Call My Bluff

It has long been a tradition that every year, just before we all break up for Christmas, the TMS hosts a special mathematical adaptation of the cult BBC television quiz show, Call My Bluff.

For those unfamiliar with the procedure, here’s roughly how it works. There are two teams of three, together with a host to keep things in order. The teams take it in turns to present three alternative definitions of an obscure mathematical word, only one of which is true—this is done by means of a dazzling, virtuoso display of wit and intellect, and occasionally completely unconvincing mathematics. The other team then has the task of deciding which one of the three alternatives is the correct one. If they guess correctly, they get a point; otherwise, their opponents get a point.