: Dear Straight Dope

Can you please explain exactly how a Ouija board works? I know some people say it's because of spirits, and others say it's because of involuntary movements, but most people would agree that it's really not explainable. If that's the case, then how can Parker Brothers manufacture a game which process can't be explained? --Heather and Mark

:SDSTAFF David replies

To answer your last question first--it is, as you said, a game. They don't need to explain it; they just need to know that people will buy it so they can make money.

Going back to your first question, yes, we can explain how the Ouija board works. In fact, you mentioned it in your question--involuntary movements. Evidently you didn't find that persuasive, so let me take another stab

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