In the last few months my routine has been moving towards a continuous 3 shell game, instead of the classic Vernon presentation. I've incorporated the "2 none 2" and the "3 gather in the middle" sequences into the routine and tried my best to make them seem logical in the context of an increasingly complex 3 shell game. Does anyone know any books or material I could look into that might have additional sequences that may be adaptable to a routine like mine? I would appreciate any input. I'm just trying to craft a routine that doesn't require my usual "i place the ball into the hand" patter and involves more audience participation and guessing by audience members as to the location of the balls.

Rob Jackson

Just a side note, a big thank you to Industrial Strength Magic for my Phoenix cups I bought. They are my first "real cups" and I love them.

You may want to experiment with using mini sponge balls instead of crochet balls.

That way you'd actually be able to pull off a half-way decent steal (like one would with a shell and pea)

to lern cups and sponge balls JOHNNY PAUL routine is very good source.

You're preachin' to the converted brother ahumada!

I know man, my advice was for rob jackson.

Don't get me wrong here. There basically are no rules. However, if you are presenting the three shell game as a gambling routine, then you should stay away from doing magical things with it. If you are presenting it as a magic trick, that's a whole nother story.

Whit Haydn has some excellent thoughts on this.

Also, remember if it gets too confusing, then it ceases to be magic.