The Tricky Water Transport

Group Size: 5-15 people
Difficulty: Challenging
Materials: Pot, string, water, and a second container
Playtime: 5-20 minutes

Game Description:¶

To prepare for the game, tie as many ropes to a pot as there are participants. The easiest way to attach the ropes is to first tie one rope around the pot, and then attach all the other ropes to that one. Next, fill the pot with a measured amount of water and place a second container a short distance away to receive the water. Each player grabs a rope. Players must hold the rope at the very end; gripping it closer to the pot is against the rules. The goal now is to transfer the water from the pot into the designated container with as little spillage as possible. The pot can only be moved by the ropes being held. Everyone must keep hold of their assigned rope for the entire duration of the game. Tip: Not all ropes need to be held taut at all times. Solution: There is effectively only one way to transfer the water almost completely without spilling. To achieve this, the pot must be held securely by the ropes attached to one side and the opposite side. At least two people, standing between those holding the pot, then swap positions on opposite sides. This allows the bottom edge of the pot to be carefully pulled backward and the top edge to be carefully pulled forward as it is tilted. This enables the water to be poured out without loss, but it is still not simple.

Source:¶

Tasifan Spielebuch