4. 2 Pints for a $20
class: closer | impressiveness: 3/5 | factors: potential messes, elaborate setup, multiple phases | requires: 2 pint or highball glasses, a $20 bill, a sink full of water | watch full episode
This two-phase puzzle gives you double the chance to score a free drink …and double the chance to make a gigantic mess.
The Work: Next time you’re at the bar, grab two highball or pint glasses and a $20 bill. Fold a crease in the bill lengthwise and place it between the glasses as shown, then dunk the whole mess in a sink full of water.
Let the glasses fill up, position them so the rims line up exactly, and when you pull them out, you should have a setup that looks something like this:
And just like that, you’re set for two back-to-back challenges:
Challenge #1: See that floating $20 in there? It’s all yours if you can remove it without spilling more than a thimbleful of water… I’d say “without spilling a drop,” but I’m pretty sure that’s damn near impossible.
Of course you can touch the glasses, but seriously: 99% of the water that’s in there must remain in there the whole time: You can’t just grab the glasses and dunk them back in the sink to remove the bill.
Challenge #2: If you’re able to get the $20 out, you’re perfectly set for a follow-up challenge: Remove all the water from either one of the glasses, WITHOUT touching the glasses, and without touching any objects to the glasses. Oh, and side note: no kicking the table or bar to shake the two glasses apart.
Ready for the answer? Remember, I want you to sincerely try to noodle this one out. I only want you to get the answer once you’ve sincerely given up… we don’t need to go through this again, do we?
Alright: I give up. I seriously can’t figure it out. I’m ready to see the answer, Brian.