Why was I not aware of this routine?

A small box with three switches on it and a light bulb. The performer shows switches 1 and 3 do nothing and that 2 switches on the light. When the spectator tries. It is light number 3.

The spectator can never get it correct.

There is no invisible moves or hidden switches. Everything is above board.

It's not much of an effect or a scam but it's a hell of a lot of fun.

It works via de Bruin or Gray's code (not sure which is which).

Nicholas...As with most everything, this is a very old effect. The lights and switches are not gaffed. It's just the order you turn the switches on and off is what makes this work.

Oh yes- I'm aware of the method. (c***** c******) I'd just never heard of it before.

Does anyone know that name of the box?

Wellington switch board?

It's very similar but the one I saw looks more like a monte. Three switches and one bulb rather than four switches and four bulbs.

Three Button MONTE by Suds

http://www.thetrickery.com/full/Exclusiv......5576.htm

or

http://cgi.ebay.com/Betcha-Lite-Box-Mont......05e7abd9

In todays world of remote control TVs, DVD players, etc does anyone really find this as a viable effect?

I can see nothing magical or mystical about this at all. However that is just me. It may work for some.

I agree - weak magic but a certainly has a lot of potential for a con game routine.

The essence of a con game as a demonstration is the clarity, simplicity and fairness of the challenge. If you want to make Fast and Loose entertaining, you should start by looking at the real game and what it would take to make a spectator want to bet. If he wants to bet, he is interested and hooked on the presentation.

Anything that takes away from his willingness to bet detracts from the entertainment value of the exhibition. For example, a Fast and Loose layout with three or four loops is going to increase the complexity and odds against the spectator, therefore reducing his willingness to bet actual money, and reducing his interest in the game correspondingly. One wants the sucker to think that he is always just on the cusp of figuring it out, not feeling hopeless and confused.

I don't think anyone would ever bet on this type of con game as it obviously gives too much control to the operator, even if we have no idea what that control might be...

This electronic monte might be an interesting novelty, but never a real con or a believable exhibition of a real con.

I agree - it's not a real con game or a particular good magic trick.

I see it is as fun, entertaining piece to drop between other games when running bunko booths etc.

With proper routining, you could certainly get the spectator the feel of being 'on the cusp of figuring it out'.

It is most certainly a puzzle and a novelty, but I really feel like it could be entertaining in the right hands.