Drunken Monkey: The Trick That Will Fool Your Friends
By Making Magicians Since 2001 | Published: 2026-09-07
Category: Product Reviews
Discover the Drunken Monkey card trick—a hilarious, fooling effect perfect for parties. Learn what to expect, who it's for, and how to get started.
Quick Answer
If you want a funny, fooling card trick that gets laughs and amazed reactions at parties, the Drunken Monkey trick is a solid choice. It's easy to learn, requires no sleight of hand, and delivers a surprising punchline. However, it's not for serious card workers looking for complex technique—this one is all about entertainment.

You've seen the videos: a spectator picks a card, the magician does something silly, and suddenly the card appears in an impossible place. That's the Drunken Monkey effect—a trick that combines humor with mystery to leave your friends both laughing and scratching their heads.
In this review, we'll break down what makes this trick tick, who it's best for, and how to decide if it's the right addition to your magic arsenal. We'll also compare it to similar offerings so you can make an informed choice before you buy.
What Makes the Drunken Monkey Trick Stand Out?
The Drunken Monkey trick is designed for one thing: maximum entertainment with minimal skill. Unlike many card tricks that require hours of practice, this one can be performed almost immediately. The method is clever but simple, allowing you to focus on your presentation and the comedic timing that makes the trick so effective.
The effect typically involves a spectator selecting a card, which then appears in a hilarious, unexpected location—often related to the 'drunken monkey' theme. It's the kind of trick that gets people talking and laughing, making it perfect for parties, casual gatherings, or even as an icebreaker.
- Requires no prior experience or sleight of hand
- Great for social settings where laughter is key
- Compact and portable—take it anywhere
Who Is This Trick For?
The Drunken Monkey trick is ideal for beginners and hobbyists who want to add a fun, fooling effect to their repertoire without investing hours in practice. It's also a great choice for performers who specialize in comedy magic and want a reliable closer that gets big reactions.
However, if you're a serious cardician looking for a technically challenging routine or a trick that can be performed with a borrowed, shuffled deck, this may not be the best fit. The Drunken Monkey often relies on a gimmick or special setup, so it's less impromptu than some other effects.
How to Choose the Right Funny Magic Trick
When shopping for a funny magic trick, consider your audience and performance context. If you're mostly performing for friends at parties, a trick that emphasizes humor and visual impact—like the Drunken Monkey—is a smart pick. For more formal settings, a subtler effect might be more appropriate.
Also think about the level of audience participation. Tricks that involve the spectator directly often create stronger reactions. The Drunken Monkey typically includes audience involvement, which adds to the fun. Finally, check the skill level required: if you're a beginner, look for tricks that promise 'no skills required' to avoid frustration.
- Think about your typical audience: friends, family, or strangers?
- Decide if you want a trick that's self-working or requires practice.
- Consider whether you need a trick that works with borrowed items.
Decision Rules for Buying a Funny Magic Trick
- Entertainment vs. Technical Challenge: If your goal is laughter and surprise at parties, choose a trick like Drunken Monkey that prioritizes humor. If you want to master a complex move, look for a trick that emphasizes technique. Match the trick to your performance goal.
- Skill Level: Check the product description for 'no skills required' or 'no prior experience.' For beginners, self-working tricks are best. More advanced magicians might find them too simple. Be honest about your experience to avoid frustration.
- Audience Participation: Tricks that involve the spectator often create stronger reactions. The Drunken Monkey likely includes audience involvement, which adds to the fun. Consider how interactive you want the effect to be.
Related Products to Consider
- How to do Insane Magic Tricks Kit: In this kit, you will learn secrets to insane magic tricks that PRO Magicians don't want you to have. NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE NEEDED NO SKILLS REQUIRED. If you're new to magic and want to fool friends with multiple effects, this kit gives you a bundle of tricks without demanding practice—similar to the Drunken Monkey's ease of use.
- NINJA 1: Stealth Technique: The defiant work that is 'flat out brilliant'... A card trick either has impact, or it doesn't. For those who want a more serious, impactful card trick after enjoying the Drunken Monkey's humor, NINJA 1 offers a different style focused on powerful effects.
Who Should Buy This Trick?
Best for
- Beginners who want an easy, funny trick to perform immediately
- Comedy magicians looking for a reliable party piece that gets laughs
Not for
- Serious card workers seeking complex sleight-of-hand routines
- Performers who need impromptu tricks with borrowed, shuffled decks
The Drunken Monkey trick is a fantastic choice if you want to add a funny, fooling effect to your magic collection. It's easy to learn, entertaining, and sure to get reactions. Just remember to match the trick to your skill level and performance style. For more options, check out the How to do Insane Magic Tricks Kit for a bundle of beginner-friendly effects, or NINJA 1 if you're ready to level up your card magic.



