Three Card Monte is one of the most brilliant cons ever invented and it's been with us in various forms ever since just about 1500. For over half a millennium, Three Card Monte has been bilking wise guys around the world and has enjoyed great success in that endeavor. (WIKI: Three Card Monte)
So of course it comes to New York City.
You, the Out-of-Towner in NYC are the Mark. One or more Shills may support the dealer in the con but the hallmark is the Dealer never pays out anything although he's brilliant at making you think he's making a mistake and you can take him.
One of our number did get hustled by them at one time in NYC but there's no reason to be feeling particularly terrible about that when they have been perfecting the con for all these centuries; you really never had a chance.
The way the game works is one of those three cards is the Money Card, often the Queen of Hearts, and your job is to keep track of it while the dealer moves these three cards around his cardboard table. That sounds easy but it's supposed to sound easy.
However, you have no chance since the con works by misdirection. The card you're trying to follow probably isn't the Money Card due to sleight of hand when the Dealer originally placed the cards on the box. When he has a card in one hand and the other two cards in his other hand, it's easy for the Dealer to throw the top or bottom card from the second two cards. There's almost no chance you will spot the Dealer doing it.
Just give him your money since he's going to con all of it from you if he can keep the con alive for long enough with you.
Other than that, how do you like The City so far?
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