Scientists have worked out a formula for the best way of pulling a Christmas cracker.
Apparently, it is all down to perfecting a twist, pull and staring technique.
The formula also takes into account of how much alcohol you have drunk.
Dr Paul Stevenson described pulling a cracker as a "psychological battle." He said: "The real trick is to let the opponent do most of the work, twisting and weakening the bonds at his end of the cracker - whilst your pull remains straight."
Tesco (they've obviously got too much money to spend), which commissioned the research, said people were getting more competitive about pulling crackers because prizes are becoming more expensive.
The winning formula includes the following factors, according to Tesco:
P = the pulling score - the chance you have of winning the pull. The higher this is, the better.
J = the jerk factor - the ratio of how much you are pulling compared to your opponent. This ranges from one to 10.
T = the twist factor - this ranges from one to 10, depending on how much the contestant is twisting.
Ny and No = the total number of times the two opponents respectively have won when pulling crackers.
S = the stare factor- it takes into account how good the two opponents are at out-psyching the other on a scale of one to 10.
A = the number of units of alcohol drunk by both opponents. Drinking less or the same means A is set to zero.
So for an article about a formula.... you would have thought they would have printed it!
My gift to you everybody.... if any of you lose out to a family member or friend then I suggest you need to study this thread more.
I myself cant wait to get a multi cloured hair clip, a dull magic trick and a plastic shoe horn to complete my christmas
