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Fast and Loose by Paul Vigil


With hundreds of dollars on the line, you give your audience a 50/50 chance to win it. But you're not worried, you already know what they'll choose. Learn this legendary con game from a master.
Price: $59.95
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"I've performed this routine many times on the streets and Paul's throw techniques were a game changer! A must have for anyone wanting to perform this regularly!" - Grndl

"Speaking as one who has had a long-standing interest in this, and has some serious work on the subject myself, Paul’s handling and approach is some of the very best work on the endless chain that there is. I’m looking forward to seeing this!" - Mark Strivings

"A straight forward approach and great presentation to Fast and Loose." - Adam Goldberg

You hear about “the real work”. This is it!" - Gary Plants

"There's a lot out on the market about Fast & Loose. Paul Vigil shows the real work; now just the how, but more importantly, the why." - Josh Chaikin

"Learning these throws in print can be a bit daunting. The whole idea is that the topology is hard to follow but having the props in hand and following along with Paul in video you'll have this down in minutes!" - Michael Chavez

"The concept is as old as gambling, as the three card monte is as old as cards. But in Paul’s hands this is pure gold, an amazing effect which draws in the spectator to a fun interaction which will leave their head spinning and their face grinning. Paul totally explains the various throws in the most simplistic terms and eliminates the frustration encountered by those trying to learn this without his tutelage. If you enjoy close-up, face to face spectator interactions, and engaging with people, than you need to add Paul’s Fast and Loose to your repertoire." - Ian Kent

"Property presented, the endless chain is a classic of psychological mentalism. And Paul Vigil's take on this is as good as it gets." - Doug Dyment


Played for centuries on the top of a barrel, written about by William Shakespeare, and long a closely guarded secret by the experts in cons and scams, the oldest short con is still one of the best. Now, Paul Vigil shares with you the secrets to turning this fifty-fifty bet into sure-fire gasps of delight when you play Fast & Loose.

Also called The Endless Chain, Pricking The Garter, The Old Army Game, and by many other names, this is the granddaddy of all the short cons. Pre-dating both Three Card Monte and The Shell Game, this is one of the most diabolical bets ever to siphon the cash out of a sucker’s wallet.

In Fast & Loose, a beautiful silver chain is thrown into a figure eight pattern. The spectator is invited to place their finger on one side or the other of the figure eight. When the chain is pulled, if it loops around the finger, it’s a win, but if it pulls loose, then it’s a loser. The chain is always pulled from the center in the same way, but no matter how closely the pattern is examined, the spectator can’t win. The secret lies in the special patterns the magician can throw that look identical but contain a diabolical topological secret.

You receive a gorgeous 65" chain personally approved by Paul Vigil, featuring a special type of braid that makes the routine incredibly deceptive. You also receive a tutorial with Paul teaching his full routine that he uses in every close-up gig he performs. Paul also shares insights he received from Johnny Thompson, and Erik Tait includes some bonus material he has learned from a lifetime of studying cons. Fast & Loose is easy to master, requires no difficult sleight of hand, and has a rich history that is fascinating to behold. Learn from the best when you pick up Fast & Loose by Paul Vigil.

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Customer Reviews (showing 1 - of 7)
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An Elegant Piece of Theater Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on September 11th, 2025
Fast and Loose by Paul Vigil presents a compelling choice for the performer who understands that the real value of a trick is in its artistry, not just its mechanics. While rope chain routines are widely available, and at a much lower cost, this one distinguishes itself through the quality of its instruction and design.

Based on a review of the tutorial, it is clear that this is more than a simple set of instructions. The throws are described as easy to master yet incredibly deceptive, which suggests a thoughtfully constructed routine that minimizes fumbling and maximizes impact. The genius is in the subtleties. This is the difference between a routine that looks like a trick and one that looks like a genuine, elegant piece of theater. It is a trick for those who see magic as an art form.
2 of 2 magicians found this helpful.
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Fun routine Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on October 11th, 2025
The routine and method are as entertaining to perform as to watch. I watched the tutorial, practiced for an hour and I have been practicing ever since. It took a few days before I can work it smoothly.
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
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Well worth the purchase Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on September 19th, 2025
This is a great routine and I love the teaching and what Paul brings to the routine! The teaching is brilliant -- well done!

The quality of the chain is adequate but not great and I would recommend the School for Scoundrels chains, but this one will work. Again, Paul's teaching is brilliant and worth the purchase if this type of routine interests you at all.
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
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I'll Take That Bet! Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on November 3rd, 2025
I've only seen this routine done live once, it was at a Renaissance Fair, and I've wanted to learn it ever since. It's not just an antiquated classic hustle; it's a beautiful amusement. Strongly recommend for the performer who loves doing bar bets and street hustles.
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Absolute gold! Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on November 2nd, 2025
I've known Paul for years and have had the amazing opportunity to hang out and learn briefly from him in person. He is a tremendously kind friend and the BEST performing magician working today. I bought the School for Scoundrels' chain shortly after meeting Paul and becoming aware of his performance with Fast and Loose, but it was always difficult to learn for me. Even after Paul's Live act hit Penguin.
This new tutorial offers over the shoulder views intercut with the front camera view to deliver a perfectly clear explanation of exactly what you need to know in order to perform this as expertly as Paul does. Not so much as clumsily as Eric does it, but much better than the way it's taught on the live act. Eric's explanation at the end of this tutorial is great because he shares one small tip that Paul didn't mention about the occasional final phase that is worth checking out. Definitely pick this up because this is some very deceptive stuff that is very fun to play with.
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Great Routine Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on October 29th, 2025
I had attempted to learn versions of this before from books but found it difficult to follow. After seeing the advertisement, I purchased Fast and Loose based on the quality look of the chain and the video instruction. I was able to follow and learn the different moves in a matter of minutes. The price point may seem a little high but it is a very nice looking chain that comes with a small velvet carrying pouch, and combined with the excellent video instructions, it is a routine that you will love doing for years to come.
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So Close…So Close! Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on September 15th, 2025
Very good. Great tutorial. I’m going to make sure that I practice every “throw”, and remember which is which before I put any money on the table to challenge the spectator.
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