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This book leans more towards gambling demonstrations than traditional magic. The initial chapters focus heavily on variations of the game Nim, along with a section detailing various verbal swindles often employed to mislead someone during transactions. Personally, I found the sections on the Endless Chain (also known as Loopy Loop or Chain of Chance) and the Three Shell Game to be the highlights. The Endless Chain segment serves as an excellent guide for showcasing this swindle using just a loop of chain. Meanwhile, the Three Shell Game section features a solid routine by Karl Norman, which also inspired Harrison Carroll’s manuscript. I recommend seeking it out if you can. Additionally, this series includes three other titles: Gambling Tricks With Cards Parts One and Two, and Gambling Tricks with Dice.

Contents

1. Introduction: part of a four-part series on gambling tricks (Cards Pt 1, Cards Pt 2, Dice)

3. Various Games and Swindles, Special Gambling Devices, Proposition Bets: These bets always favor the performer, even if they don’t seem to at first. On the Barrelhead: Introduction to the “Endless Chain” and the “Loopy Loop” figure 8 swindle.

26. The Three Shell Game: A poetic exploration.