Episode 78: Tip-over box: the perfect impromptu rigged game [Discussion]

[travislopes]

This week's scam is perfect in so many ways: you can do it anytime, anywhere, with borrowed items you'd find at the bar, and best of all: it's a totally rigged game that lets you decide who wins and who loses.

Watch and download here. (http://revision3.com/scamschool/hand3)

[masterevilace]

Had this figured out instantly, although still a good trick to play... I can't imagine everyone would let you keep touching the box repeatedly..

[shwooddotcom]

Had this figured out instantly, although still a good trick to play... I can't imagine everyone would let you keep touching the box repeatedly..

Why wouldn't they? Remember, you're not doing a magic trick, you're just playing a game... that they seem to have trouble winning.

Presentation is key, remember.

[danhauk]

Nice one! This will definitely be an easy one to get people with. I had no idea what it was, I thought maybe one side bulged out making it rounded on the bottom.

I also really liked the way you had one player able to do it and one suck at it. Screwing with people's psyche is always a good plus in a scam ;)

[masterevilace]

Why wouldn't they? Remember, you're not doing a magic trick, you're just playing a game... that they seem to have trouble winning.

Presentation is key, remember.

This is true, however I most certainly would probably reset the box myself after failing the first time. Given that I failed, the box would have been flipped over, I would have just slid it to the edge of the table and tried again (and would have succeeded)

You would need to stay in control of the box. I suppose in this case you could just give up and go, "hey you got it"... but can you really do that when clearly beer is on the line???

[chrissmith_156]

Why wouldn't they? Remember, you're not doing a magic trick, you're just playing a game... that they seem to have trouble winning.

Presentation is key, remember.

I spotted you setting it up differently each time right away as well. However, maybe we scam school viewers are just inherently distrusting for some reason...

There is no real objection you can give if they grab the box without giving yourself away. Think if I was the mark I would handle the box more myself, especially if we were playing for a beer!

[nickklein]

Maybe use it as your first scam (or else they'll know you're scamming them for drinks. They'll become skeptics), and don't forget about presentation. Let them win at first, or else they become skeptics before the scam has even started.

[thorex]

i was guessing the box inside had something to do with it but wasn't sure, but i was only thinking that because it Brian trying to sell it.

lol come to think of it Brian are any of your friends willing to play bar games with you anymore?

[capotasto]

This is a miniture (And more reliable) version of a scam I saw on 'the real hustle' a while ago. The idea where was to use a beer bottle, they must've had a specially rigged one 'cause it was the same as the matchbox. One side would be easy, the other would fail.

I prefer the mini version though, now I just have to find a new place to buy matches. ;)

[rabidbadger]

This is a fun easy one. As long as you are in control of the box at all times. I was flumoxed at first, even though I noticed Brian handling the box all the time, I though he was pushing the "drawer" out to make it topple when he wanted it to. Similar concept. That might work, too.

[nickklein]

I haven't tried it yet, since I don't have a matchbox like that, but really..how can you say that a game is rigged when you're winning?

[viruzzz]

Don't do it with anyone who understands basic physics. they'll figure it out as soon as you set it up for them.

Also. I would really love to know what you would actually do if you're busted mid-trick. Maybe an idea for an episode?

[lokified]

This is a great trick, though you have to watch out for idiot savants/beat-up matchboxes, both of which can cause the box to stay up, even on the bad side.