The marlinspike hitch is essentially a running loop. It is very easy to tie and you could use the knot to tie a rope to a pole. However it would need to be under constant pressure to keep it's grip. A useful application of the knot is to make ladders.

	Step 1: Make a loop and a bight as shown.
	Step 2: Insert the bight into the loop. Tighten the loop. In this picture, you would pull on the left rope.
	A completed marlinspike hitch.
	For it to be useful, put a pole though the loop you have. A marlinspike hitch in a pole.