Q&A for How to Build a Tower of Cards

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  • Question
    How can I prevent my tower from falling?
    Community Answer
    Make sure that you don't have any fans or air conditioners on near where you are building your card tower. Also, make sure there is no wind around and that you are not breathing too heavily. Lastly, make sure that the surface you are working on is stable, and that you are placing the cards gently and slowly.
  • Question
    Should I make the bottom bigger if I want my tower to be taller?
    Community Answer
    A larger base will likely help with stability for a taller tower, but even so, the tall a tower gets, the more likely it is to fall over. There is always a limit to how tall you can make a tower before it falls, even with a large base.
  • Question
    How do I stabilize my hand when making a tower of cards?
    Community Answer
    Try to stay as still as possible. It may help if you hold your breath. Also, make sure to roll up your sleeves, because they might knock over the tower.
  • Question
    Can I do this on a slippery table?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but will be a bit more difficult.The slippery table will greatly reduce friction, lowering the maximum height of the tower. That said, gravity is the best glue.
  • Question
    Can you go as high as you want?
    Community Answer
    You can go as high as your base will sustain your tower. But there will always be a natural limit, even with a large base. Can you reach heaven with your tower of cards? Unlikely.
  • Question
    Can you make a tower that is just two stories tall?
    Community Answer
    Of course!! It's not nearly as difficult as any other amount. It's a good thing to do when you're just bored and you don't want to get into anything too intricate.
  • Question
    How do I do it in 20 minutes?
    Carina Rubin
    Community Answer
    You'll have to practice at it a lot. The more you practice, the faster you'll be able to do it. You may find that you're naturally pretty good at it, but even if you do, you still need to practice.
  • Question
    Can I use UNO cards for this?
    Community Answer
    Yes, of course. As long as they are cards and sturdy, go right ahead and give it a shot.
  • Question
    I can only get my tower to be single story. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    You must be in an area where there is no wind. You must not be breathing heavily so that no wind will make it fall. Try and try to make even just a two story tower.
  • Question
    What is the best brand of cards to do this?
    Community Answer
    There is no best brand for making a tower of cards. However, use cards that are relatively new (no bends or creases) to maximize stability.
  • Question
    Should I use low quality cards?
    Community Answer
    Low quality cards are usually really thin and light and they crease too easily, so I personally don't recommend it.
  • Question
    Can I build a card tower on a carpet?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it can be done on any rough surface so that the cards do not fall. It will help to stabilize the cards.
  • Question
    Will a plastic deck stand up?
    Community Answer
    Yes. It is sturdier than a regular paper deck.
  • Question
    What if the tower falls after I build a floor?
    Community Answer
    Just pick up the fallen cards, and try again.
  • Question
    Will this tower hold weight?
    Community Answer
    No, most likely not. It might be able to hold a little weight if you double the cards, like put two cards together as one.
  • Question
    I made a 6 story tall tower and then ran out of cards, and the new card deck is very slippery. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Leave the tower as it is, and "break into" the new pack of cards, bending them slightly this way and that. Try to make a new, separate card tower to see if it works. If so, then go ahead and continue to build on your original tower.
  • Question
    What is the best place to build my card tower?
    Community Answer
    I found the best place to be on the hardwood floor, but if that isn't available, a sturdy table will work well also.
  • Question
    How can I get my cards to stand upright?
    Carina Rubin
    Community Answer
    Try using one of the flat Lego base bricks. For a small tower, use a small green brick. For a bigger tower, use a large gray brick.
  • Question
    How many cards do I need?
    Community Answer
    You can use as many as you want to depending on how large you want your tower to be, but in general, one deck of cards is sufficient.
  • Question
    How do I get the cards to stand?
    Community Answer
    Make sure the tips of the cards are placed properly. This way, it will increase the stability and the cards will stand.
  • Question
    The first two cards don't balance at all. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    Find the ridge on the top of your cards and try to align them one on top of the other. This should help.
  • Question
    How do I start a tower of cards?
    Community Answer
    Start off with two cards and have them lean against each other so they stand up. Do this repeatedly at least 2 times and that's your base. Do that again at the top.
  • Question
    How can I make a tower of cards that will hold weight and not fall over?
    Community Answer
    That's not possible with regular cards.
  • Question
    How can I work with new and slippery cards if I don't have old ones?
    Community Answer
    You can wear them out a bit by shuffling or playing card games. Shuffles like the side shuffle should work, or you could also flourish your cards.
  • Question
    How many cards will I need for a 30-story tower?
    Community Answer
    You need approximately 156 or more cards, which is three or more decks of cards.
  • Question
    What do you do if the cards are slippery?
    Community Answer
    I think you should clean them off, or maybe just get a new deck. Find a small cloth that isn't too wet and wipe the cards off. I prefer to use Bicycle cards because they are made of a very sturdy material.
  • Question
    What surface should I build my tower of cards on?
    Community Answer
    A flat, smooth surface is the best. For example, a table, the ground, etc. Also, whatever you choose should be safe from breezes or wind.
  • Question
    How do I get two cards to stand upright?
    Community Answer
    Use the joint of your finger to lock it in, push down subtly and do it on the carpet if available.
  • Question
    How many stories can a standard deck of cards make?
    Ice Gamer
    Community Answer
    Is depends on the area––you can go as high as you like but you risk it falling the higher you go.
  • Question
    What kind of surface do you need for this?
    Community Answer
    A sturdy table is a good choice. Never use a wet surface and make sure it isn't near a fan.
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