How to Beat Three Card Monte Scams

You've probably seen it before--a dealer sits behind a cardboard box, shuffling three cards, a crowd gathering at his elbows. You may have played before, but you've probably not won. A very high number of three card monte dealers are less than legitimate, and they use all kinds of tricks. The best way to avoid getting beat by the dealer? Just say no.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Watch the hands. A common trick in three card monte is to do a little very easy card work that a player can follow, then distract the player for a split second, long enough to do another switch. Remember, if you don't follow the card the WHOLE way, you won't know which one's got the queen, or whatever you're looking for.
2. See the money up front. A lot of three card monte dealers rope in players without having any cash on hand. If they win, you hand over the money. If you win, they're broke. The street isn't a casino. Ask the dealer to show you some green before the game begins.
3. Spot shills. The dealer will often enlist some friends or 'colleagues' to help him/her play a more complicated game. The shill will pretend to be a stranger, a regular player who is "winning." Legitimate players (naive ones) are attracted to the winnings of this shill, and get themselves into the game, but they don't tend to do as well.
4. Decline offers of easy money. As stated above, the best way not to lose is not to play at all. Averting eye contact, walking by quickly, and other city-savvy mannerisms will help you out.
5. Don't get left holding the bag. A last resort of a dealer is to quickly hand the player anything, such as a bag or an umbrella, to keep that person standing next to him as the hard sell goes on. When a player attempts to leave, the dealer shouts "You've got my stuff!" simulating a theft. Don't get caught up in this; the crook may try to shove something into your arms. Push it away forcefully and move on. The dealer may also attempt to hand you money. Don't take it: the "free money" angle is just a complicated ploy to get you emotionally involved in your own fleecing.