Being a beginning climber and poor, I've picked up most of my technique from pictures, occasional de_script_ions, and some creativity. I'm doing pretty well, I think, but have a basic question: What is the point of the figure eight knot between the blake's hitch and the climber in DdRT? I understand that the F8 on the tail end protects against the blake's loosening, but have no idea what the other F8 is doing (an example is the knot almost covered by the cheek of the kid in the bright green helmet in the picture at the top of this screen.) I currently do not tie this knot, as I did not notice it when I first was learning, but would like to know if this is endangering my life somehow or making my life harder.

hope all is well,

jon