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Whether you are simply curious, an avid card player, or someone interested in dabbling in the darker side of poker, Cheating At Texas Hold'em will be one of the most interesting and enlightening contributions to your game. In these pages you will encounter an unprecedented collection of research and innovation - a comprehensive project exploring the true threats specific to the modern texas hold'em table. Join sleight-of-hand/gambling expert John B. Born as he details exactly how cheating works, how to detect it, and how to prevent it.

Cheating At Texas Hold'em pushes far beyond the basics, featuring many progressive cheating techniques and scams that have never seen print. Along with these, you will find modern applications and insights into the more familiar approaches (published as early as the 15th century) that have held their place in the cardsharp's repertoire. Cheating At Texas Hold'em is a must have for the serious poker player. For less than it costs to play one hand, you can ensure a fair game by knowing what they know. Just a few of the topics include:

Bob's 3 Shell Boot Camp

After years of teaching the three shell game to magicians all over the world at conventions, lectures, and workshops, I am absolutely convinced THIS is the best and quickest way for anyone to master the three shell game!

Here's how this amazing system works.  Simply use my "One Minute Workout" as a drill.  Do it fifteen times in a row, twice a day.  In three weeks or less you'll automatically acquire the skill set (steals, loads, shows, and acquitments) you need to do everything I can do with the shells.  And I mean EVERYTHING!  It's that simple.

Much of the material on the DVD is explained and taught by "Private" Glenn Morphew of Chicago.  Glenn was the first guy to ever put my system to the test to see how well it would work.  (And he mastered it in just 8 days)  First, I'll show you how I perform "The One Minute Routine" and then explain the drill sequence.  Then Glenn takes you through the necessary drills and teaches the routine in detail.  Birds eye and performers view put everything in your grasp.

I am dead serious.  If you drill the "One Minute Workout" exactly like I say, you'll be using one of the most powerful learning methods on the planet..."Spaced Repetition."  This approach quickly and systematically gives you the necessary reps to hone the skill set required to master this or any other three shell routine in existence!  You'll even be able to put together your own routine like Glenn did.  It's that good!

When you're finished you'll have a polished demonstration routine you can show and fool anyone with.  Any of the routines you have ever wanted to learn are now possible after you complete the boot camp. 

Okay, it's time to get started.  Now drop and give me 20!  (or at least 15 twice a day)

Complete with Bottle Caps, School for Scoundrels Perfect Peas, and Basic Training Instructional DVD

Roscoe's Smoky Mountain Shagbarks

Three DVD Special - Save $25 - $100 

You get the three latest DVDs served up by Chef Anton for one low price.  The special includes:  The Close-Up Magic of Chef Anton, Chef Anton Live at Soapy Smith Night, as well as the award-winning Pool Hustler's Handbook.

No DVD collection is complete without these three DVDs.

DVD - The Close-Up Magic of Chef Anton - 2 Disc Set - $55 -

DVD - Chef Anton Live at Soapy Smith Night - 2 Disc Set - $35  (Includes FREE Bonus DVD) -

DVD - Chef Anton's Pool Hustler's Handbook - $35 -

Alias Soapy Smith:  The Life and Death of a Scoundrel - $26

In this massive account of the life of his great-grandfather, Jefferson Randolph "Soapy" Smith, Jeff Smith has covered in scrupulous detail not only the career of his remarkable forebear but the fascinating history of conmanship and gambling in the 19th Century American West.  Drawn from unpublished family records and a wealth of primary sources, it is an engrossing tale and a noteworthy addition to the literature of the genre. 

This comprehensive biography of an extraordinary confidence man, gambler, and all-around bad man is set against the carefully researched historical times of the evolving Old West.  Author and great-grandson Jeff Smith spent 25 years researching and writing the life and murderous death of one of the West's most infamous, and some say often unfairly maligned, masters of the criminal arts and natural-born leaders of men.  Was Soapy Smith a "good man"?  This history points to Sometimes.  Was he a "bad man"?  Without doubt, Often.  In this book, from Georgia to Texas, from Denver and the silver and gold boomtowns of Colorado, to Mexico and the Western States to the great Northwest, and to the last frontier, Alaska, you will travel with "Soapy" Smith to his criminal empires and final bold, deadly showdown with vigilantes.

Jim Riser and School For Scoundrels' Chink-A-Chink - $150

This set comes with four solid brass weights as used on Chinese balance scales in the 19th Century. There is also one "shell" weight. The beautiful brass 'antique' weights add a touch of the Old West or the Orient to your performance--it is perfect for any period act, from the 1500's to the present.

Under cover of the hands, the "heavy" weights jump about like snail darters. You will be surprised at the reactions you get with this effect, which makes a nice interlude in any act, but also works well to draw a crowd at a trade show booth. The fast and amazing jumps draw the eye, and the trick can be repeated until the crowd has gathered.

This reproduction of the classic Chink a Chink set is based on the set that Dai Vernon always carried in his close-up case. That set is owned by Whit Haydn, and this new Chink a Chink is an exact replica of Vernon's set.  Includes a DVD routine and explanation performed by Whit Haydn.

"In the Life" with Doc Jon - 3 Disc Set - $55

Join the School for Scoundrels in an amazing weekend with Doc Jon.  Doc has lived an extraordinary life as a dealer, mechanic, crossroader, and card and dice cheat for crime mobs in Las Vegas and Hawaii, as well as for the Yakuza in Japan.

He sits and talks with us for nearly four hours on these 3 DVDs, tellin us his thrilling life story and talking about what it takes to be a successful cheat.  He talks about being busted with a gang for drilling the slots on the floors of Las Vegas casinos, about betrayals and friendships in the world of professional gamblers, and about going to prison for running a juiced dice table in an illegal gambling house for the Mulano Family in Los Angeles.

It is fascinating to hear about this strange life from a man who has really been there, and who has spent time in prison as a result, and was nearly blown up by a car bomb.

He talks about how you develop the moxie to move under fire, and the difference between being a great card handler and a true card cheat.  This is the real deal, and the authenticity and authority of the story is apparent from the very beginning.

He teaches how to handle a deck of cards in a way that won't make a pro grimace.  He shows some never before published cheating moves and some advanced handling and nuances on some classics.  He explains chip stealing moves as well as card handling.  He talks about what is actually useful and important and tips his method for marking and re-sealing a deck of cards for Blackjack.  A great unpublished version of the Mexican Turnover is also shown.

This is a fascinating and gripping story filled with humor and danger, and remarkable "real world" feel.  This is a rare glimpse into a life to which few ever get a peek.  Doc's story explains how he moved from a young dealer for the house, just looking to learn how to protect his game, to a full-fledged card mechanic, crossroader and dice cheat.

Senior Pitchman's Reunion 2008 - $35

These are snippets from our nearly three hour video "The Senior Pitchman's Reunion." Pop and Magill shot this in November, 2008. It was the occasion of the first annual "Senior Pitchman's Reunion: 60 Years old or better--Fakers Only! No NCLs! No 40 Milers!" at the Boulder Station in Las Vegas.  

The 2 disc DVD set contains interviews with 17 of the worlds's greatest pitchmen--almost three hours of video.

 Many of these men and women are multimillionaires from selling svengali decks, slicers and dicers, knives, mice, squirmies, pens and medicine both in front of live crowds and on television. They tell wonderful tales about the joys and pitfalls of their craft, about the methods and tricks, about what it takes to be a pitchman, about how pitches are crafted and learned, about good delivery and timing and--most of all--about what it means to them and why they live the life of the pitchman. This information is inspiring and helpful not only to potential Svengali or mouse pitchmen, but to anyone who has to gather a crowd, hold their attention and get a certain response from them. The techniques that work for the pitchmen can be applied to almost any performance.

 This is like having a chance to meet many of the best and most successful pitchmen in the world, and have them share with you the secrets to their success.

Instant Card Shark - Alan Bursky

"It's Smart.  It's Commercial.  It's Funny. 

And Alan Bursky has actually figured out a way to cheat at cheating."

-- Jim Steinmeyer

"Buy this routine.  Alan Bursky owes me money."

-- Mac King

Pop Haydn's Sharper Pens - $55

These are wonderful tools for the shell game operator. They can be used in a myriad of ways to enhance a routine, get out of trouble, and fool even the most knowledgeable.

One pen operates as a secret pea dispenser. It can hold four or five peas, and deliver them into the hand secretly one at a time. Simply by using the pen as a pointer, "You want shell number one, two or three?" and shifting it from one hand to another, a pea is easily removed from the opening at the top of the pen and hidden in the hand. This is useful to ring in a second pea, or to restore a pea when one has to be dropped into the pocket or on the floor. It is easy to dump a pea into the breast pocket while removing  the pen from or putting it back into the pocket.

The second pen actually writes and can be held by the spectator. You can give it to them to point to the shell they want--"Nobody touches the shells." In the base of the pen is a powerful magnet. It can be used in a number of ways with our Magnetic Perfect Peas. Holding the pen in writing position, one can pick up any shell that contains a pea, and the pea will stick to the inside of the shell because of the pen's magnet that is touching the top of the back of the shell. The shell can be replaced to the table and the pea left under it, or the pea can be stolen as the shell is put down. This method can even be used to place a "loaded" shell in the spectator's hand, while a second pea is made to disappear under one of the remaining two shells.

This is another fine product from School for Scoundrels, and further ideas for its use can be found on our new DVD on the Shell Game, "The Scoundrels Touch."  Set includes 2 Sharpie Pens, 7 Perfect Peas, and Two Magnetic Peas.

Scoundrels Touch:  Shell Game Volume II

In this two disc Volume II, Chef Anton, Whit Haydn, and Bob Sheets outline their advanced system for the shell game and teach routines complete with patter and alternate endings for walk around, as well as demo the methods used by hustlers to work the scam for money.  The psychology and philosophy of the game are explained and demonstrated.  The advanced system for working the shells that was briefly outlined on Volume I, is here explained in full and seen in operation in live performance videos.

On Disc I, Bob's complete original instructions for handling his Sheets Acquitment and his system for working the shells (Absolutely Nuts) is here amplified and expanded, with new and more detailed explanations and a live performance of the routine for a regular audience in the Magic Castle's Close-Up Gallery.  Bob has added a number of new ideas and deceptive ruses, but more importantly, you see the whole thing up and running.  Whit adds some maneuvers and moves, along with some new devices that make they system unassailable.

On Disc II, Chef Anton performs and explains his own routine.  Whit discusses psychological outs while contrasting two very different live performances in the Magic Castle's Close-Up Gallery of is shell routine.  Incredible video of a street hustler working his craft at a music festival is shown and explained, with Scoundrel Member Giuseppe Aliotta discussing the props and betting cycles used by the contemporary street hustler.  Whit shows how the Maneuvers can be very useful for working with a hand held board.  New shells and props for the game are demonstrated.  Whit and Chef discuss the idea of "Thinking like a Scoundrel" and how it is applied to magic performances.  The Escobar Move is demonstrated along with some variations by Chanin.  Several versions of the Kick Steal are demonstrated. 

Both discs also contain  a number of pdf and other files that can be used as a further resource and several training aids that make learning the moves easier.  All the moves and maneuvers from Vol I are briefly taught here.

Driver's DVD:  Building a Tip, Getting an Edge - $35

This excellent DVD features Zachary Strange and demonstrates how to gather a group of people for busking, street magic.  The information is easy to learn and is concise in delivery. 

  DVD - $35

Don Driver's DVD:  Svengali Pitch - $35

This no frills, short, to the point DVD features the Svengali Pitch.  This routine is proven and easy to learn.  Bonus material includes Magic Fuzzle Pitch and a DVD extra:  The Legendary S. David Walker pitching at the 2005 Wisconsin State Fair.

 

DVD - $35

Green     White

School for Scoundrels "Perfect Peas" Now Available in Green, Red, or White   The School for Scoundrels Perfect Pea is made of an injection-molded polymer and are perfectly smooth and uniform. They are available in three beautiful colors:  a bright green color (like a fresh pea), Pearl White, and Diablo Red.  These colors show up well against almost any mat or performing surface. They are washable and never lose their grip. They will work fine on any type of surface--even glass or marble. These are regarded by most professionals (including Bob Sheets, Lennart Green, Rich Marotta, and Johnny Thompson) as the best peas ever made available for the shell game. Working Peas are used in the performance of the steal and pinch and other moves, Straight Peas are made of hard plastic and will not come out from under the shell--these are switched in or out in order for the spectators to examine them or handle the shells. Set includes five Working Peas and two Straight Peas. For reviews of the Perfect Pea, click here!   School for Scoundrels Magnetic Perfect Peas   These are a brand new item, different from our previous version of magnetic peas. These peas are identical to our ‘Perfect’ working peas in every way—the same sponginess, look, and feel. They are a bright green—just like a real pea—and show up well against most other colors. They will work on any surface, including glass and marble. They are easy to control in the various sleights such as the pinch-palm. They are washable, and never lose their friction—identical to our Perfect Peas in almost every way. However, a tiny rare-earth magnet is contained inside each one. This magnet is about the size of a small finishing-nail head, and can not be noticed even when the pea is squeezed between the fingers. Nevertheless, the magnetic pull is very strong and these work with any magnetic shells such as our Magnetic Golden Shells and Magnetic Street Shells, or with others such as the Bruce Martyn Swindle Shells These peas can work miracles of chicanery when used with a set of magnetic shells, but are useful even with un-gimmicked shells. This is because the performer can place a tiny magnet under the edge of his table, in his pants pocket, or in his tie and have a simple and effective ‘dropper’ for peas. At any time during performance, a pea can be secretly picked up or hidden on the side of the leg, behind the tie, or under the edge of the table. This enables the operator to easily and cleanly get “ahead” by using more than one pea.

 

Perfect Peas - Green - $15   Perfect Peas - Red - $15   Perfect Peas - White - $15

Magnetic Perfect Peas - Green - Set of 2 - $15

Magnetic Perfect Peas - Green - Set of 4 - $25

Magnetic Perfect Peas - Red - Set of 2 - $15

Magnetic Perfect Peas - Red - Set of 4 - $25

Magnetic Perfect Peas - White - Set of 2 - $15

Magnetic Perfect Peas - White - Set of 4 - $25

Jam Auction DVD

Don Driver and Jack Nyberg

This two DVD set contains an entire two-hour Jam Auction from start to finish, including the Chinese Money Trick that draws the crowd all the way to the Dollar for Drinks ending. Jack Nyberg, known as the “Gee-Whiz Kid,” works the jam. Don Driver gives some explanation and terminology, but mainly this is a great chance to see how a jam is set up and run, and how a master qualifies and gets agreement from his marks.

DVD - $49.95

Street Theatre DVD

Award-winning documentary-maker, Peter Shatalow films some of the world’s best Buskers live on the streets for this action packed film. Mixing raw street performance and up-close and personal interviews  the documentary spotlights; Alakazam, Jeff Collins, The Flaming Butterflies, Gazzo, The Coadster, Silver Elvis, Taxi Trix, Chalkmaster Dave,  The Silly People, Michael O'Neil, The Jim Show, Master Lee, Bernadette et Rita, DynaMike, Stitch, Trulee Odd, Aytahn, The Cowguys, Jeff Hill, Aidan Orange, Daisy and Derrick and The Fire Guy. 

100 action packed minutes.

  DVD - $35

 

 

Deacon Dan Shells

Tom learned at a young age how to make shell game from a real con man by the name of Deacon Dan and to this day each shell is hand carved by Tom Bartlett from a genuine American black walnut.

Black walnuts are smaller around than English, they are jut as tall as they are wide, they have a natural texture that makes them the easiest to grip of any shells and require less forward and backwards movement to load and unload, of any shells on the market any where.

English walnuts not being common in the south, the black walnuts may be more like the shells actually used in the south around the Civil War period and ideal for period reenactment.

Each set takes almost four hours of labor to create (a pint of blood in the making of every set). They come with three Tom Bartlett foam peas: two working and one "straight".

The pea has a new twist, the working pea and the non-working pea are almost indistinguishable from one another and are both soft and spongy but the non-working pea stays under the shell so it can be handed out with the shells and the secret will not be discovered.

  - $150

Brass Shells

This is one of our finest set of shells. These are handcrafted for us from Whit's original design by Jurgen J. Maerz of the Platinum Guild International. They are made from solid Brass, and are a joy to behold and to use. They ring beautifully, and have the perfect weight for advanced moves such as the kick steal and shot glass finale.   Although you don’t need Brass Nuts to play this game…but it helps

 

- $250

 

 

Jack Chanin Tribute Shells

These beautiful large shells made by Black Fox especially for School for Scoundrels are nearly identical copies of the large heavy plastic shells that Jack Chanin made and sold. They have a dark, rich finish, and look great. For collectors or performers, these have a wonderful look and feel, and are great for anyone looking for a larger set of shells.

  $65

 

 

6 High Wooden Chop Dice Stacking Cup

These professional cups are hand-crafted to our high expectations.  They fit 6 – ¾” dice and are specifically designed to help make dice stacking easy.  They also contain a hidden magnet making it great for a Chop Cup as well.  Dice Stacking has been Chef Anton’s finale in his close-up act for years.  This is the perfect trade show trick as the sound made by the dice helps to draw a crowd. 

 

$129

 

Chef Anton's Corner Stacked Dice

A wonderful finale for Dice Stacking routines. Chef lets the spectator “stack” the dice, and when the cup is lifted 4 dice are stacked, but stacked standing on their corners. Beautifully made, and very sturdy, this provides a great surprise and strong reaction for ending a routine. 

 

  $50

Sheets Stack

 

This is a brilliant device of Bob Sheets for holding out and secretly delivering a pea. A stack of four poker chips is hollowed out so that it can hide one pea like an invisible fourth shell. The pea and stack are magnetic, so that the pea is easily lifted away with the stack of chips. The pea can be stolen in and out of the stack just like moving a shell. Four magnetic peas are included along with four matching single chips. Whether wanting to hold out a pea without having it in the hand, or whether ringing in and out a second pea, this incredible device makes working the shells a breeze.

 

   $60

 

The "Perfect Pea" Can

   

This is a beautifully made (Viking) Pea Can that comes with five working and five non-working Perfect Peas. The operator can choose a pea out of the handsome corked brass container, and put it away when he is finished. If the spectator wants to “try” his hand at the game, the operator uncorks the brass container and pours out five peas on the table for him to choose from. The working rubber peas have been innocently switched for non-working hard plastic peas.

 

  $25

 

Honest Cheat:  A Comedy Poker Routine - Alan Bursky - $20

This entertaining routine is a must have for anyone who is developing a Gambling Act.  Filled with clear instructions and priceless comedy moments, no library is complete without this booklet.

"I've see Alan Bursky do this routine dozens of times.  It always kills."

- Johnny Thompson

"One of the funniest lines in my show was written for me by Alan Bursky.

I really want to learn this routine."

- Lance Burton

 

  - $20

 

DVD - The Scoundrels Touch

Advanced Shells Technique - Volume 2

This two-disc set teaches the more advanced techniques for the shell game created by Bob Sheets, Whit Haydn, and Chef Anton. This includes all of the essential moves, maneuvers and ruses to work the shells like a master. The system is deceptive, invulnerable and simple to learn. The performer can work the shells with confidence, no matter how closely he is watched and no matter how long he keeps going.

$55

DVD - Pool Hustler's Handbook

This is the video version of the very poplular The Pool Hustler’s Handbook by Chef Anton. Every shot is shown and explained in detail by Chef Anton. These billiard brain teasers can make you look like a pro, and can even win you money like a professional pool hustler, even if you are just a beginner. The DVD also contains some new shots and variations that do not appear in the book.

$35

 

 

DVD - Chef Anton's

Magical Menu of Pool Ball Wizardry

Chef Anton’s award-winning video featuring all of the shots which he has twice won the United States Trick Shot Championships. It is the perfect blend of mind-boggling trick shots, close-up magic, and stand-up comedy.

 On this new DVD, all the shots and their setups are fully explained.

 "The best billiard trick shot video for kids and adults"

—Pool and Billiard Magazine.

$35

 

Gary Frank's Color Changing Knives 

We found a quality knife 2 7/8" long that is perfect for our two or three set color changing knife routine. As a BONUS we are including a copy of Dr. Merrill's Classic Color Changing Knives and Paddle Routines (a $15.00 value!) while supplies last! This is for a limited time and you will be amazed how great this book is for almost any close up effects you perform.

Dr. Merrill's Classic Color Changing Knives and Paddle Routines is a large, 64 page volume, in perfect binding, with a plastic coated, two color board cover. It contains 62 illustrations, most of them unique mirror photographs of Dr. Merrill's hands, showing both what the audience sees and what the performer see. The book represents the work of a lifetime, and it is bound to become a classic. If you have ever saw Dale Merrill demonstrate the knives at a convention, you require no convincing. And, if you didn't see him work, you really missed something. And he told all in this big book. Not only does he explain the basic moves, but also gives many fine effects and routines that have never before been in print. And he discusses all aspects of his art including the psychology of knife effects.

 

  $69.95

 

Black Fox Master Shells 

These large shells are based on the design of the original Chanin Shells. Black Fox has given them the Chanin Dip and a different looking finish. The Chanin Dip on the original Chanin shells is designed for a sponge pea. This set has an increased Chanin Dip designed for use with our Perfect Pea. The Chanin Dip is a slight curve of the bottom of the shell from front to back that allows the pea to move in and out of the shell with no click or bump even on a hard surface

 

  $65

New Shell Game DVD!

Brand New!

"An Introduction to the Shell Game"

Shell Game Series Volume I

Featuring:

  Whit Haydn                                           Bob Sheets

In November of 2004, Bob Sheets, Whit Haydn and Chef Anton combined their original methods for the ancient swindle, the Shell Game, and taught this new system to the School for Scoundrels class at the Magic Castle.

This DVD is far more than an introduction to the game, it is an introduction to a whole new way of looking at the shell game, and a new system for performing the game that is rock solid, unassailable, and easy to learn. You can find large excerpts from this DVD Here under "Shell Game.".

In this, the first installment of a series of DVDs on the shell game, the beginning student is taught an entertaining beginning routine with patter, the basic moves and approaches to the game that make up the system, and given everything necessary to move from complete beginner to an intermediary proficiency in the shell game.

But this is not just for the beginner. Experienced shell game performers will learn invaluable material from this and the following DVDs in this series.

These lessons are not just a rehash of what has been published before, but new and unpublished moves, ruses, and strategies that will change the way the game is played far into the future.

There is over an hour and fifteen minutes of video instruction and over 80 pages of historical information, routines, advanced moves and maneuvers, illustrations and study aids.

Brand New!

The Colorado Silver Shells

This is our finest set of shells. These are handcrafted for us from Whit's original design by Jurgen J. Maerz of the Platinum Guild International. They are made from solid Sterling silver, and are a joy to behold and to use. They ring like Morgan Silver Dollars, and have the perfect weight for advanced moves such as the kick steal and shot glass finale.

These were inspired by the story of Nutshell Jim who won so much money from the silver miners of Creede, Colorado during the 1880's that he had his favorite shell game shells cast in silver. The sheen of the silver shells gliding across the table inflamed the avarice of the miners and cowboys who lost everything they had trying to "follow the little pea."

The beauty and practicality of these wonderful shells combine to create a perfect period piece, a reminder of the time when silver was king, and the miners, gunfighters and gamblers of the old  west filled prosperous and dangerous Colorado towns like Denver, Leadville, and Creede.

These wonderful shells are bound to be valuable collector's items.

Molded from Whit Haydn's hand-carved shells, these feature all the design elements like the Chanin Dip that make our Golden Shells and Street Shells so easy to use on any surface.

They perform like a dream while dressing up any magic show or gambling demonstration, and yet they conform to period requirements for re-enactments, film and other similar productions.

Whit Haydn's The Intricate Web Of Distraction DVD

Whit Haydn's Comedy Four Ring Routine - DVD

DVD and E-book: School for Scoundrels Three Card Monte

It's the Rules - Bob Sheets

Billy McComb Table

Whit Haydn's Killer Epic

Mike Massey's World of Trick Shots

Whit Haydn's The MongolianPop-Knot Video

Casino Dice

The Ideal Ball/Egg Holder

Peas for the Shell Game

School for Scoundrels Table for Close-Up and Street

School for Scoundrels Street Table Bag