Charles Austin Miller

Question: If Tuco seriously thought that The Man with No Name would shoot him, why did Tuco voluntarily stick his head in the noose? Death is death. Why choose hanging over gunshot?

Charles Austin Miller

Chosen answer: Tuco knew he had a better chance at survival (and the gold) by playing along with Blondie and keeping his balance on the cross, hoping Blondie does not miss the rope when he shoots. This final, deadly game was preferable to being shot outright by Blondie and dying a poor man.

Scott215

Tuco had no idea that Blondie's intention was to shoot the rope and let him live.

Answer: Blondie wasn't trying to kill Tuco. The journey to find the gold was complete, and Blondie did not trust Tuco, so he just hung him, and left his half of the money, and shot the rope, not to kill him, but to leave him there.