Operation Catch Many Stuffed Animals

Through my month and a half in Taiwan, Justin and I have amassed quite a collection of stuffed animals through the claw game. I admit I wasted a bit of time and money in the beginning but through trial and error and pure talent I've learned a few things about this underrated sport. Here's a brief rundown of a typical night of quality claw action:


First, I scavenge through all my belongings, pants/shorts pockets, backpack, dresser top, Justin's money stash, for loose change, preferably the 10NTs. 50NT works too but you have to waste time exchanging them for 10NTs. Worst comes to worst, you gather up all your 5NTs, but that is generally shamed upon in the claw community


Second, I grab a backpack. Nothing looks more amateurish than walking around juggling your assorted prizes in both arms while reaching for change in your pocket and talking on the cell phone, while eating a grilled rice sausage. If possible, always carry a backpack for pure convenience. Also, nothing looks cooler than a backpack packed full of oddly shaped soft objects. This sense of mystery is a very powerful chick magnet. Oh, and notice Justin's technique of placing a previously won prize into the backpack before we leave. This is part tradition and part psychology. An empty backpack is generally damaging to the player's confidence, which is crucial in this deadly game.


Unfortunately, our actual animal catching techniques can not be revealed at the moment, as our enemies will surely take advantage and cripple us. But here's another piece of advice. Research and analysis are quite vital in the overall stuffed animal catching process. Notice here, while regular civilians are casually and naively ordering cold and overly sweetened beverages, Justin is busy browsing the street vendors that sell stuffed animals straight up for those can't claw. He carefully examines each individual piece for surface texture, weight and awkward protrusions among other factors that greatly effect the course of the claw games.


Here you can see the haul after one night's work. For an hour's worth of action, using only about 400 NT total, I'd call this excursion an acceptable success. Tonight, we will be thoroughly studying game tapes to mine our weaknesses and burn them.