The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

HE WHO CAN'T DO THIS CAN'T DO MUCH

THIS IS A PARLOR GAME AND THE TRICK IS BEING OBSERVANT.
SOMEONE TAKES A BROOM AND POINTS THE HANDLE TO THE FLOOR. HE TELLS
EVERYONE TO WATCH THE FLOOR AND THEN ASKS THEM TO DO AS HE DOES.
HE CLEARS HIS THROAT AND THEN SUPPOSEDLY TRACES A PATTERN ON THE
FLOOR WITH THE BROOM, THEN ASKS THEM TO REPEAT THE ACTION.
USUALLY THEY CONCENTRATE ON TRACING THE PATTERN WHICH IS
IRRELEVANT. THE TRICK IS TO CLEAR YOUR THROAT BEFORE YOU BEGIN.
THE GAME GOES ON UNTIL ALL HAVE GUESSED THE TRICK.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): INITATIVE GAME

Date learned: 00-00-1957

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