Fast & Loose

The School for Scoundrels Chains

The School for Scoundrels  provides two types of chain for the ancient swindle Fast and Loose , which is also known as On the Barrelhead , or the Endless Chain . Both chains are made from the same heavy steel French Rope design chain. One is plated in nickel, the other in heavy gold plate--the same weight of plating used in the finest quality costume jewelry. Each chain includes a handsome black suede carrying bag.

          The French Rope design is best for several reasons. It flows more smoothly than either ball chain or flat link chain and is thus less likely to snarl or tangle. The design is much more confusing to the eye than either bead, ball, or flat link chain--thus making it even more difficult for the astute observer to follow the lay of the chain. Since our chain is made of steel, it has a heavier feel than chains made of aluminum or other light metals. It looks and feels like expensive jewelry, and it will not rust or tarnish. The finish will stand up to years of performance.

         For the discriminating performer, we highly recommend either our nickel-plated or gold-plated French Rope chains. The gold is wonderful for formal close-up situations and corporate work, while we highly recommend the nickel for festival, fair and street work. These are provided in the standard five foot lengths of endless rope, or in custom lengths if desired. For certain chain patterns, such as Fred Lowe's Flower Pattern , or George Blake's Double Figure Eight as used in Mark DeSousa's Chain Gang , a six or seven foot length may be desired. These can be ordered as custom items from the School for Scoundrels.

We also provide matching knots of either gold or nickel which can be used for the final bit in which a knot is tied in the chain and allowed to roll off and then drop to the table. When the spectators examine the knot, it is an endless loop of chain itself.

The School for Scoundrels Chain

Gold Chain


Nickel Chain


Nickel and Gold Knots

Flat Link and Ball Chains


French Rope Chain


Flat Link Chain  


Ball Chain

  The pictures above illustrate how the layout of the flat link and ball chains are much easier for the spectator's eyes to follow. We recommend the French Rope design because it is much less likely to to snarl or kink, and because it is more difficult for the eye to follow the lay of the chain. The ball chain has a tendency to roll out of position once it is thrown. The French Rope and Flat Link chains are much better behaved, but the French Rope has the other distinct advantages mentioned above.

For reviews of our chains for Fast and Loose , click here.

For excerpts from the School for Scoundrels Notes on Fast and Loose , click here.

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