42. Napkin Chess
class: closer | impressiveness: 3/5 | factors: lengthy game, careful execution required | requires: napkin, a whole lot of loose change | watch full episode
It seems like everyone makes up goofy little games to pass the time at the bar — here’s one with a secret method that will guarantee you the win:
The Setup: Lay out a small cocktail napkin and bunch of pocket change (and I mean a lot of it… quarters, dimes, nickels, etc.).
The Rules: Take turns placing coins on the napkin. You can lay down any size coin you want, anywhere on the napkin, just as long as nothing goes over the edge or touches another coin. The loser is the one who on his turn can’t find a proper place to set their coin on the napkin without violating the rules. (Oh, and no balancing coins on their edges).
The Scam: Play a few games. Win some. Lose some. Once you’re playing for money (or beer), move in for the kill: go first and place one coin in the exact center of the napkin. After that, place your coins in an exact mirror image of your opponents’ moves. As long as you copy their every move, there’s no possible outcome except for the napkin filling up perfectly on your turn.
Special thanks go to the fantastic Todd Robbins for giving us permission to cover this gem. His book Modern Con Man would be a fantastic addition to any scammer’s library.