Meir’s Muses
MyMagic eNewsletter #1,075
January 21, 2023
Phil Cass’ Three Shell Game routine is considered the best. Today I am releasing his routine as a download. On the video Phil explains that the mechanics of the routine are based on Gary Ouellet’s Supershells which appears in the Masters Of Magic book I just published: HERE
Watch the second half of the routine: HERE
The first thing I did after deciding to release Phil’s routine was contact the School For Scoundrels who releases the best Shell Game props in the world. Below you will see their Pro Street Shells, the Perfect Peas, and the stage version that does not use any sleight of hand.
►Pea & Shell Game:
Phil Cass is one of the leading performers in Australia. This video features Phil performing and explaining his Pea & Shell Game routine that is widely considered as one of the best Shell Game routines ever created.
Commonly referred to as the Shell Game, it is a magical routine based on the classic con game using three walnut shells and one small pea. The mark tries to guess which shell the pea is under, and they always lose. Phil has made this the mainstay of his close-up work for many years and those willing to study his presentation, technique and timing will have a complete 20-minute act added to their repertoire.
Watch and buy: HERE
The School For Scoundrels props have many advantages over all other versions, there are many tweaks built in that make them superior to all others. What we are offering are the latest and improved versions of the shells. Even the custom-made peas are perfect and come with matching solid peas so you can hand everything out for examination.
►Professional Street Shells:
If you ever wanted to do the three-shell game routine, you must purchase a set of these shells, that were designed by Chef Anton. These are the new and improved versions that used a new mold, new texture, and a new walnut-like color.
The new Street Shells design solves all the known issues with the original design and color (which were considered the best at the time). These have an increased height and grip and are the best on the market. Each shell includes little-known features such as the Chanin Dip that when used with the Perfect Peas (included) allow them to work smoothly on any surface — even glass or marble.
Get one: HERE
►Perfect Peas:
These are not just called perfect peas; they are perfect peas. If you currently perform your own routine and do not use these, you are missing out on what it is like to use peas that are manufactured specifically for this routine.
The Perfect Peas are made of an injection-molded polymer and are perfectly smooth and uniform. They are a bright green color that looks like fresh peas. They are washable and never lose their grip. They will work fine on any type of surface — even glass or marble.
The set includes Working Peas and Straight Peas which are solid and can be handed out for examination.
Get one: HERE
►Professional Jumbo Shells:
Also known as the Trade Show Shells, these are the new and improved set of stage-size shells and peas that were designed by Chef Anton and Pop Haydn (not the older version you can find at some magic shops). They are gimmicked to work using a similar system as a chop cup which makes them practically self-working.
They are hand-painted, virtually indestructible and are made of hard resin. You can perform a traditional shell game with a hard, 1 3/4″ pea, and yet the effect is all mechanical — there’s no sleight-of-hand required.
Now you can perform The Jumbo Shell Game on stage, on the street, at trade shows, parlor, and other venues where before it was not possible!
Watch and buy: HERE
►Countdown Coins:
Many years ago, Rocco came up with a coin gimmick that can be used to display four US Quarters while instantly changing to three Quarters, then two, and finally one Quarter, it can also be shown in reverse, going from one to four Quarters. The displays can be made one handed which allows for a very clean in the hand’s coins across.
The utility device can be used for many different routines, both stand-up and close-up. The tutorial includes easy, intermediate, and advanced coin routines that are taught by Rocco Silano, Dr. Michael Rubinstein, and Meir Yedid. You will learn several coins across routines, a multiplying coins sequence, a vanishing coins sequence, a quickie where four Quarters turn into ten Dimes, and much more.
Watch and buy: HERE
Stay happy, Meir
PS: Jack Chanin always told me that he was the first to use the shell game as a magic routine. Is that true? He also referred to others that published his moves as gonifs!
“Remember, the audience is seeing this for the first time… and doesn’t know what is to come.”
…Gary Ouellet (Camirand Academy’s Masters Of Magic Series, 2022).