I think Stand Up monte is good. However, it needs to be done at a fast pace. There is a also move that needs to be repeated many times, you know the move where there is a discrepancy and I have found that after a while people started to look underneath my hands because they suspected something. The move does fly by and most do not notice, but when you do the secret move over and over, people are not stupid. They start to look more closely and suspect that there is something fishy with the cards. Also, some people are starting to say, Let me see all those cards! It is also a bit hard to remember all the steps which need to be performed in the correct order. So I prefer NFW or Dr. Daleys, or Double Back. Hey. If SUM works for you, good luck. It is too finicky for me. Cheers!

"NFW" and "Stand-Up Monte" are both fine tricks. The latter is more interactive, i.e. your participant is more involved in the magic. Depending on what you're trying to achieve, this could be a good or bad thing. There's also much more to remember with Garrett's routine. I prefer "3" by Steve Valentine, however, the gaffs are more difficult to obtain these days.

I'd also recommend "Plastic Surgery" by Doug Conn as a fun alternative. It has a similar monte sequence to "Stand-Up Monte" (devised by Martin Lewis) and a killer transformation kicker.



I have an alternative, gaff-free handling of both tricks for times when I don't have the special cards with me. Hell, I'll tip my presentational tweak for "NFW"! I present it as a game of imagination (think Max Maven performing "B'Wave"). Rather than using four Aces, I replace the AD with the 10D. I ask each person to imagine that their Joker has transformed into an Ace. When I get to the woman with the 10D, I ask her to visualise a red diamond in the centre of the card. When the card is turned face up, I say, "Wow, you have an overactive imagination! But you're right, one diamond is never enough!" Cue a panicked look from the boyfriend or husband!

Have fun!

Marty

P.S. You can also frame Doc Daley's Last Trick as a gambling demo (hand mucking). I have a few handlings that take advantage of this idea.

I enjoy NFW but remembering the sequence of play for Stand Up Monte, for me is overwhelming. I find I enjoy doing Prohibition Monte over either of them.

I recently learned Stand Up Monte and I've been having a blast just fooling myself in the mirror. Definitely requires a bit of practice but sure does pack a lot magic.

My vote has to go to NFW! It's my favorite trick. Easy to remember, easy to do.

Stand up Monte for me. It’s incredible