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The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » If right you win, if wrong you lose... » » 3 Shell Game in Restaurants...Anyone do this? (0 Likes) Printer Friendly Version

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James Harrison
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Hey fellas,

I'm curious if anyone does this. I mean I love the 3 shell game, but for some reason I haven't brought myself to perform it in the restaurants I work in.

I have no problems moving drinks out the way to perform it, I'm just wondering if anyone else performs the shells for people in restaurants.
Whit Haydn
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I have, many times--back in the seventies and early eighties when I worked for restaurants. The shell-game goes over very well, and audiences, even kids, love it.

You have to make sure that both your audience and the management know that you are not playing for money, but rather demonstrating how sleight-of-hand can be used for nefarious purposes. It is extremely important, but also fairly easy to avoid any misunderstandings.

Love to hear if anyone else has used the shell game in this situation.
James Harrison
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Well, I can't get much more endorsement to do the shells now.


Thanks Whit!
Leeman
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I am currently learning Super Shells by Gary Ouellet and really enjoy the effect. the only problem is that for the finale you need a clay saucer, glass bowl, and shot glass.

What routines do you use for restaurant work and more spicifically what is the climax?
Also do you use some type of mat when you perform the routine? If not how do you keep the shell from hitting the table and making noise if you load or steal the pea from a covered shell?
Whit Haydn
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My ending is that I put an empty shell in the spectator's closed fist. Using just two shells, I hide the pea and mix them around. The pea is gone--not under either shell--and appears under the shell in the spectator's hand. This is shown using the Street Shells on Bob Sheet's video, and is made even simpler and more convincing using the Magnetic Street Shells or Golden Shells.

I do not use a mat. With the Golden Shells and the Street Shells, and using a Perfect Pea, there is no sound on glass, wood, or marble when the pea goes in or out. This is because of the Chanin Dip and other design features.
James Harrison
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Right now I'm happy performing with the Black Fox shells. though I'm in the process of ordering the perfect peas from the school for scoundrels website. (Have to have money before you order kind of process)


I played with Bob's La Maggoire shells, and I loved Black Fox's.

Black Fox's shells aren't 'better', just the Fox's work for me.

thanks again for the info Whit.

Any chance you performing in the Toronto area any time soon?
Whit Haydn
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The Black Fox Shells are very beautiful, and work just great on a mat. Though they are not designed to work on a hard surface, with a light touch and a lot of practice, they can also be used this way.

Most, but not all, of the sets currently on the market can be used on a hard surface, if enough time and work is put into it.

I have used several of his sets, and think they are fine products, and especially enjoyed Bob Sheet's patter with the Scarab Shells.
ASW
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I've done the shells in restaurants (and trade shows). They go over very well in any situation. (I'm more of a card guy, so don't ask me to do the shells for you if we meet - I get noivous!).

Actually, when I did the shells in restaurants, I used the Golden Shells, since the mat is not necessary. But those suckers are heavy and really weigh down your pockets, lol.

When I first saw the Golden Shells, I thought; "No way. How do you justify using these?" Anyway, Bob Kohler showed me his set and sold me on using them as a draw in trade shows. They really do stand out (especially on a Dean Dill pad) and scream "success!!!". He was right. I was wrong.

In fact, I came up with some opening patter that ends with a gag about using gold shells that totally explains/justifies them to laymen. If you think I'm gonna post it here - you're nuts! (Pun intended). I shared it with Bob, though. Nyah, nyah, nyah...

Seriously, I love the shells. I have done ever since I saw Phil Cass do his "real" routine on Aussie TV when I was a kid. Talk about excitement! I have four or five sets, and I'll probably collect more. Got the Pinard set last year and they're terrific if you have bigger hands.

cheers
Andrew

PS. Whit - I'll email you that patter bit.
Whenever I find myself gripping anything too tightly I just ask myself "How would Guy Hollingworth hold this?"

A magician on the Genii Forum

"I would respect VIPs if they respect history."

Hideo Kato
Whit Haydn
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Andrew, please do. Hope everything is good.
James Harrison
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Actually, Bob gave me the greatest patter for the Turtle shells by Black Fox.


I've been telling it ever since. (With Bob's permission of course)
nalu_magic
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I do the shells in table hopping settings at resturants, parties, and especially luaus here in Hawaii...too bad I can't find mini coconuts Smile

I use Whit's Street Shells and they are FABULOUS! I also use parts of Bob Kohler's routine and parts of Super Shells. I haven't seen Bob Sheet's video yet but have heard great things about his aquitment.

Thanks for the great shells, Whit!
Whit Haydn
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Quote:

On 2004-01-20 11:45, nalu_magic wrote:
I do the shells in table hopping settings at resturants, parties, and especially luaus here in Hawaii...too bad I can't find mini coconuts Smile

I use Whit's Street Shells and they are FABULOUS! I also use parts of Bob Kohler's routine and parts of Super Shells. I haven't seen Bob Sheet's video yet but have heard great things about his aquitment.

Thanks for the great shells, Whit!



Actually, Chef and I use a whole section of comedy patter in our routine about the original shell game being done by Neanderthals with coconut shells/pebbles. The original shell game was "The One Shell Game," etc.

Get in touch with Black Fox. A set of miniature coconut shells would be right up his alley. He might consider either putting out such a set, or making one for you.
doug brewer
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I think the coconut shells idea is hilarious. I already want a set (though I'm not sure how you'd get the "coconut hair" on the shell). I've used Black Fox turtle shells (lots of jokes with these), the Street Shells, and the La Maggoire shells (settling on these), though I use all of them occassionally.

As mentioned above, the shell game works great just about anywhere, and in restaurants. Sometimes I'll do it "by request" so I don't have to carry them to every table or location in the bar I go. That way if you feel you need a pad you can get it from your case when needed.

Doug Brewer
San Diego, CA
nalu_magic
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Thanks for the tips, Whit. I love your patter about Neanderthals using coconuts and pebbles. May I use this idea of yours to come up with suitable island patter? Thanks for sharing.
Whit Haydn
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Sure. We will be releasing our routine eventually, anyway. BTW, the idea came from a Gary Larson cartoon. "Throg's One Shell Game never worked quite as well as he had hoped..."
Sean Macfarlane
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Hi Whit, I'm curious if the spectators anticipate the ending of your shell routine before you reveal the pea in their hand? That ending sounds great but wonder about how you justify a spectator holding a shell inside their closed fist without them anticipating that that's where the pea will eventually end up? Cheers

Sean
James Harrison
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I've found that Bob's patter for the pea ending up in their hand justifies what you are doing.


Plus with a trick like that, once you lift the shell and the pea isn't there, the anticipation of the pea ending up in the hand of the spectator is pretty enjoyable to watch.
Erik Anderson
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I've used the School for Scoundels Golden Shells in a very upscale restaurant that I worked for a couple of years. What can I say that hasn't already been said. The classy look of the Golden Shells is certainly a great plus in a fine restaurant (plus ya gotta love not needing a mat). Suffice it to say...the're gold! They pack small, they play big, and they always get a great reaction.

A word of warning to my fellow thimbleriggers... BEWARE the EVIL thin tablecloth or DREADED sliding paper placemat that you find lurking in some restaurants. They will really cramp your style.

By the way, Whit...

You will be happy to know that perserverence has paid off. A little while back I confided to you my difficulty with the Street Shells having learned on the Golden Shells. Well, as of yesterday (after much practice) I had a breakthrough with my handling of the Street Shells. I was able to work them as smoothly as I ever did the heavier golden ones (which are still my favorites).

On the other hand, the Street Shells let me do a REALLY nifty variation of one of Chanin's moves (doing the dirty work while holding all 3 shells between the fingers of one hand). The lighter Street Shells make this move much easier. Anyway, thank you for your words of encouragement. I'm a happy grifter. Smile

Hmmm...if I could just find an adjustable height table suitable for trade show or street...with a nice lip, a reversable working surface, and a carry case...AHEM!...where EVER could I find such a thing?!? (Was that over the top?)
Erik "Aces" Anderson

"I never let my schooling get in the way of my education." ~ Mark Twain

http://www.acesanderson.com
bishthemagish
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I have done the three shell game in restaurants for many years. I do not have the patter story the way that a lot of magicians seem to like to do this effect Many magicians like to do sort of a patter story like the card trick color monte.

I learned that the spectators like to guess. So I feel that you can let them guess but when and if they are wrong remember to do in in a nice way.

I do it on a close up mat because I know my close up mat is a clean surface to do it on. I have done it on the table but if you perform after the meal the table often is a mess.

I use a soft sponge pea. Not a hard pea.

Also I have noticed that if I do not do the shells for one evening at the restaurant (at that time as I do not do restaurants anymore) and I would pull out the cups for the cups and balls often a spectator would say "the old three shell game" when the cups come out.

Best ahead,

Glenn Bishop
http://www.mrhypnotist.org
Glenn Bishop Cardician

Producer of the DVD Punch Deal Pro

Publisher of Glenn Bishop's Ace Cutting And Block Transfer Triumphs
Ollie1235
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Which shells work best?
Golden Shells or some of the others suggested?
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » If right you win, if wrong you lose... » » 3 Shell Game in Restaurants...Anyone do this? (0 Likes)
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