R. Paul Wilson Discusses Two Bar Bet Ideas That Could Secure You Complimentary Beverages
In the world of bar bets, knowing the tricks is only half the battle. When your opponent is aware of your strategy, it's time to up your game. Here, we'll explore how to beat the popular "Do As I Do" and "Pints vs Shots" bets when your opponent has caught on to your moves.
The "Do As I Do" bet, a staple of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, involves each player starting with a shot glass filled with their favourite drink and two coins, both heads side up. The goal is for the opponent to do exactly what you do for five phases of the game, and if they can do so, they win a drink from the bar. However, if your opponent knows the trick, they will precisely mimic your behaviour, neutralizing the advantage.
To counter this, consider altering your behaviour unpredictably. Instead of a simple "do exactly what I do," you can introduce a hidden rule or change your actions unexpectedly, so simply copying won't yield a win.
Another strategy is to use a dual-layer strategy. Agree on "Do As I Do" initially, but secretly change your interpretation or create a second condition (like "if I do X, the right action is Y") to confuse copying.
Flipping the trick can also work. Rather than performing the same action, do the opposite or alternate in a pattern your opponent can't easily track or match.
Adding extra steps or complexity can also make the bet more intricate, where merely copying your move doesn't suffice. This can include timing, where simultaneous mimicking is difficult.
The "Pints vs Shots" bet is another classic bar bet. The goal is to drink three shots and three pints of beer, with specific rules about who can touch the glasses and the order of drinking. If your opponent already knows the trick, they might try to outmanoeuvre you by following the rules precisely. To beat them, consider changing the order of your drinks or adding a hidden rule.
Remember, these bar bets are not con games, but are games that prove the person can do something the other person cannot, for a small wager. The author advises to only use these bets with people who can afford to pay the agreed amount, and to keep the amounts friendly to avoid bad feelings.
So, next time you're at the bar and ready to place a bet, think ahead and be prepared to change your game if your opponent catches on. By varying your actions, adding hidden rules, or complicating the bet, you can regain the edge and win those free drinks. Happy betting!
[1] General advice for beating known bar tricks includes changing predictable behaviours or escalating complexity to regain an edge. (Source: [link])
In the realm of social-media challenges and blogs, you might apply a similar strategy to beat traditional casino games. Instead of playing straightforwardly, introduce unpredictable moves or sneak in hidden rules to outwit your opponents.
When indulging in literary debates on popular books, employ a dual-layer strategy by outwardly presenting one argument while secretly supporting the opposite, leaving your opponent puzzled and defeated.
