Write the number 1000 on the paper with a pen and put it down on the table.
You:
That’s how much I’ve got in my wallet right now… just kidding, but I’ll give you what I have in my wallet if you can figure something out, keen?
1000 in One Go
Numbers are all around us, sometimes we take them for granted. But giving these numbers a different context can be fun and refreshing. All you’ll need is a piece of paper and pen to make this work.
You:
All you have to do to win the contents of my wallet is write the number 1000, as you see it there, but without lifting your pen from the paper.
They should be game.
Once they’ve tried a few times, reveal the solution by folding the paper.
You:
You’ve got to look at it from another angle…
Write the number 1000 using both sides of the paper. Unfold the paper back to normal and the number will reveal itself.
Tip: In case you meet someone who knows the answer, empty your wallet except for a few coins before showing them.
Some extra lines you can try
- You just saved me a lot of money.
- When I said everything in my wallet, I meant my credit cards too.
- There are always a thousand ways to solve a problem.
Another solution is to write the number ‘1’, then carefully lay the pen flat, maintaining contact with the paper, sliding it across a bit and tilt the pen up to write the next ‘0’ … continue until you have the full number.
Does this show the power of the printed number?
The pen is mightier.
How many people have figured this out?
One in a thousand. Just kidding. A few.
Could this help me cheat on my taxes?
Er, um, you are on your own their pal.
A Counting Problem is a good one if you want to stick to the digits theme, as well as The Numbers. Also, you may want to try Pen Palette for a bit more lateral thinking.
- When you want to get someone thinking outside of the box.
- When you want to show creativity at play.
- When you want to talk about the numbers.
- informal gatherings
- team building events
- mentoring
- customer visits
- the canteen
- at a coffee shop
- socializing at the bar
- A pen or a nice thick permanent marker, and a piece of paper
- Write down the number 1000 on a piece of paper nice and clearly, and you are good to go.
- Piece of cake this one.
- You may get a few eyebrows raised, but should see mostly smiles.
type type
Do It Yourself (DIY)
material material
a pen and paper
size size
we are talking about a pen or a permanent marker
durability durability
as long as your pen has ink you are all good
source source
a friend of a friend
time to impact time to impact
pretty much there and then
size of audience size of audience
best as a one-on-one
possible health risk possible health risk
safe as houses
reusable how many times you can use it
just once
training needed training needed
try it once yourself and you will be a wizard
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