What we are referring to when we say "watch the monkey" is the 1/16 rule. Every time Kong reaches for a barrel, there is a 1/16 chance it will be a wild barrel. On L05 and beyond, the wild barrels are the same for every barrel board. Where the wild goes depends on jumpman's position on the screen. Before you climb the ladder to grab the top hammer, watch Kong. Wait until he reaches for a barrel and then SHOWS you the barrel in between his legs. Once the barrel is in between his legs, you will know he isn't throwing a wild. After getting to the top hammer, you are safe from Kong's wild barrels as long as jumpman's heels are on the left edge of the girder. You are free to grab the hammer with a straight jump and wait for him to show you another barrel in between his legs before moving to the right. Hope this helps. I'm sure someone else can explain it better with images and the like. I am also confident that a thread probably exists about this topic already. Good luck and keep grinding!
