It's more memorization work of what goes where. At first it's a bit confusing to learn because I was always wondering about the condition of what is where.

It's pretty darn simple though, I'd say if I would rate it a 1-10 and 10 being the hardest skill-wise I would give this a 3.

I would say the skill level is for a knowledgable beginner, at least for one move. Other than that, the demo video didn't show the actual routine, but mainly the reactions of spectators. This left me wondering, so I Googled it and found full demos of it elsewhere, and it confirmed what I had thought it was. The moves and gimmick were so obvious to me in the demos, even though one handling was at a good rapid pace. Maybe to the layman, it would play different - after all, magicians are always looking for that something other.

That's about right.

The move is supposed to cause suspicion in the routine because of how it's presented.

I agree with Blindside785's assessment of skill level required. The moves are very straightforward and well taught if you are not familiar with them already. The challenge is to become fluent with the sequence of the routine, which just takes a some thought and practice. In my opinion, this is a high impact, very visual effect that requires minimum pocket spaces and is immediately reset. Garrett and Kozmo have done a great job with this effect, strongly recommended!

The physical skill required on a scale of 1 to 10 is a 1. However, there is timing invovled. Not misdirection, but a pace that allows the trick to look magical. That is why the DVD is valuable and and this might be hard to appreciate for some in written instructions. This is a great piece of magic. It is possible a full demo was not posted because repeated viewings might allow a magician to reverse engineer the trick. In this case I think that is fair as no questionable claims about the trick are made in the as copy (the audience "sees" this but what actually happens is vastly different). It is a trick you will have to purchase on the strength of the creator and the posts of people whose opinion you trust. I really only post about tricks I like but that is becuase I think 90% or more of what is offered and hawked on these boards it terrible and unfortunatly many of the positive posts come from friends or other creators supporting each other's work. This is an extremely entertaining practical piece of magic for lay people.

This is printed in Mandolin Backs, correct?

It is in Mandolin backs but it is easy to switch to using any brand you want.

Hmmm. I'll try this out, since everyone is raving about how great it is. But after watching the DVD, I have a hard time believing that people won't catch on to what's going on. It's so discrepant that it's hard to believe this really flies. But I'll work it up and try it nonetheless, out of faith in Mr. Thomas.

I never do this an if asked to take it down I will but

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ964vnlql0

The pace of the trick and the mixing of Monte with Wild Card is what makes it work.

Garrett Thomas is one of the best magicians in the old and this effect will go down as a classic, it's that good. Everywhere Garrett does this it just kills...buy itnor don't buy it, it's up to you but this just KILLS!

I remember when this first came out. I loved it then and like it even more now. As everyone has said, the old written instructions were a bit confusing but the DVD included in the updated version is miles ahead and makes learning this GREAT routine very simple. I appreciate advanced sleight of hand but the simplicity and direct nature of this effect is what draws me to it. And it has some incredibly visual sequences and a lot of entertainment value for the audience. To me it combines the completely fair look of Mike Skinner's version (with even more openness as the gaffs are different) and the punch ending of Color Monte. Exceptional magic that you will use. Highly recommended.

Jonathan Brown

I love this trick! It is tons of fun without making the spectator the "victim". GT discusses the discrepant things on the DVD and explains why they work. I like his style of teaching and he seems like the kind of guy I'd have a beer with.

Nice work Xcath1!

Thanks puggo

Good job Xcath1!

This is a definite worker and fun to do.

Good job Xcath!
I will be uploading a performance soon

Kyle

Thanks Kyle and Jazzy, look forward to seeing others

Great job, I enjoyed the spectator's responses. I have also been performing this recently and found that pacing is critical with this routine. Thanks for posting your video, it was great.

I don't post a lot but Stand Up Monte is now one of my favorite tricks to perform. Its gotten great reactions and the magic happens so quickly in the spectators hands. I Highly recommended this trick