The Jokers Club

Jake and his buddy Dave are having a beer together one Friday night. Jake checks his watch and says he has to be going. Dave is puzzled and asks why. Jake explains he is a member of a joke telling club, and tonight is their monthly meeting.

Dave is curious about this club, and after a few questions Jake invites him to come along. They take a cab across town and arrive at the meeting hall. Inside are dozens of tables with people drinking and eating, and generally having a good time.

Jake a Dave settle in at a table and order another beer. At the front of the hall is a podium with a man standing behind it, and the man announces that is it now time to bring the meeting to order. He discusses club business for a few moments, and finally asks who would like to be first tonight.

A man at another table volunteers and heads for the podium. He clears his throat, leans down to the microphone, and whispers "783!".

The crowd laughs hysterically!

A woman then steps behind the podium, smiles, and says "159?".

Again, the crowd breaks into laughter.

This goes on for a while, until Dave turns to Jake and asks what is going on. Jake explains that this is an old club. Many of the members have been here for years, and most have the jokes have been told time and again. So, to make things a little easier, and to move things along a little bit, all the jokes have been numbered.

Dave is astounded. He has never heard of such a thing. Jake assures him it is true, and suggest Dave try telling a joke. Dave is reluctant, but Jake convinces him to try number 232.

Dave steps up to the podium. He looks up at the crowd nervously. He grins and says "232!!".

The hall is dead quiet. Dave sheepishly heads back to his table, and another person heads to the podium to tell a joke.

Dave quietly whispers to Jake "What happened?" Jake whispers back "You told it wrong!".