Have you ever been ambushed or otherwise lost a towel fight? The type involving a rolled up towel, otherwise known as a towel whip or rat tail? There are several points to keep in mind the next time you get in a potential towel fight situation.

First, make sure you pick the right kind of towel. The best weapon is a thin, large beach towel. Less than optimal but still acceptable are a bath towel (too thick) or a dish towel (not long enough).

Second, make sure you roll your towel properly. Fold down the upper corners of the towel so that they touch each other (you should have a triangle looking shape), and then roll along the longest edge of either one of the sides of the triangle (not the base that is facing you). Roll it tightly and wet the tip slightly.

Third, make sure your technique is proper. Stay far enough away from your opponent that only the tip of the towel will hit him; use good footwork to maintain the right distance. Deliver a series of rapid blows in success and end the towel fight quickly and decisively.

Finally, do not fear to be hit by a towel. Paradoxically, fear of getting hit is exactly what makes it more likely that you actually will be hit. Your instinct will be to turn your back and face away in order to avoid getting struck in the eyes, but nothing is more painful than just getting smacked in the back. Please, trust me on this.

Be bold, and remember that, as with many things, in a towel fight, the best defense is a a strong offense–in this case, putting a properly whipped rat tail in the face of your opponent before he can do the same to you.