The Shell Game by Maibro and TCC Magic

Created by: Maibro, TCC Magic

The Shell Game is a modern take on the classic three-shell gambling hustle, where a ball (or 'pea') is hidden under one of three brass turtle shells. The magician mixes the shells, and spectators try (and usually fail) to guess which shell hides the ball. This version, crafted by TCC Magic, features high-quality solid brass shells with an antique finish, along with five yellow silicone 'peas' and three red cotton 'peas' for added versatility, such as color changes. The trick is designed for close-up or table magic, requiring a flat surface for optimal performance. The shells are fully inspectable, with no magnets or gimmicks, relying instead on sleight of hand and misdirection. Buyers should note that while the included 20-minute tutorial covers essential moves, crafting a compelling routine may require additional practice or resources.

Where to buy

Monster Magic

The “Shell” Game by Mai Bro & TCC Magic

£54.99

🇬🇧

Shop

Key features

Solid brass shells with antique finish for durability and professional appearance
Includes five yellow silicone peas and three red cotton peas for varied effects
20-minute tutorial covering essential moves and a basic routine
No magnets or gimmicks—relies on sleight of hand and misdirection
Designed for close-up or table magic, requiring a flat surface
Fully inspectable props with no hidden mechanisms

Pros

High-quality, heirloom-grade props
Versatile with options for color changes and multiple routines
Easy to learn with a slight learning curve for smooth performance
Compact and portable, fitting easily in a pocket
Near-360-degree angles, making it suitable for street or close-up magic

Cons

Requires a flat surface, limiting walk-around or street magic use
Brass shells are heavier than traditional walnut shells, which may take getting used to
Tutorial lacks a fully fleshed-out routine, requiring performers to develop their own

Effect

The Shell Game is a modern take on the classic three-shell routine, where a small ball (or "pea") is placed under one of three shells. The magician mixes the shells, and the audience tries to track the ball’s location—only to find it has vanished, reappeared, or even changed color. The effect combines deception, sleight of hand, and audience interaction, making it a versatile and engaging piece of close-up magic.

Full Details

The Shell Game set includes:

Three brass turtle-shell props (instead of traditional walnut shells) with an antique finish.
Five yellow silicone peas (for standard play) and three red cotton peas (enabling color changes).
A 20-minute tutorial covering essential moves, steals, and a basic routine.

The shells are designed with a subtle feature that allows the magician to convincingly show a shell as empty even when the pea is hidden underneath. This enhances deception without relying on magnets or gimmicks. The set is built for durability, with solid brass construction that ensures longevity.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Beginners looking for an accessible yet classic magic routine.
Close-up performers who want a compact, angle-proof trick for table work.
Collectors who appreciate high-quality, heirloom-grade props.
Street magicians (with a stable surface) due to its historical roots in street hustling.

Difficulty

The Shell Game is beginner-friendly but benefits from practice to refine smoothness and misdirection. The tutorial covers fundamental moves, but performers may need additional resources for advanced routines. The brass shells have a slight weight adjustment period, but reviewers note the learning curve is manageable.

What Magicians Say

Fiddlin Jonny calls it "one of the best on the market," praising the heirloom quality and tutorial’s focus on technique.
Magic Orthodoxy highlights the "unseen feature" that aids deception, noting it’s ideal for table performances but not walk-around.
Nique Tan appreciates the design but stresses the importance of routining: "The moves themselves are not difficult, but the routine is key."
Monster Magic Shop describes it as a "modern twist" with a clever empty-shell display, ideal for magicians shifting away from gambling-themed presentations.
EverythingMagicPro recommends it for beginners, citing the turtle-shell design’s advantages for sleight of hand.

The Shell Game is widely praised for its craftsmanship and practicality, making it a strong choice for performers seeking a timeless effect with modern refinements.

What people are saying about The Shell Game

EverythingMagicPro99 says...

The design makes some of the sleights even more easy and some of the displays even more deceptive than any other kind of three-shell game set.

fiddlinjonny says...

The Shell Game from TCC Magic impresses with top-notch props, and I love how well it works on various surfaces. The shells are beautiful and feel like an heirloom piece.

magicorthodoxy says...

The set is not gaffed but cleverly designed with a subtle, unseen feature that provides the performer with 'secret knowledge' to facilitate the magic.

monstermagicshop says...

A standout feature is the ability to show an empty shell even when the pea is genuinely underneath, a move surprisingly easy to master.

niquetan says...

The shells have a clever feature allowing for the illusion of an empty shell while secretly concealing a ball. This is a significant advantage over other shell sets.