(Big) Money Game

1973 - Present

Money Game is an enduring pricing game usually played for a car. Nine sets of two-digit numbers are on the board. One set represents the first two digits in the price of the car, while another set represents the last two digits. The other seven sets represent an amount of money (for example, "23" equals $23). The object of the game is to pick the first and last two digits in the car before picking four sets of money. If the contestant can do so, s/he wins the car. If not, the contestant wins the total in cash s/he earned, which is rarely more than $250. With the advent of five-digit cars, the game was changed so the contestant was given the third digit of the car for free. The symbol behind the first two digits of the car represents the front end of car, while the last two digits represent the back end of car. When the game is played for a truck (or on rare occassions, a boat), the symbols change accordingly.

Money Game seems to be a "pet" game for Bob. Over the years, he's referred to several "tricks" that the producers use in the game. Often times, the front and back ends of the car are right next to each other on the board; Bob refers to this as "The Old Front 'n Back" trick. Often the last two digits of the car are the lowest amount on the board, which Bob refers to as "Old El Cheapo."

Set Changes: The simple orange board originally was placed in the center of the studio, but has since been moved to the turntable. The "Money Game" name was added around 1974 or 1975. Briefly tried as "Big" Money Game in the mid-80's when five-digit cars were something special. In the early '90s, the board went through a major overhaul and is now shaped like one of the dollar signs that signifies a money amount.

This is the first time Money Game was ever played, and we have a winner! Note the slightly different car symbols.	This is the Money Game board (sans name) that lasted for more than a decade. This contestant is off to a good start.

This is what you DON'T want to see...you've earned that amount in cash, but wouldn't you rather have the car!?	Here's Money Game in 1980. Still in the center of the stage, but now with the name added.

Ugh. What is this? It's BIG Money Game from 1985. Note that the last digit, the zero, is given free.	Here's a closeup of that zero. Take it back!

Ooh! A treat! Money Game played for a boat! Note that we're on the turntable now.	She's got the, uh, stern (?) of the boat...

This is the current Money Game board. That's a truck we're playing for today.	Here's the front end of the truck!

Note that the middle digit has been given free. There are always three choices for the first two digits of the car. This contestant got tripped up by the "16" and "15."	Here we have a Money Game loser. The "30" would have won it for her--the old front 'n back trick! But she does take home $186 in cash.