‘I think I’ve been had, but I’m not sure how.’
Cecil Andrews drained his mug, then recounted his latest escapade.
‘Last night I attended a housewarming hosted by my friend Whorl. I messed up big time on the tables, but Whorl gave me a chance to win back my losses. He handed me a saucer and a drawing pin, then showed me a photo he’d taken earlier that evening. Somehow he’d balanced the drawing pin on its sharp end, in the middle of the saucer. “Do that,” he said, “and I’ll double your money.” Well, naturally, I tried.’
‘But could not replicate what was shown in the photograph?’ suggested Slipstar.
‘Nail on the head, old boy. I left his house skinter than a beggar!’
‘Yes, my friend – you were had.’
How?
Have you ever tried to balance a drawing pin on its point? Undoubtedly, Whorl cheated. The clue is the photograph, which tells only half the story. Yes, the pin was balanced – but only because it was spinning.