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The Grifter by Peter Nardi and Alakazam Magic

Created by: Peter Nardi, Alakazam Magic

The Grifter by Peter Nardi is a modern take on the classic three-card Monte, designed for close-up magic performances. It features a five-phase routine where the magician tells a story about being conned in Vegas, using two black cards and a red Ace. Despite the spectator's best efforts to follow the Ace, it never appears where expected, culminating in a surprising and clean finish where the cards can be examined. The trick includes a switching wallet, fake $100 bills, and specially designed casino-backed cards, making it a complete package for performers. Suitable for both gambling magic enthusiasts and general audiences, it eliminates the challenge aspect often associated with three-card Monte, allowing spectators to enjoy the magic without feeling embarrassed.

Where to buy

The Grifter by Peter Nardi from Alakazam Magic
Alakazam MagicThe Grifter by Peter Nardi£25.00
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The Grifter by Peter Nardi from Monster Magic
Monster MagicThe Grifter by Peter Nardi£25.99
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Key features

  • Perfect angles and reliability ensure the trick works every time.

  • Includes an engaging Vegas con storyline adding depth to performances.

  • Durable and examinable props ensure long-term use.

  • Suitable for both gambling magic enthusiasts and general audiences.

  • Comes with all necessary props: switching wallet, fake $100 bills, ordinary and gimmicked cards.

Pros

  • Perfect angles and reliable performance.

  • Engaging storyline enhances the magic experience.

  • Durable props with no moving parts.

  • Spectators can enjoy the magic without feeling challenged or embarrassed.

  • Easy to reset, making it practical for repeated performances.

Cons

  • Slightly expensive, but the quality justifies the cost.

  • Some discrepancies in card spreading, though spectators are unlikely to notice.

Effect

The Grifter by Peter Nardi is a modern take on the classic three-card Monte routine. To the audience, it appears as a deceptive game where two black cards and one red card (the Ace of Diamonds) are mixed face down. No matter how carefully the spectator follows the cards, the Ace always seems to vanish or move impossibly. The routine is wrapped in a storytelling presentation about a Vegas con artist, making it engaging and immersive rather than a direct challenge to the spectator.

Full Details

The Grifter includes:

  • A plastic switch wallet for clean transitions.
  • Fake $100 bills (replaceable with real currency for personalization).
  • Three ordinary casino-backed playing cards (Ace of Diamonds, Two of Clubs, Three of Clubs).
  • Three gimmicked versions of the same cards for the deceptive phases.
  • A detailed tutorial covering the five-phase routine, choreography, and performance tips.

The trick eliminates the spectator embarrassment often associated with three-card Monte by framing the performer as the victim of the con rather than challenging the audience directly. The props are durable, examinable, and designed for long-term use.

Who Should Consider the Trick

  • Gambling magic enthusiasts – If you enjoy routines like Skinner’s Ultimate Three-Card Monte or Stand-Up Monte, this offers a fresh, story-driven approach.
  • Close-up and walkaround performers – The angles are excellent, and the reset is instant, making it ideal for table-hopping.
  • Magicians who prefer narrative-driven magic – The Vegas con backstory adds depth and justification for the routine.

Difficulty

The Grifter is not a knuckle-busting sleight-of-hand routine. The moves are straightforward, but the real work lies in mastering the choreography and storytelling. As reviewer BAM_magic notes, "The moves are easy, but you’ll want to work on the script and pacing." The tutorial is thorough, covering all necessary techniques, making it accessible for intermediate performers.

What Magicians Say

  • BAM_magic praises its reliability: "Perfect angles, works every time, and the props are well-made with no moving parts." They also highlight the engaging storyline: "Unlike the original three-card Monte, this lets spectators enjoy the magic without feeling challenged."
  • Alex Kirk (Monster Magic Shop) compares it favorably to Skinner’s Aces but notes its cleaner finish: "The switching wallet lets you end examinable, and the casino cards add a nice touch."
  • Craig Petty (Magic TV) calls it a "major improvement" over traditional three-card Monte, emphasizing its visual appeal and spectator-friendly approach.

The Grifter is praised for its practicality, strong audience reactions, and professional routining. While some reviewers mention the price (~$30) as slightly high, most agree the quality and longevity of the props justify the cost.

For magicians looking for a fresh, performance-ready take on three-card Monte with a compelling narrative, The Grifter is a standout choice.

What people are saying about The Grifter

BAM_magic says...

The grifter by Peter nardy and Alakazam is a practical well-rounded version of the three card Monty that has almost perfect angles will work every single time and comes with everything you need.

magic-tv says...

Craig shares his favorite versions of classic tricks like 'Stand Up Monty' and 'The Grifter.' He offers practical advice for performing the classic force and handling nerves during gigs.

monstermagicshop says...

The Grifter by Peter Nardi is a three-card Monte routine with a con-artist story. It's a five-phase routine, ends clean with an inspectable deck, and includes a switching wallet for a surprise finish.

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