Scam School

Hosted by Brian Brushwood. New episodes Wednesdays.

If Harvard offered a PhD in deceit, this would be it. Award-winning magician Brian Brushwood takes viewers on an inside tour of bar tricks, street cons and scams. If you watch carefully, you'll never have to pay for a drink again! Read More

Napkin Chess - another unbeatable puzzle!

Wednesday, October 21st, 2009 – running time 13:36

This week: a rigged game of skill & a simple sucker bet!

First off, our main event: it seems like everyone makes up goofy little games to pass the time at the bar. This week we've got one with a secret method that will guarantee you the win:

The Setup: lay out a bunch of pocket change (and I mean a LOT of it... quarters, dimes, nickels, etc.) and a small cocktail napkin.

The Rules: take turns laying down coins on the napkin. You can place any size coin you want, anywhere on the napkin, as long as nothing goes over the edge or touches another coin. The LOSER is the one who can't find a proper place to set their coin (... 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: start by placing one coin in the middle 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 getting perfectly filled on your turn!

*Bonus scam* pull out a penny, and have your friend count the number of letters on the head-side. Odds are good that he'll come up with 19 (20 if you count the "d" that may or may not appear under the date). In fact, there are actually 22 or 23 letters, since clearly visible (albeit VERY small), are the letters "VDB" on lincoln's bust (these are the initials of the engraver)!

Brian sets up the Napkin Chess puzzle and plays one round

00:40 | Play

Bonus Scam School riddle - Penny Puzzle

05:15 | Play

Brian plays napkin chess again and wins!

07:53 | Play

Brian explain how to win at Napkin Chess

09:46 | Play

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About the Show

Details
Show Title:
Scam School
Description:
If Harvard offered a PhD in deceit, this would be it. Award-winning magician Brian Brushwood takes viewers on an inside tour of bar tricks, street cons and scams. If you watch carefully, you'll never have to pay for a drink again!
Categories:
Awesome Science, Comedy, How-To & DIY
Launch Date:
Apr 6, 2008
Episodes:
Credits