it practical for performances.

Performance videos

Review videos

Promotional videos

  • Thumbnail for Alakazam Live

    Alakazam Live

    AlakazamMagicUK mentioned this magic trick in this video.

  • Thumbnail for Monkey In The Middle

    Monkey In The Middle

    AlakazamMagicUK mentioned this magic trick in this video.

Tutorial videos