Sleightful logoSleightful

Pickitout by Peter Nardi

Created by: Peter Nardi

The Grifter by Peter Nardi is a modern reimagining of the classic 3 Card Monte routine, originally known as Pickitout by Theo Land and popularized by Michael Skinner's Ultimate 3 Card Monte. This close-up magic trick is a five-phase routine that uses custom gaffed cards, a switch wallet, and prop money to create a story-driven presentation. The effect removes the spectator challenge, making it an engaging and fun experience rather than a frustrating guessing game. The innovative 'in the hands handling' allows performers to execute the trick without a table, enhancing its versatility and portability. The routine culminates in a climax where the cards can be thoroughly examined by the audience, adding to the trick's deceptive appeal.

Key features

  • Five-phase routine with custom gaffed cards

  • Story-driven presentation removes spectator challenge

  • Includes gaffed cards, un-gaffed cards, switch wallet, and prop money

  • Innovative 'in the hands handling' for table-free performance

  • Inspired by Nardi's personal experience of being 'grifted'

  • Aims to be the definitive rendition of the classic effect

Pros

  • Engaging and story-driven presentation

  • No sleight-of-hand required, making it accessible to all skill levels

  • Includes all necessary components for performance

  • Versatile and portable due to in-the-hands handling

  • Psychological misdirection enhances the illusion

Cons

  • Requires practice to master the presentation and timing

  • May not appeal to those who prefer more technical sleight-of-hand tricks

Effect

Pickitout, as reimagined by Peter Nardi in The Grifter, is a modern take on the classic Three Card Monte routine. The effect presents as a deceptive gambling demonstration where the spectator is challenged to follow the "money card" (the Ace of Diamonds) as the performer mixes three cards. Despite the spectator's best efforts, they repeatedly fail to locate the Ace, even when the game appears straightforward. The routine builds to a climax where the cards can be examined, leaving the audience baffled.

Full Details

The Grifter is a five-phase routine inspired by Theo Land’s original Pickitout and Michael Skinner’s Ultimate 3 Card Monte. Unlike traditional versions that rely on sleight of hand, this iteration uses custom gaffed cards and a structured presentation to create the illusion. The routine includes:

  • Specially designed casino-backed gaffed cards.
  • Matching un-gaffed cards for examination.
  • A switch wallet for smooth transitions.
  • Two prop $100 bills to enhance the gambling theme.

A key innovation is the "in the hands" handling, allowing the routine to be performed without a table. The presentation is story-driven, based on Nardi’s personal experience of being scammed in Las Vegas, which adds depth and engagement.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This routine is ideal for:

  • Performers who enjoy interactive, story-based magic.
  • Those looking for a self-working or minimal-sleight version of Three Card Monte.
  • Street magicians or close-up workers who need a portable, table-free routine.
  • Magicians who appreciate psychological misdirection over complex moves.

Difficulty

The Grifter is designed to be accessible. Since it does not rely on advanced sleight of hand, beginners can perform it effectively with practice. The challenge lies in selling the story and maintaining audience engagement. Nardi provides detailed handling instructions, making it easier to learn.

What Magicians Say

MurphysMagicSupplies highlights that The Grifter removes the spectator challenge, making it more entertaining than frustrating. They note the strong narrative element and the inclusion of high-quality props.

AlakazamMagicUK emphasizes the psychological misdirection and audience engagement, calling it a "sleight-of-hand-free" routine that focuses on presentation. They praise the custom casino-backed cards and the structured five-phase approach.

Both reviewers agree that The Grifter offers a fresh, engaging take on a classic effect, making it a strong choice for performers who value storytelling and psychological deception.

What people are saying about Pickitout

AlakazamMagicUK says...

Peter Nardi clearly believes *The Grifter* offers a fresh and accessible approach to a timeless classic. He emphasizes that the routine’s strength lies not in technical skill, but in its engaging presentation and clever psychological misdirection.

MurphysMagicSupplies says...

Nardi’s *The Grifter* appears to be a well-crafted and engaging take on a classic effect. He clearly believes in the power of storytelling and presentation to elevate a trick beyond mere mechanics.

Tutorial videos