Re-visiting the most controversial (and dumbest?) eliminations:

Squid Game: The Challenge -- Aurora #399 vs Dylan #065. Who was right and who was wrong during the infamous Marbles game (Season one, episode six)
Were you Team Aurora or Team Dylan? In this video, we re-visit the most polarizing and controversial eliminations and I break down the arguments for and against both players. I read through the arguments online-- on Reddit, Instagram, TikTok and other sources -- to summarize what pro-Aurora and pro-Dylan commenters wrote.
Plus, I talk about some of the other factors that were left on the editing floor - like what #399 Aurora Victoria and #065 Dylan Scanlon said that the episode didn't show - before giving my final thoughts and verdict on who is more to blame for the Marbles double elimination suic*ide pact.
Of course, I'm sure that many people will disagree with me so don't hold back-- let's hear it below in the comments! Also, let us know if there were things that I missed or got wrong....
Credits:
“Squid Game” (Netflix, 2021)
“Squid Game: The Challenge” (Netflix, 2023)
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[@thesaltycobra]

So what did you all think? Are you Team Aurora or Team Dylan? Did this video change your mind at all? Was there anything I missed from the Marbles double elimination controversy? What did I get wrong? What did you agree or disagree with? What do you think about my Oldest Sibling theory? Let's hear from other oldest siblings (and younger ones too). I'm sure there are a lot of differing opinions and disagreements out there, so let's hear it below!

[@MissyParkedLincoln]

to me 065 is a disaster. I would never in my wildest imagination would ever want to be with someone as trashy as 065. he has zero gentleman, honorable traits. 065 is just trash. I feel sorry that 399 didn't win because of this trashy 065.

[@SPLY_Dzyre]

399 should have won because she made 065 go first and her marble went in the pot first

[@mirandacover7680]

I’m not saying it’s a race thing, but as a woman with a small voice I tend to be told I’m shouting when I talk a little louder or more passionately, which is very frustrating! When I first saw this I hated 65, I thought he was a total sore loser and aurora got screwed!

[@Maynard-il1yj]

lol definitely not a race thing anyone trying to make that assumption/assertion is a

[@Maynard-il1yj]

How, they both made one 😂 then she just made a up a rule after the time ran out 😂

[@Maynard-il1yj]

Oh and to think it’s a gender thing it’s hilarious. They were both stubborn and should have figured it out before the time ran out. That’s it

[@mirandacover7680]

@@Maynard-il1yjhow else would you try to figure out a winner? That would be my first thought, but bottom line unless he won he wasn’t going to let her win!

[@Maynard-il1yj]

@@mirandacover7680 you set the rules then play the game. Not wait til the end and go “well I made it first so I win” they both made one and time ran out. Cause why would he let someone who let the time run out win after the time ran out and she tried to insert something that wasn’t the game. It wasn’t who makes it first.

[@CarlosRamirez-wb7zu]

I listened to the whole thing. Bottom line, 065 wasn't going to let 399 win. He had no argument for a tiebreaker, and she did. Also, throwing isn't the default for marbles. 399 offered 2 games, 065 offered one game.

[@thesaltycobra]

That’s a popular narrative but I’m still not convinced that she had a better claim to win. Just because she came up with a reason and then was like “come on, just let me win or we both are out”, people blindly accept that it’s all on him to let her win or be the asshole. What if he said something like “okay since it’s a tie, and my number is lower than yours, then you should let me win. It’s only fair. If you don’t then we’re both out, come on!” So he could say Bottom line, she didn’t let him win. Also offering 1 vs 2 games doesn’t necessarily mean anything. He only wanted to do a throwing game and she only wanted a non-throwing game (but just gave two varieties). I’m not in favor of 65, but just don’t accept the premise that just because 399 came up with her own rationale for why she should win , that automatically the onus is all on him to either 1) let her win or 2) double elimination. A third option would be 3) she lets him win (but that’s never discussed for some reason )

[@Maynard-il1yj]

@@thesaltycobrathis! Couldn’t have said it better. His 2 vs 1 argument really made me chuckle

[@duderRechthat]

@@thesaltycobra Nah, this ain't it. Respectfully. Granted, under normal circumstances, had they both equally wanted to play the throwing game, her scoring first should not make her the winner in a tie, because they only agreed that the one who ends up scoring more marbles wins. But they did not play under normal circumstances. He basically forced her to play a game where he knows he has an advantage, because he would not play anything else. She had all the reason to stay as stubborn as him, but she then did him a huge favor when she accepted his game instead of just letting the time run out. She was the bigger person in that situation. Therefore, from a moral standpoint, when they ended in a tie and she scored first, it was his time to return the favor, be the bigger person and let her advance because he clearly could not defeat her in the game that he thought he was better at.

[@moimoi2994]

​@@thesaltycobra he didn't either....both eliminated problem solved

[@declanjones129]

This elimination really made me think that there’s a perverse incentive to actually pair up with someone close to you because you’ll both more likely agree on who rightfully won. Even though the eliminated party will be devastated, they can rationalize their loss as helping further their friend’s win. I think the problem with 399 and 067 was that they didn’t pair up because they liked each other.

[@ysteven93]

Initially I was annoyed at 399 for not wanting to do a throwing game because she's not good at throwing, but after they ended in a tie the ONLY reasonable tie breaker would be who scored first. The fact that 065 threw first but 399 scored first is enough to break the tie if you have to absolutely choose one winner. 065 has no argument for why he should've won so he just says "i disagree". What kind of argument is that?

[@its_eli]

I've been waiting for a vid like this. This elimination was so frustrating to watch. It was all downhill the moment those two joined up. I saw an interview where multiple marble players attest that 399 was loud and cursing at 065 at one point, but that was edited out. I initially believed he was totally at fault, but idk now.

[@thesaltycobra]

Hmmm… very interesting. I only watched a few player interviews so I missed a lot of that inside scoop. If I had heard about the alleged 399 loud cursing, I would’ve included that in the video (which further supports the case that the producers intentionally edited their interaction to show her in a more positive light, and make 65 the rude villain). Great stuff… any other insider tidbits like this from other viewers please?

[@its_eli]

@@thesaltycobra Haha, no worries. I get little insights as more and more interviews/podcasts are happening with players. 065 did confirm that he tried fooling her with the 'left hand' thing since that's his dominant hand. 399 was invited to a panel to give her side with 065 and she declined. She was also invited to a podcast by another player and she declined. 065 showed up to both those interviews to tell his. Kinda interesting ...

[@rugr82day]

Just catching up with the show: 065 was so unwilling to do any other game but throwing, so I wouldn't be surprised if 399 had gotten loud out of frustration. He showed a lot of pettiness in that he was going to win or they would both go home. He got his choice and he got to go first so he can't say that it wasn't a fair game. When he didn't win he decided she wasn't going to win either. In the end 399 compromised so they wouldn't both be eliminated but 065 made sure that they were both eliminated.

[@RubBH]

399 won. Hands down. 065 just didn't accepted his loss

[@Maynard-il1yj]

How

[@thechristmasproductions9232]

@@Maynard-il1yjhe was stubborn as a brick wall. Only offered one type of game. Eventually SHE conceded and agreed to do the game that HE proposed. If anyone should have advantage in the tie breaker, it should be the person who conceded to the other for the game option. I’m a conservative white guy and 399 was absolutely in the right. This isn’t about race/sex.

[@Maynard-il1yj]

@@thechristmasproductions9232 he said he want going to play anything but a throwing game and gave a decent answer of to why, didn’t want to leave it up to chance. She said she didn’t want to play a throwing game bc she thought he would have the advantage. But obviously she wanted those games bc it was in her wheel house more… but obviously was willing to play the throwing game. But did it too late and tie breaker couldn’t even be a thing. It would have been a rule thing, like first one to make it wins. Which wasn’t the game, but what she tried to turn it into after they ran out of time.

[@Maynard-il1yj]

@@thechristmasproductions9232 then why did you feel the need to mention you race/sex 😂

[@thechristmasproductions9232]

@@Maynard-il1yj luck would’ve technically been the most fair, but she offered more suggestions than him. He just wasn’t having it. He just sat there and stared straight ahead. FYI, if you want to find the truly stubborn one in a disagreement, it’s the one who’s blank faced avoiding eye contact, and it certainly isn’t the one who concedes to the other person. I mentioned my race/sex because there’s a floating theory in this video and it’s comment section that people were siding with her just because she’s a black girl and he’s a white guy. My point is I’m just like the guy and I agree with the narrative that he was in the wrong. I mentioned I’m a conservative because I agree there are a lot of times where people agree with someone just because they’re a woman or black or both in attempt to virtue signal. As someone who constantly sees that bs happening, I can confirm that this was NOT one of those times. 399 was in the right and 65 was not.

[@Orbitinbloom19018]

Dylan was in the wrong, there was only one reason that made sense that why she won and he just didnt WANT to lose.

[@Maynard-il1yj]

Huh

[@BoredSudoku]

I hated him in the show so much

[@nmfan1]

Same. His voice just annoyed the heck outta me

[@oceanle]

399 wins

[@lemonicedtea21]

Really interesting analysis, hopefully fans of the show will stop sending hate to both of them

[@thesaltycobra]

Thanks for the comment and agreed! And I'm sure people are over it by now...but when the show first came out last month, they were probably overwhelmed by all the comments!

[@polandsprings21]

Dylans would have caught that plant vase across the back of his head.

[@jenncece5858]

I think we all know if Dylan had gotten in first and gave the same argument to Aurora, she would have been very likely to conceed. Neither had a clear claim to move forward, true, but Aurora is shown trying to come up with options and Dylan was not. Plus, when we see how the rest of the game played out with the players trying to keep things as equitable and 50/50 as possible, Dylan's refusals to compromise just look worse.

[@yoyepo91]

she put them in the situation in the first place to not get to throw all their marbles. It is her fault that they did not get to finish their game, then she wanted him to concede because she made it first even though they tied. At that point he had no reason to concede to her.

[@pharenecloristin]

Im sorry but edited or unedited, based on what we saw, 069 was not a good negociator, let’s focus on what we have all seen and judged that…. The fact that we cant have a sens of common ground about that is deplorable. No need to implicate other factors .

[@user-kt3qm8jy8y]

I understand both sides. From what i saw i personally lean to # 399 just a little bit more. There was no other determining factor on who could have won. Personally if i was #65 and i couldn't have made a argument as to why i won i would have just given her the W to advoid the both of us getting eliminated. But at the same time that was never a previously mentioned rule. I just can't help but to feel it was a bit petty on his part as time was out and in order for there to be a survivor they would have to start grasping for straws. It kinda seemed he would have rather them both go down then to give her a chance but on the other hand they did tie so he doesn't owe her that. 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@thesaltycobra]

I’m with you- I lean a bit towards her but it’s not at all clear cut. And I can kinda understand why he wouldn’t just take the L since neither one of them had a strong claim to win the tiebreaker since they were at loggerheads the whole time . If they were friends or even friendly , it might be another story, but it would be a tough pill to swallow to just hand the win over to someone that you’ve been arguing antagonistically with for 20 minutes.

[@HeidiNClosetOfficial]

It’s the way he smiles when they get got that’s disgusting

[@voradora]

this is actually interesting. if you go first, obviously hitting first should not be a tiebreaker. in the game the second player hit first, and so seems like a valid argument for them. but not really, as it would mean the player who goes first has no existing tiebreaker while other has one to rely on, pregame. no one would ever go first then. sadly a tie is fine here.

[@HaraiGoshi345]

Can you do a video on Amanda trying to play the feminism card only for it to backfire on her in the gift game. That would be a good analysis

[@Ava_5411]

I think that Dylans' argument about not wanting to do a luck based game was valid. Because I would be so annoyed if I got out from one of those tests in the dorm or by chance. Jada wasted a lot of time and I thought her suggested "compromises" that we saw on the show were all about chance or luck and definitely were things in her favour. However, after hearing that they were going to use their non dominant hand and he didn't I guess she should've won... But I really wish we got to see the full clip. As I've also heard other contestants say she was getting loud and cursing. I'm not mad about the decision to eliminate them both!

[@soitsdivine]

Dylan was so annoying, to be honest. I really didn't like him. When she said "You win" that really pissed me off.

[@malia230.]

Hey I realy liked the video and how it broke down the event from both sides. Also do you know what website you can find the description of the players like as seen in 11:38. Thank you in advance if you reply.😊

[@thesaltycobra]

KZbin doesn’t allow links but Netflix has all that info on their site, just google “Netflix squid game challenge player profiles” . Thanks for the comment and feedback!

[@malia230.]

@@thesaltycobra Your welcome thank you for replying!!

[@eat.food.not.friends]

In the original Squid game, the marble game wasn't even just about winning the game, but about who had more marbles in the end... if I remember correctly

[@mfosspatty1]

399 deserved to win, 399 had a reason to win, 065 didnt.

[@Maynard-il1yj]

11:00 she did he have a say in any of those?!

[@Realbmell]

It really does seem like your argument is favoring 065 ngl😂

[@pearlskis9741]

Why send hate when it might effect them but not us. If we were in their shoes we might be worse... If so much hate...watch a horror movie and channel the hate and anxiety there😂

[@jonathan_8100]

Shes the one that wasted all of their time. He suggested to make it fair by using his left hand since she isnt good at throwing but even then, she wasted 18 minutes just for her to end up deciding on the throwing game anyways.

[@shafiislam5404]

Apparently, his left hand was actually his dominant hand. He tried to trick her. Why is 399's actions seen as a waste when it was 65 who was incredibly stubborn and wanted the marbles game to play into his strengths?

[@thesaltycobra]

What do you mean "apparently" his left hand is dominant? What's your source? If true, then it meant that 65 ended up with a disadvantage because he actually played with his right hand (and could of played with his "dominant" left hand but for some reason decided not to).

[@shafiislam5404]

@@thesaltycobra Well I said apparently because it's not a reliable source. Another comment in this comment section said that so I replied to the original comment saying what I said.

[@Maynard-il1yj]

@@shafiislam5404you can’t deduce, apparently with “not a reliable source” what a joke 😂

[@shafiislam5404]

@@Maynard-il1yj Do you not know what apparently means? Prefacing a statement with apparently means what is being stated isn’t a complete fact. Also you need to look up how to use deduce in a sentence. I never said apparently and “not a reliable source” are the same thing. Because I knew what I saw in another comment was an unreliable source, I said apparently. And BTW, the comma goes after the quotations. Maybe when you’re trying to correct someone, make sure your statement doesn’t have any errors either.

[@welcometomoonbar]

Netflix edits it like if he's being much more of an asshole than she is, and we will probably never know if that was the case or not. But if it was...then yeah, then he's the worst of them. Also, I both blame her for refusing to throw, and I also blame him for refusing 50/50 chances. Both being so stubborn about those respective things that was just so immature, but maybe a little more immature to refuse 50/50 chance. So maybe he's just a little worse, but not much worse. However, it seems like he got more hate online because of his race and sex than she got, and I always sympathize more with the victim of racism and sexism regardless of if it's a white man or a black woman. Especially when he's even accused of racism and sexism himself simply for having a conflict with a black woman about something completely unrelated to that. Probably she got some racist comments too - just not as much as him.

[@Fury-cl3fn]

399 was clearly in the right.

[@spriteboi24]

I was hoping they would both lose. Massive win for everyone else

[@riskmaster7480]

If your going to get pressured into jumping at some point then you might as well just jump when it’s your turn so clearly Ashley was wrong and for the two getting eliminated in the marbles game even though they both made one she made hers first so she too is clearly the winner but of course people can’t just walk away from life changing $ when the stakes or so high I don’t really want to get this show for my collection but I kinda do and to speak on the biggest topic of all videos I think it’s rigged just a bit because how do you guess at the end like that unbelievable

[@brightshining]

This stuff doesn't seem all quite right, I believe you may not have been informed correctly... She actually said the opposite in those tiktoks with shown clips from, namely that they had agreed specifically upon their most recent 'rule' in conversation that they would play with their non-dominant hands -- which he messed up (either accidentally or willfully deceived her so he did not do) while she, on camera, played with her non-dominant hand for the length of the game So not only did he not abide by his own rules but he had an advantage over her while she was trying to level the playing field (which on the surface is okay, realistically, because, if he did, willfully deceiving her at her own game is exactly why would happen in a kill or get killed real-life version of this reality squid game) The part where I wondered if the guards should have come and taken him away, maybe/killed him while she was let go, possibly, was the part where they shook hands on the rule that they would play rock paper scissors for first place in the event of a tie at the end, that he refused, and which they never got the chance to do Again, maybe you could argue he's playing by the eat or get eaten game, and maybe the rules didn't have to be followed strictly or deceit's okay... so long as they both 'agree' to a winner (won lawfully or not) But if they did have to hold to their original rules, seems to me her getting the win had the edge she followed the rules and she had not lost the game, so by virtue of the fact that he refused them and broke them, in my opinion, she likely won, respectfully ... but then again, maybe there was even more supreme of a rule than that which was they they had to finish the game to decide before the end of the time... in which case, yeah, they both lost - tough luck :p :)

[@eat.food.not.friends]

The first argument for 065 was bad. Marbles are ment for many games, not for throwing in the first place. Thats just wrong.

[@darthtader5802]

Yeah but most of the marble games they could play involved throwing and that’s what most people were doing. By refusing to play a throwing game she ruled out most options at their disposal. I do agree that 065 was more in the wrong but 399 wasn’t perfect either.

[@Ilovefutball]

Dylan deserves

[@ProfessorSetterby]

Everyone is villainizing Dylan but Aurora played mind games. She gaslit him and waited until the last minute. Then when he was flustered and they tied and the clock ran out and they tied he said rock paper scissors ✂️ he said fine we both lose then. I’m not giving a bully the win. According to him they edited out the parts where she was raising her voice to make him look crazy, but looking at her facial expressions she seems condescending and like a liar. I saw her in interviews too, I don’t believe her, she was 60% wrong he was 40% wrong. So for me I was more satisfied to see them both leave.

[@yoyepo91]

the guy agrees to use his left hand vs her right hand she still disagrees and wastes 18 minutes letting her suggest a strategy game that she has clearly thought up and prepared for and he has not clearly gives her the advantage. She could have been thinking about the game for the last 2 hours and mentally preparing. Seems like a good way to lose. Your example with Spencer is perfect to expose the hypocrisy. damned if you do, damned if you don't. The difference likely has more to do with one being a white man and the other being a black woman. they only get to throw a few marbles, then run out of time they tie in the game she feels she should win because she made it in first. Again, this is irrelevant. They tied. again, he got no extra shots because she wasted 18 minutes. In a full game, he may have won he has no incentive whatsoever to give her the win on a game they did not finish. whether he lets her win or not, he still dies if anything, she should concede for wasting their time and causing the time elimination in the first place Dylon is in the right here

[@pharenecloristin]

How is she alone responsible for the wasted time?

[@Maynard-il1yj]

@@pharenecloristinhe said he would only play a throwing a game and they waited til the end couldn’t play it out. Looked like she tried to run out the clock and throw a quick on in. Boo hoo. She got them both killed

[@pharenecloristin]

@@Maynard-il1yj Hope you get judged accordingly to your own principles then

[@Maynard-il1yj]

@@pharenecloristin who wasted time from playing the game he suggested? He chose that game from the go. He was willing to compromise.. just not play her games. Stood firm. Like meeeen. N shortly do Omaha ahahahabaha

[@klarfaerie]

Few things. He went back on throwing with his non dom hand and she still used her non dom hand. She said that she initially said no to throwing bc he’s been playing baseball for years and she has bad hand eye coordination. So that seems like something HE’d know he’d have an advantage with. She also had no way of knowing which hand was dominant or if he was ambidextrous because she knew that baseball players tend to train with both hands. She offered strategy, but he declined. She offered luck, he declined. Since both of them had an advantage with throwing and strategy, she chose chance because at least it would be 50/50 and a fair playing field.