The History of Magic: The World's Greatest Card Cheat

Daniel Roy2 minutes read

Canada Bill Jones was a successful three card monty hustler during the American Civil War, but he lost all his wealth and died penniless at 40 due to his gambling addiction. Pharaoh, a game similar to blackjack, allows the dealer to manipulate the deck to secure the house's advantage, showcasing the importance of caution when playing against the house.

Insights

  • Canada Bill Jones was a skilled three card monty hustler during the American Civil War, using tactics like bending a card's corner to deceive players and win big, ultimately losing his fortune due to gambling addiction.
  • Pharaoh, a game akin to blackjack, allowed dealers to manipulate outcomes by selecting specific cards, showcasing the house's advantage and advising caution for players against such tactics.

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Recent questions

  • What was Canada Bill Jones known for?

    Three card monty hustler during the American Civil War.

  • What strategy did Canada Bill Jones use in three card monty?

    Bending the corner of the queen of diamonds.

  • How did Canada Bill Jones lose his wealth?

    Playing the crooked game of pharaoh.

  • What is the game of pharaoh similar to?

    Blackjack.

  • How did the dealer manipulate the game of pharaoh?

    By locating and dealing specific cards to ensure players lose.

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Summary

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Canada Bill Jones: Three Card Monty Mastermind

  • Canada Bill Jones was a renowned three card monty hustler during the American Civil War, winning $150,000 in one year, equivalent to over $5 million today.
  • Three card monty involves two identical aces of clubs and a money card, with players betting on the location of the money card after shuffling.
  • Canada Bill's strategy involved bending the corner of the queen of diamonds, tricking players into betting on the wrong card.
  • Canada Bill, a gambling addict, popularized the phrase "the only game in town" while playing the crooked game of pharaoh, losing all his wealth and dying penniless at 40.
  • Pharaoh, a game similar to blackjack, involves players betting on cards dealt by the dealer, with the first card being the losing card and the second the winning card.
  • The dealer in pharaoh can manipulate the game by locating and dealing specific cards to ensure players lose, taking advantage of pairs to secure the house edge.
  • The dealer demonstrates how to manipulate the deck to ensure pairs are dealt, showcasing the house's advantage in pharaoh and emphasizing caution when playing against the house.
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