Hi

I was just wondering where the word 'monte' comes from and what it means. I have been learning my first 3 card monte routine and was just wondering if it was a gambling term or maybe it just means routine?

Also - I'm assuming that it is pronounced as in 'Monte Carlo', am I right?

Cheers

Bilz

Yes, it is pronounced Mawn-Tee just like the Monte in Monte Carlo.

It is based on a card game in which two cards are chosen from four laid out faceup and a player bets that one of the two will be matched in suit by the dealer before the other one.

The word 'monte' is reputed to derive from an old Spanish gambling game played with 45 cards. However, I can't find any explanation of why that card game was so called. Supposedly it comes from the word for mountain. Your guess is as good as mine as to why a card game should be named after a mountain.

Huw

Thanks guys - at least I know I'm saying it right even if I need a little more practice with the cards

Cheers

Bilz

The mountain term came from the cards being bent "tent-like" during the original scam.

Blessings,

The School for Scoundrel Notes on Three Card Monte is excellent, by the way. It has an extensive history of the game as well as clear explanations of various aspects of the scam. I think it is definitely worth the money. And, as I recall, there was no conclusion in that work, either, about where the name came from. I like David Kennedy's explanation, although some people think the game began in France...so the Spanish is a bit baffling. I guess we will have to wait for the Masked Magician to reveal this closely held secret.