Solution to Self-tying knot trick

This is the solution to the puzzle presented in my previous video - TAM9 Self-tying knot trick ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzQQcOvQ9uE ) - wherein I show you how to supposedly tie a knot in a length of rope without releasing the ends. Of course, it is a trick, so watch the video carefully to see just how the trick is done. And have fun with some friends, family, or (if you're a teacher) students with this puzzle.

One last thing: I cannot claim credit for inventing this trick. I learned about it from Penn & Teller's old book "Cruel Tricks for Dear Friends", so credit should go to them :)

For more information on the physics behind these and other interesting physical feats, plus my musings on science & pseudoscience in general, check out my personal blog, The Skeptical Teacher: http://skepticalteacher.org

Category:

Education

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• magic
• trick
• illusion
• skepticism
• rope
• string
• critical thinking
• mystery
• math
• topology
• education
• teacher
• teaching
• fun
• puzzle
• tam
• tam9
• james randi
• jref
• the amazing meeting

[TheBoyFromNorfolk]

Well, I was wrong. Nice trick.

[TheBoyFromNorfolk]

Okay, not having tried it, and not having watched this video so far, my guess is it's in the intro. You see, you start holding the rope, and then you talk, and then you explain that you are holding the rope in a certain way. My guess is that you set up the trick by crossing over the ends or such like, and it's the premiss we are asked to accept that makes the trick, that this is an honest piece of rope?

[Chakolate]

This looked like it might have been interesting if only I could have heard it. Turned my volume up to max, put my ear as close to the speaker as I could, nada. Shaky video and incomprehensible audio do not a good video make, methinks. Too bad.