three-card monte

[ three-kahrd ]

noun

, Cards.

1. a gambling game in which the players are shown three cards and bet that they can identify one particular card of the three, as stipulated by the dealer, after the cards have been moved around face down by the dealer.
2. a form of three-card stud poker.

Word History and Origins

Origin of three-card monte¹

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Example Sentences

Yet racing, at times, plays its fatality numbers as if it were a game of three-card monte.

From Los Angeles Times

But these dynamics are uncertain in a play that treats identity like a game of three-card monte.

From Los Angeles Times

Just as any three-card monte con artist depends on a crowd salted with shills, political grifters use the diversionary tactics of red/blue divisions — our guy may be bad, but your guy is worse.

From Los Angeles Times

Zooming out a little, the entire right-wing media infrastructure is a game of three-card monte.

From Salon

If you see anyone playing three-card monte or a shell game, just keep walking.

From Seattle Times