# What skill can you perform better than 99 random people? Please read OP for specifics before answering **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [May 25, 2026, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-skill-can-you-perform-better-than-99-random-people-please-read-op-for-specifics-before-answering/1030387 "2026-05-25T19:13:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 13
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2026, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-skill-can-you-perform-better-than-99-random-people-please-read-op-for-specifics-before-answering/1030387/241 "2026-06-01T03:03:16Z")
Answering factual questions about US politics. We had a game once at work, and I blew everyone out of the water by miles. ---
**Author:** ![Larsedik](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/larsedik/32/19832_2.png) [@Larsedik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larsedik)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2026, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-skill-can-you-perform-better-than-99-random-people-please-read-op-for-specifics-before-answering/1030387/242 "2026-06-01T14:59:54Z")
I’m good at that as well. I wrote my first sonnet series when I was 16, and I started writing poetry when I was 14. However, no one my age at the time was interested in reading it, but I had a sophomore English teacher in high school who was very interested, and I used to show her everything I had written. She submitted some of it to magazines that published it. I also won a poetry writing contest when I was in high school. At university, I took creative writing under Larry McMurtry. ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2026, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-skill-can-you-perform-better-than-99-random-people-please-read-op-for-specifics-before-answering/1030387/243 "2026-06-01T16:14:57Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > Not bragging, but my little Grandson can fart little tunes. A lot of a-holes can do that! 🫠 > [@scabpicker](#): > > If it’s a speed contest with curves, I’m decidedly average. I’d do well there. Going straight it boring As for me, finding stuff...\*underwater\* > [@robby](#): > > Scuba diving itself, mainly since less than 1% of the population of the U.S. is a certified scuba diver. Not many divers, & only a handful of them are rescue divers. Blackwater (where you can’t see _anything_) ops & search is an additional skillset than just recreational diving. ---
**Author:** ![scabpicker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scabpicker/32/8268_2.png) [@scabpicker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scabpicker)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2026, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-skill-can-you-perform-better-than-99-random-people-please-read-op-for-specifics-before-answering/1030387/244 "2026-06-01T16:37:11Z")
> [@Spiderman](#): > > > [@scabpicker](#): > > > > If it’s a speed contest with curves, I’m decidedly average. > > I’d do well there. > > Going straight it boring Oh, against 99 randos, I’d do well on a curvy track, too. Against 99 people who are experienced in the sport, I’m most likely going to end up 50th fastest. I’m good enough on a drag strip that I’d actually take my chances against 99 racers. It’s only a boring exercise if you’re in a car with low power or tons of traction. If you’re in a car that can break its tires loose at will in just about any gear if handled poorly, it’s very exciting. ---
**Author:** ![markn\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2026, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-skill-can-you-perform-better-than-99-random-people-please-read-op-for-specifics-before-answering/1030387/245 "2026-06-01T16:55:33Z")
I’m pretty good at juggling. I often get compliments when juggling at concerts. Once a guy approached me, introduced himself as a professional juggler with Ringling Brothers, complimented my juggling, and we had a discussion about techniques. However I’m going to go with solving a Rubik’s Cube. I can almost always solve a scrambled cube in 2.5 minutes or less, usually less than 2. I would guess that out of a random 99 people, it would be unusual to find even one who can do it at all. ---
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2026, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-skill-can-you-perform-better-than-99-random-people-please-read-op-for-specifics-before-answering/1030387/246 "2026-06-01T17:07:34Z")
> [@markn\_1](#): > > However I’m going to go with solving a Rubik’s Cube. I can almost always solve a scrambled cube in 2.5 minutes or less, usually less than 2. I would guess that out of a random 99 people, it would be unusual to find even one who can do it at all. My 15 year old self could do it almost any time in under a minute, even on cheap knock-off cubes that didn’t turn as smoothly as the original (we did tournaments in our school breaks and I wasn’t even the best). But now I have even forgotten the algorithm. ---
**Author:** ![moes\_lotion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ba0ec/32.png) [@moes\_lotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/moes_lotion)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2026, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-skill-can-you-perform-better-than-99-random-people-please-read-op-for-specifics-before-answering/1030387/247 "2026-06-01T17:15:56Z")
> [@Cartooniverse](#): > > In 2 weeks we hit 16 years. There’s STILL shit I’m finding out. It’s kinda magical. > > Anyway, much respect for Archers. That’s a sweet story, thanks for sharing. I just hope that your DB won’t be among the 99 randoms I’m up against. ---
**Author:** ![Frodo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/frodo/32/302_2.png) [@Frodo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frodo)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2026, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-skill-can-you-perform-better-than-99-random-people-please-read-op-for-specifics-before-answering/1030387/248 "2026-06-01T17:17:03Z")
I could it even faster! The stickers with the colors were never the same after being reorganized in the proper way though… ---
**Author:** ![moes\_lotion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ba0ec/32.png) [@moes\_lotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/moes_lotion)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2026, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-skill-can-you-perform-better-than-99-random-people-please-read-op-for-specifics-before-answering/1030387/249 "2026-06-01T17:34:24Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > And I did it without touching the other cars. Anyone can fit a space if they > are allowed to nudge the existing vehicles out of the way first. I witnessed something similar awhile ago. Toronto has a lot of active film and television productions and it’s common to see sections of streets with lines of traffic cones blocking off parking for the production vehicles. I was in a waiting room in a downtown office located across the street from such a stretch and watched as a crew member driving a small van pushed another small van backwards about a meter to make space to park. ---
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2026, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-skill-can-you-perform-better-than-99-random-people-please-read-op-for-specifics-before-answering/1030387/250 "2026-06-01T17:40:20Z")
> [@moes\_lotion](#): > > I witnessed something similar awhile ago. Toronto has a lot of active film and television productions and it’s common to see sections of streets with lines of traffic cones blocking off parking for the production vehicles. I was in a waiting room in a downtown office located across the street from such a stretch and watched as a crew member driving a small van pushed another small van backwards about a meter to make space to park. How does that even work, in a city other than Paris? I’ve been to Paris, and traffic is crazy there, and I’ve always heard that Parisian drivers never engage their handbrake when parking to allow such shenanigans. But what about anywhere else? I don’t know about Toronto, but I know about Germany, where I and 99% of other driver’s pull their handbrake and put the car in first gear or “park”, respectively when parking. So any attempt to push another car will lead to damage. ---
**Author:** ![moes\_lotion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ba0ec/32.png) [@moes\_lotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/moes_lotion)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2026, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-skill-can-you-perform-better-than-99-random-people-please-read-op-for-specifics-before-answering/1030387/251 "2026-06-01T18:00:24Z")
Like in @Hari_Seldon’s case, both vans (that looked like they belonged to the same company) had the old school metal front and back bumpers strong enough to take the force without crumpling. Given that it was a level section of street, I doubt the already parked van had parking brakes set, but presumably had the gear shift set to park. Again, they were probably automatic transmission vehicles, so the parked van’s tire would have to be scrapped over the pavement. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2026, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-skill-can-you-perform-better-than-99-random-people-please-read-op-for-specifics-before-answering/1030387/252 "2026-06-01T18:05:15Z")
Nice! ---
**Author:** ![Hari\_Seldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hari_seldon/32/5173_2.png) [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2026, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-skill-can-you-perform-better-than-99-random-people-please-read-op-for-specifics-before-answering/1030387/253 "2026-06-01T19:38:57Z")
Has nothing to do with the handbrake/park gear. Just nudging the suspension of both my car and the other an inch. ---
**Author:** ![deltogre](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/deltogre/32/5041_2.png) [@deltogre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deltogre)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2026, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-skill-can-you-perform-better-than-99-random-people-please-read-op-for-specifics-before-answering/1030387/254 "2026-06-01T20:53:43Z")
Facts, all of them. I love being punctual. The only thing that ever made me late was an ENORMOUS boulder that blocked a road in southwestern VA on my way to a meeting. I didn’t make it. My special skill, although i play guitar pretty well, and sing, and really enjoy trivia…is a bit barbarian. I could drink anyone out there under the table. I am of Irish extraction, and i am 6’5" and over 300 lbs. I’m not a cheap date. Ever see the movie “Beerfest?” If you ever find yourself in that situation, by all means, drop me a line. ---
**Author:** ![deltogre](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/deltogre/32/5041_2.png) [@deltogre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deltogre)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2026, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-skill-can-you-perform-better-than-99-random-people-please-read-op-for-specifics-before-answering/1030387/255 "2026-06-01T20:55:38Z")
I guarantee you got me licked. I’m a Gibson feller, myself… ---
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2026, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-skill-can-you-perform-better-than-99-random-people-please-read-op-for-specifics-before-answering/1030387/256 "2026-06-01T20:57:55Z")
I love LPs (I have an Epiphone version, more affordable), but Strats are my go-to… ---
**Author:** ![deltogre](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/deltogre/32/5041_2.png) [@deltogre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deltogre)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2026, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-skill-can-you-perform-better-than-99-random-people-please-read-op-for-specifics-before-answering/1030387/257 "2026-06-01T21:03:36Z")
I have a heavy right hand. Consequence of learning alone… ---
**Author:** ![deltogre](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/deltogre/32/5041_2.png) [@deltogre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deltogre)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2026, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-skill-can-you-perform-better-than-99-random-people-please-read-op-for-specifics-before-answering/1030387/258 "2026-06-01T22:12:26Z")
Shut your mouth! That is AWESOME. ---
**Author:** ![Philliam](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/philliam/32/3011_2.png) [@Philliam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Philliam)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2026, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-skill-can-you-perform-better-than-99-random-people-please-read-op-for-specifics-before-answering/1030387/259 "2026-06-01T22:27:44Z")
Chop sticks can be frustrating utensils and there’s no shame in not being able to get the hang of them; that being said, I agree totally that Japanese soup spoons are the best ever. ---
**Author:** ![Thumper668](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thumper668/32/20803_2.png) [@Thumper668](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thumper668)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2026, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-skill-can-you-perform-better-than-99-random-people-please-read-op-for-specifics-before-answering/1030387/260 "2026-06-01T22:33:25Z")
I’ll take my chances sailing in a regatta against 99 randos. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-skill-can-you-perform-better-than-99-random-people-please-read-op-for-specifics-before-answering/1030387.md?page=12) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-skill-can-you-perform-better-than-99-random-people-please-read-op-for-specifics-before-answering/1030387.md?page=14)