[Manehattan] When money changes hooves (OPEN)

[Imagination]

"B-B-But I need to pay for a ticket back to Stalliongrad!"

A very distressed male unicorn pleaded with Ace, who was smirking behind his makeshift kiosk and counting his bits into a sack. "Sorry, pal, you should'a thought of that before you bet it all. If I gave back all my money because somepony begged me, I'd be bankrupt pretty quick... So... Sorry. Truly". With a groan the unicorn shuffled away, leaving Ace to deal with the rest of the small crowd of city ponies who had come around to play his games. He was raking in a decent haul, though mostly pocket change. Little bits added up in the end, he kept telling himself, but other than the last unfortunate soul, nopony was willing to bet more than a few bits.

A little filly stepped up and put a little brown sack full of bits on the table. "Can I play one of your games, mister? I have ten bits saved up from my allowance!" Ace had to smile at her, leaning on the counter with a playful smirk. "Well well, look at little miss moneybags here!" he said in a playful tone, making the filly blush with pride. "Alright kid, tell you what. I usually don't let little ones play, but I like you. So I got a special game for you. Pretty easy. Think you can handle it?" The answer was immediate. "Yeah!"

Ace set down three cards face-up. Two jokers and an ace of diamonds. "Alright, the rules are simple. Follow the ace! Ready?" The filly nodded and put great focus into staring at the cards as Ace flipped them over and moved them. He moved two cards and showed her the ace. He moved all three cards and showed her the ace again. Then came a quick shuffle of all the cards changing places for about 5 seconds before all the cards lay still, face-down, and their identities a mystery in the flurry of shuffling. "Alright, kid. Where's the ace?"

The filly was quick to pick, pointing to the card on the far right. Ace flipped it over, and she was right! The crowd of three or four ponies applauded the filly, who became so excited she could burst. "Congrats kid" Ace started "You just won 10 bits! Twenty bits. Heh. That's a small fortune for somepony your age, isn't it? ... how about you play again and walk away with even more?" After being encouraged by the crowd, the filly decided to play again. Again he shuffled the cards, and the filly guessed correct again! "Wow! Keep this up and you'll break the bank kid? Hmm... Why not bring back a whole heap of bits to your parents, hm? What do you say? Double or nothing?"

The filly now seemed quite hesitant, though the crowd managed to egg her on to play. "O-Ok mister! Double or nothing!"

Like before, Ace switched two cards and showed her the ace. He switched all three, and again showed her the ace. He then shuffled all three cards twice, and with a little slight of hoof, managed to flick down a card that appeared to be another as he held two for a switch. With all three cards down, he waited for the filly's decision. She picked the middle one with a smile... but Ace just winced, showing her a Joker. The filly was astonished, the rest of the crowd voicing a collecting demoralized 'awww'. "Gee... sorry, kid... better luck next time..."

"It's ok, mister... thanks for letting me play..." she said before going off on her own.

Ace shrugged to those who stuck around, collecting his bits and shuffling his cards again. "Eh, luck is a cruel mistress, lads... anyone else up for a game?"

[Bannhammer]

Maximilian Rockefilly Jr was back in Manehattan, for business, of course. Although he now considered himself an Appleoosan, there was a bit of him that still loved the big city of dreams. The narrow streets and the ponies there gave the city more character than could be found anywhere else. There had been a few negative experiences here and there, but they were few and far between. With a bit of swagger to his step, the richest pony in Equestria sauntered down one of the smaller streets near his old estate.

As the wealthy unicorn continued his walk, he noticed a crowd of ponies surrounding something on the sidewalk. A naturally curious pony, trotted closer, hoping to see the point of interest. He passed by a very distraught stallion, muttering something about a train. Only a few paces later, a small child walked by with their head hanging low.

Finally, a small table could be seen with a black stallion behind it. Max gave a small chuckle and approached, making sure to adjust his new tux before stepping to the front of the crowd. He had never seen something like it before, there were always ponies on the streets, playing music or even miming for spare bits. The idea of a simple scam like card games really didn't come to mind with Max, he may have been raised in the city, but he wasn't to familiar with street culture. Apparently the stallion was offering a chance to play a game, with some payout as the reward. Why a stallion would risk losing money like that was beyond Maximilian, and he quickly decided that he had to play.

"Excuse me sir..."

With a light tap of his hoof on the table, Max announced his intent to try his hoof at the game.

"But I'd like to give this little game a try."

The Rockefilly flashed his trademark smile and levitated his coin purse out into view. He was committed to winning this game, and he was so confident that he could win that Max pointed to his pouch.

"What's the ante... a thousand?"

He opened his magic coin purse, linked directly to his fortune, and started levitating out stacks of coins, placing them on the table with only a hint of fanfare. This would be an easy way to make bits, it's not like the other stallion was using a hard game. Max could turn a small profit at almost no charge.

[Imagination]

Ace was still offering his challenge to those who had gathered... when he saw a sight that nearly froze him in place! Why, this gentlecolt could be mistaken easily for one of the Canterlot elite! Well groomed, well dressed, and well mannered! Even went so far as to address him as 'sir'! Ace went slack jawed when the pony said he'd like to play. This had to be some sort of joke! "U-Uh... well of course, Sir, I-I'd be honored if you'd play..." But then the coin purse came into view and he was practically drooling, his eyes dilating into little buttons as he stared with almost an obsessive need.

He probably would've stayed like that had he not spoken up. A high-pitched squeal left the black pony, clutching his chest and hyperventilating.

One. THOUSAND? He wasn't even sure if he had HALF that on his current haul! It was risky... very risky... He kept true to heart that no matter how good you are at scamming ponies, there will always be somepony better... But the money! There was no WAY he could turn that down!

"Of course! Of course, t-the uh... ante is one thousand!" He said with a grin so big you'd think his jaw would break. You better not be making a mistake... he thought to himself as he set up the game. Taking a deep breath, he collected himself and explained the rules. "Ok... Ok... whew... So, the rules are simple, Sir! We have two jokers and an ace here on the table" he explained, waving his hoof over them to display the cards. "You need to follow the ace! After I'm done shuffling them, show me the ace, and you win! Simple, right?"

Of course, every little gear and cog was turning in his head. It needed to use every ounce of cunning in a very simple trick. He could afford no mistakes! The calculating pony awaited the gentlecolt's response so they could get started. By now a rather sizable crowd had gathered around the stand, mostly because most ponies in the city knew who he was, but also because of the rather large bet he was making on a simple street game!

[Bannhammer]

Max blinked a few times, mulling it over in his head. 1 out of 3 chance of winning, even  less if the stallion had quick hooves. The unicorn knew  he was a sharp pony, but just the tiniest doubt edged into his head.

With a quick nod, Maximilian shooed away his trepidations and accepted. He spoke loudly, with only a small hesitation.

"I understand, sir, let the game begin!"

He took a deep breath and shot a glance at the crowd, suddenly feeling a strange pressure. His confidence hadn't waned, and the rich stallion still felt like he could win.

It was time to see just what kind of game he had entered.

[Imagination]

Ace had to stop himself from shaking! He was too excited!

With the gentlecolt's o.k., the game began! Max would notice Ace picked up two cards in one hoof and the third in the other while shuffling them. The Ace started in the middle, as he saw before they all were turned face-down. After the first shuffle, Ace showed him the ace now on the left side. He shuffled again and showed him the ace on the right. A freebie that everyone gets in order to give the player that false hope that it would be easy to follow. After that, he started shuffling them all in rapid succession. After six switches, he worked his 'magic' on the seventh. With two cards in his hand, one being the ace on the bottom and a joker on top, he took advantage of the quick motion of the shuffling and some slight of hoof to flick down the joker where one would think the ace was going to end up. Like his father had taught him when he was little, if done quick enough most ponies won't even notice it was the other card thrown down.

Now the ace was still on the right side, the joker in its supposed position in the middle, and for his money's sake he hoped his tricks would work on the rich pony before him. "Ok, Sir... Where's the ace?" he asked, a nervous grin on his face. Normally those in the crowd would be shouting out what card they thought it was, but instead it was dead silent. Eerily so. Everypony held their breath and watched in awe for the moment of truth.

[Bannhammer]

The Rockefilly watched with a grin as the game begun. He knew he could win this, an extra thousand bits in a matter of minutes wouldn't be something to complain about, but he could also spare to lose it if the other stallion was spectacularly lucky.

It started off slowly, and he wasn't so easily fooled, this wouldn't be easy, and his thoughts were proven correct when the shuffling picked up speed. Maximilian leaned over, enthralled by the spectacle.

Cards moving left and right, feints, jukes, double swaps, it was almost too much to keep track of, but Max had his eyes on that Ace the whole time. And then, something terrible happened...

He blinked.

All at once, the unicorn found himself frantically trying to figure out what had happened, but it was too late. The cards were stopped, and the choice was his. Which card to take? Max could feel a nervous sweat eek out of his scalp, but he refused to show it.

With a grunt of determination he did what any educated stallion would do when put in a difficult situation... He guessed.

He slammed a hoof down on the makeshift stand and spoke with a clear voice.

"There."

He pulled his hoof back to uncover his choice, the card in the middle. If he had to guess, he'd give it his best shot, and he had a strange feeling that the Ace would be there. Maximilian forced a smile, knowing that he could've just pulled off something amazing.

[Imagination]

Everypony leaned in, the tension was high! Most reeled back when the gentlecolt slammed his hoof down and watched. Those who had been watching for a while looked to the table with hope, hoping this game would break the con artist's bank after watching so many unfortunate ponies lose it all.

Ace, however, was all smile. Somehow he had pulled it off under the watchful elite's eye! He felt on top of the world! It took every fiber of his being not to shout out in celebration... and he hadn't even turned over the card yet! "Ahem..." he cleared his throat, withholding his enthusiasm... for the moment. His hoof dipped under and flipped it over... The soft laughter that left Ace could very well match the expression of the joker now revealed to the crowd. With a big ol' grin, he spoke to the gentlecolt with great confidence! "Better luck next time kind, kind Sir! Hee hee hee!"

Of course it never occurred to him the unicorn may want to play again. HE just reached out for his bits while a good portion of the demoralized crowd started to disperse.

[Bannhammer]

If Max had been sitting, he would have been on the edge. As it was, the Rockefilly found himself holding his breath in anticipation. A thousand bits on the line and Max could only gulp and hope he came out on top.

The card was flipped over and... He lost. Max's ears drooped as the winning stallion chuckled in delight and reached for the coins. The smart side of the unicorn told him to cut his losses and just get out of there, but the more stubborn side urged him to continue. Flooded with adrenaline and passion, Maximilian quickly made up his mind.

"Not so fast..."

His mind was working furiously, hoping to devise a plan that would get him his money back. Soon, with a fresh plan in mind, he spoke again.

"Another round, this time... Only 500 in the pot."

Max offered a smaller bet, ensuring that the next game would simply be a trial, an opportunity for the rich pony to analyze the game and see what his next move could be. By still keeping a high price, he ensured that the stallion would bite. After one or two more loses, hopefully Max could figure out the pattern and hit the stallion with a sucker punch for all the money. It was risky, but Max loved a challenge.

[Imagination]

A soft yelp emitted from the pony at Max's 'Not so fast', retracting his hooves just as they were about to pull in the bag. Another game? For 500? Well at least now he could afford to lose 500, but if he could win again! It was clear his mind was being flooded with greed. It was too clouded to tell him to back out and quit while he was ahead.

"Very well, sir, very well! Another game then. You know the rules, you know how it works. Try and keep up!" the cards were put back in their original positions:

J A J

Then flipped face down and the shuffling began. Again he picked up two cards at a time and flicked them down quickly one at a time as she shuffled. The first two shuffles he showed the gentlecolt the ace, giving him his freebies. He then repeated his previous process of quickly shuffling the cards about, performing his slight of hoof at the end once more, this time with the ace back in the middle, rather than the left side when a slower pony would expect it to be.

"Where's the ace?"

Ace seemed to have more confidence about him, thinking this was just another sucker who happened to have bottomless pockets. Easy money, right?

The little filly from before had been drawn back to the game, seeing all the commotion at the stand where she previously lost her allowance. She was awed by the richer unicorn playing the game and decided to sit and watch.

[Bannhammer]

Max narrowed his eyes, watching the cards intently, refusing to take his eyes off of them for even a moment. A smile was still on his face, an attempt to throw off the stallion during his game. The cards shuffled just as fast as before, but Max was at attention, observing every movement and every slip, hoping to catch something that would help him win. He may be the richest pony in Equestria, but he still didn't like losing money. Even though he could spare a few thousand bits, he wanted to save face.

A few shuffles in, and Max was doing well, the ace was on the move but Max could keep up. This time, he didn't blink, and when the cards came to a stop he actually felt confident. The Rockefilly had watched the cards the whole time and he was sure that it was on the left. With a slight hesitation, the rich stallion put his hoof on the card and looked up at the pony across the table with a grin on his face.

"Here.... it's this one."

He lifted his hoof and waited to see if he was right. The plan was going ok, as long as he could keep playing and getting more data, eventually he could break the system and get the big win. If he didn't get his money back here, it would take a bit of work.

[Imagination]

When Ace flipped the joker over, another saddened 'awww' left the crowd. The black pony himself just did a hoof pump and a quick 'yes!' in celebration, really having no shame or humility at this point. If he could go home at least 2,000 bits richer... Maybe he'd finally be able to fill the bathtub with them...? He never really tried. But why not with a great big haul from Manehattan?

The little filly made her way next to Max, smiling up at him. "It's ok, mister, it's just a game, right?"

A pegasus not far away seemed quite annoyed at all this. "This is no game, it's a scam!". Ace just shrugged his shoulders at the accusation. "Come now, no need to be a poor sport! Like the little filly said, it's just a game! Now, what say you have another go, my kind gentlecolt? I'm sure if you keep trying you'll come away with something..." Like a life lesson, maybe? At this point Ace was too confident to be thinking about losing the money he'd just made. Right now he was focused on more more more!

[Bannhammer]

Max lost... again. He took a deep breath and looked at the pony across the table do a victory dance, that alone motivated Maximilian to continue. A small filly came up to him, and the Rockefilly could only smile down at her.

"Of course, it's just a bit of fun."

Keeping the aloof smile on his face, Max plopped more bits on the table, still thinking his plan through. Hopefully he could watch this one closer and see exactly where he was losing track of the ace.

"Another game, 700 bits." He couldn't help but grin slyly as the bits plopped on the table, almost seeing the bits in Ace's eyes. This game would be a bit more important, but Max had a plan. All he needed to do was watch... there was a pattern to be found, he just knew it.

This game would be all about watching the hooves, not the cards. If he could just find one slip up, one slick move, maybe Max could find where the Ace really went.

"Let's see if I get lucky this time."

[Imagination]

Indeed, his eyes were glistening with the riches he was pulling over to his side of the booth, and yet they kept coming! "You got it! Another game it is!"

Setting the cards back up once again and turning them over, he started shuffling. Max got is two freebies before he shuffled them again. Though this time he shuffled them nine times, being a bit more thorough, though there was still the slight of hoof at the very end where he did his switcharoo, the Ace now back on the right when it should be in the middle.

Of course at this point he didn't think anypony was going to catch on. He just wanted money. Chuckling, he waited for the gentlecolt's choice. The crowd, silently of course, rooted for the rich pony, finally wanting to see someone best this scoundrel!

Even the little filly looked on eagerly. Everyone wanted to see the house lose on this little gamble.

"Where's the ace?"

[Bannhammer]

Max watched harder than before, but still with the stupid grin on his face. The cards moved fast but he wasn't looking at them, he was more interested in the hooves. They were almost a blur, but he could still make out the feints and swaps as the Stallion tried to con more money out of Max. Near the end, A flick of the hoof and Max's eyes widened a bit. That was it... a slick move that faked everypony out and moved the card to the side. At least, that's what he thought. He couldn't be sure, but Maximilian didn't have anything else to go on. According to the cards, the Ace should be in the middle, but the hooves told a different story. Max was sure it wasn't in the middle, but he didn't know which one of the other cards it was.

There was only one thing to do... take a dive.

Max smiled wide and pointed to the middle card. "There we go... that one."

If he picked the right one, the stallion may worry that he'd been figured out. Maximilian had to lose again if he wanted to get everything back... and more. He had to admit, so far he was impressed with the street stallion's prowess, and Max was already thinking of a way to make sure both ponies got something out of this little encounter. For now; however, there was a more pressing matter... the game at hoof.

With a dramatic deep breath, Max watched in 'anticipation' as he waited for the winning card to be revealed, knowing full well that he had once again lost.

[Imagination]

Ace once again flipped over the joker being the only one out of all the ponies there that was quite pleased with the result. Pulling the bits over he had seemed to be gathering the bags of winnings from this one particular pony in a little pile by his side, giving the moneybag pile a hug and nuzzling it. This stallion really liked money.

Figuring the gentlecolt must be sick of losing so much money, and that that was the final game, it almost seemed like he was offering a farewell to Max. "Very good game, Sir! I hope you had fun, better luck next time, thanks for playin'!"

The crowd again started to disperse. They just didn't want to watch another pony lose it all. Especially a well to do one, though a dozen or so remained, including the filly. A couple had also been studying the black pony, trying to learn the game so maybe they could play and get that money for themselves! Right now, all those bits going to Ace were only going to draw more fortune seekers, and get Ace even MORE money!

He started doing little calculations in his head... 1000 plus 500 plus another 700... 2200... 2200 bits! And that's not even counting the other couple hundred or so that he won from other ponies! This was going to be quite a good day for Ace indeed! Or was it...?

[Bannhammer]

Max sighed in fake frustration and kicked at the ground with a hoof. With some dramatic flair the Rockefilly examined his coin purse and looked at the impressive stack of bits on Ace's side of the table. On the inside, he was elated. So it wasn't that he was wrong before, he just hadn't spotted the movement. He had a few choices here, he could throw another round and be sure of things... or he could go for it all and take his chances.

The rich unicorn scoffed and turned his pouch over. "You know what? One more game, 2,500 bits. I might as well go for it, right? I mean, I'm bound to lose anyway."

With a look of absolute dejection on his face, Maximilian dumped a pile of coins on the table and quickly organized them into even stacks that rivaled Ace's.

"Well, let's try this one more time." He was happy, but still a bit nervous. All Max knew was not to guess what he thought it was, only to guess the not-obvious choice. It was a 50-50 shot, but he had to take it. If he got lucky, the Rockefilly could break even and teach this con-pony a lesson.

As much as he hated being cheated, the business pony couldn't help but admire Ace. His old ways weren't much different, although he cheated others in the board room, not on the streets. Max wanted his bits back, but he knew that a small talk afterwards would go a long way to prevent any sour feelings, regardless of the outcome.

Shaking his head to focus, he pointed towards the table.

"Deal them out, last game."

[Imagination]

It was around this time that Ace seemed to wake up. One more because he was going to lose anyway? Nopony was dumb enough to bet it all if they truly thought they were going to lose it all... Of course he wasn't paying attention to the money. Having not heard the bet, his eyes widened to the size of dinner plates when it was all dumped on the table, leaving him and all the other ponies slack-jawed. A few of the spectators even started to call out of everypony! "Hey! You guys gotta check this out! 2,500 bit bet!"

Regaining his bearings, and wiping away the foam at him mouth, only a cocky smile remained on Ace's face. "Alright, Sir, you got it. Last game..."

There had to be three dozen ponies of all ages crowded around now, coming out of the woodwork to look at this unheard of bet for a street game! Besides, the difference between comedy and tragedy is wither it happens to you or not, right?

Ace set the cards up, flipped them face down, and the game began. Max didn't even get his freebies, Ace wanted more than anything to win. The cards flew, switching this way and that, eight times their positions were switched, with the eighth and final time being where Ace made his game-changing move. The same he had been making every single time they've played, just a quick slight of hoof while holding two cards in one hoof. The ace, supposedly supposed to be on the right, was in the middle.

"Where's the ace?" he asked, an almost predatory grin stretching across his face, his eyes locked on the pile of bits by the gentlecolt.

[Bannhammer]

The cards shuffled, and Max wasn't even given his freebie. Max was quick on the uptake, and he didn't lose sight of the ace. He just watched and waited, his eyes darting back and forth as he observed everything that went on in front of him. He leaned forward, drinking in every single twitch and every single movement from the stallion. Eventually, he spotted the move and lost the ace. When the cards stopped, he had to take a moment to observe the three cards.

He knew not to choose the right one, that was the bait. That left the middle card and the left card as the only viable options. Maximilian scratched his chin and put a hoof on the table in between the two cards. It was a fifty fifty chance, and Maximilian was sure to take a deep breath before making his choice. Only moments after the cards stopped, the Rockefilly's hoof lightly touched the card in the middle.

"This one."

Max had a smile on his face, hiding the fact that he was truly anxious on the inside. He had no clue if he was right, but by Celestia, he needed to look like he was. Twenty five hundred bits were on the line and even though that was pocket change to Max, the large crowd around him spurred the stallion on and urged him to beat the scam. Heck, he didn't even think it was a scam in the first place, if ponies were dumb enough to fall for it... like he himself was at first, then they didn't deserve whatever they had wagered. Max knew that he wanted a little chit-chat with this pony after all was said and done.

But for now... to see if he had guessed correctly.

[Imagination]

"WHAT?!"

The smile on Ace's face was practically smacked off, but he wore a nervous smile, trying his best to fake confidence. Of course, his outburst had everypony on edge, ears perked and eyes focused on the table. "Eheh... uh, I mean, what do you mean the middle? I-I mean this is a very large bet.. are you sure...?" An impatient farmpony in the middle of the large crowd ended up shouting out "Tarnation, jus' show 'im the card already!" Everypony else seemed to agree. With a huff, Ace lazily flopped the middle card over, showing the ace of diamonds in all its glory.

Everypony started to cheer, not particularly because Ace lost, but because Max had won! Even the filly was all smiles. "You did it, mister!" she cried up to him in excitement. Ace counted out 300 bits from his other winnings and included it in his pile, pushing it to Max at the other end of the table. "Here you go, thanks for playing..." he spoke in a monotone, dismissive voice. Though the way he looked at the pile of bits, he had quite the defeated look. Like a dog having its most favorite toy in the world taken away.

[Bannhammer]

The other pony tried to get him to change his mind, and with that, Max knew he won before the card was even flipped over. Cheers erupted from the crowd and Max swept all the bits on the table towards himself, grinning like a foal that had just been given extra allowance. His smile soon faded when he saw the look on Ace's face. He kept up the charade, enthusiastically counting the coins and beaming, flashing a smile to the whole crowd.

He was a bit proud of himself, he'd managed to get his way out of a hole, and with 300 bits profit too! Heck, even small victories felt good. After the crowd finally dispersed, no longer enthralled by the prospect of a street game, Max approached Ace. He wasn't really sure what to say, or how to start off the conversation. What does one say to a pony that tried to scam you out of your money?

Taking a deep breath, Max extended a hoof and smiled. "I guessed on the last one.. well, not totally. I knew not to guess the one on the right because that's where it was supposed to be... My name's Maximilian by the way. Maximilian Rockefilly Jr, and I'd like to have... a little chat with you."

[Imagination]

As the crowd started to go about their business, he counted out what he had left in his sack. Twenty seven bits. Well, at least he could cover the 25 bit ticket back home...

But his thought process was interrupted by the gentlecolt approaching him again! Ace seemed more annoyed than attentive when Max spoke about how he won the last game. Ace hated losing more than anything. Well... almost anything. Though his expression quickly changed to one of surprise when he introduced himself. All the black pony could think to do was meet his hoof and shake it. "Uhh huh... alright. I'm Ace GoLucky... So... what's one of the richest ponies in Equestria doing at a beatnick stand like this...?"

He almost couldn't believe it, though he DID look the part of a Rockefilly. He had the feeling he was about to find out why he was there, though he still seemed sour about letting so many bit slip through his... well, hooves.

[Bannhammer]

Max smiled warmly, hoping to show that he wasn't upset or angry with Ace. "Pleased to meet you, Ace. I just want you to know that I was quite impressed. You actually had me fooled up until those last two plays."

He gave a small tug on his tux and straightened up. "I came back home for a visit, and I saw quite a commotion here in the street, so I decided to take a look. At first, I thought this was some simple game, was I wrong!"

The Rockefilly took a deep breath. "I know a lot of ponies would call you a scam artist... but I think they're not giving you enough credit. The only difference between you and I is that I swindle ponies in the board room, and for just a bit more bits". He grinned and pulled his coin purse out again.

"Heck, if you hadn't used the same trick every time, you may have gotten me that last time. I just had to lure you in with medium bets until I could figure it out. I'm surprised that I won, myself."

Max chuckled. "I didn't mean to embarrass you or anything, In fact, I'd say I'm the one with a bit of egg on his muzzle. I had to fight my way back to even against you, and that's not something I take lightly. No hard feelings?" While he asked, he opened up his magical bag of coins and looked inside.

[Imagination]

Ace seemed quite confused. What was he trying to say? That he approved of hustling ponies in cards? When talking about using the same trick, he shrugged. "Not many other tricks you can use for that game, but I have a bunch of different games and 'magic tricks' and such. Usually I try to switch up the games but... eh. Guess I-" But then he saw the purse come out again. "Just... wasn't thinking..." he finished, seeing hypnotized once again. With a shake of his head he returned his gaze to the Rockefilly.

"Embarrass? No, I can handle ponies wanting me to lose and stuff. I just hate losing in general..." Especially when he could've gotten his hooves on 5,000 bits to take home. But he really did hate losing. Always did, even when his father beat him in card games when he was a colt. But that was where he got his start, his father. But he was once again focused on the open bag. "Y-Yeah, no hard feelings..." He wasn't enough of a scoundrel to try and swipe that bag, though he did wish he could somehow get his hooves on the contents.

[Bannhammer]

Maximilian simply shrugged and started pulling out a steady stream of coins from his pouch. He was going to give the stallion some bits, not like some donation or some pity fueled charity. Before he would hoof over any bits, he wanted to see just how trustworthy this stallion was.

"I think everypony hates losing, it isn't fun. Also, I'd hate to go up against you with any of those other games, I like my bits where they are."

The rich Stallion nodded and looked back to his bag, still extracting a steady stream of bits.

"So... How'd a smart Stallion like you end up out here?"

[Imagination]

Ace was hypnotized. His eyes kept following the stream, falling silent for a bit before finally answering his question.

"Eh, my family, mostly. Love 'em to death, but we're mostly nut farmers. My father was a nut farmer and I grew up in a shack when I was a foal. He taught me how to play cards, taught me that ponies are dumb, and I've been making a better living doing this than I would being a nut farmer..." he admitted with a cheeky smile. "Then again I never really tried my hoof at farming... just doesn't appeal."

He thought cards were more fun anyway. Except during family reunions. Nopony ever wanted to play with him for some reason.