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Money Game

One of the “Classic Three” car games on the first season of The Price is Right, along with Any Number and Five Price Tags.

A car is shown, along with a board with nine two-digit numbers. The contestant must pick out the first two digits and the last two digits of the car to win.

If the contestant makes four mistakes before finding both halves of the car, the game ends. The reason the game is called the “Money” game is because a wrong pick awards that amount in dollars. Even a contestant who loses the car usually can rack up $100-$150 in consolation money.

Over time, the producers developed various repeatable “tricks” to hide both halves of the car.

A contestant stands next to a colorful dry-erase board featuring the Money Game. The host points at the board, which displays various numbers and dollar signs, indicating incorrect guesses.
10th pricing game to debut
S1, December 25 1972 – Present
Created by Frank Wayne
Strategy
Stats
FAQ
S1, Dec 25 1972
A green Chevy Vega sedan displayed on a game show stage, with a woman in a colorful outfit standing beside it.

Kathleen can win a Chevy Vega sedan playing a brand new game–the Money Game!

A scene from the game show 'The Price is Right' featuring a Money Game game board with numbers, where the host gestures towards the numbers while a contestant looks on, showing signs of excitement.

Kathleen needs to find both halves of the car to win. Her first two picks, 32 and 26, had dollar signs behind them, signifying incorrect guesses.

A female contestant with glasses is speaking animatedly while gesturing with her hands, alongside a male host holding a microphone on a game show set.

Kathleen’s third choice is 24.

A game show contestant looks on anxiously as the host reveals numbers on a Money Game board in 1972, with several dollar signs indicating incorrect guesses. The setting features colorful lights and a retro game show aesthetic.

And 24 contains the front of the car!

A contestant reacts while the host explains the Money Game board, featuring various two-digit numbers and dollar signs, in a 1972 game show setting.

Bob places 24 in the slot at the bottom of the board to signify it’s a $2,4?? car. If she finds the back half, it’s hers!

A contestant and a host standing in front of the Money Game board featuring a grid of numbers and dollar signs, with the contestant contemplating her next pick.

Kathleen tried 92 next. No such luck, but she’s won an extra $92, plus the $58 from her first two picks. No matter what happens, that money is hers to keep.

A contestant deep in thought, holding a finger to her mouth, while a game show host gestures towards her during a classic car game on a brightly colored set.

She’s down to her final pick. She tries 83…

A game host reveals a number on a colorful board while a contestant watches, with various numbers and dollar signs visible.

…and it’s the back of the car!

A woman in glasses is expressing surprise and excitement with her hand raised, showcasing an emotional reaction.

Kathleen can’t believe it! She’s won a $2,483 car, plus $150 for gas!

S1, Jan 25 1973
A host and a contestant stand in front of a game board displaying numbers related to the Money Game on a Price is Right set in 1972.

Early on, they dimmed the studio lights when Money Game was played to give the game some grandeur.

A hand is shown reaching for a number 31 card, set against a colorful game board background.

They also began using dramatic close-ups on each number as Bob revealed them… a practice which endures today.

S13, Oct 23 1984
A contestant and the host stand on stage during the Money Game segment of a game show. The game board features various numbers and dollar signs. The contestant appears excited while interacting with the host.

Money Game lasted nine years being played center stage. It moved to the turntable in 1982.

A contestant at a game show excitedly engages with the host, showcasing her enthusiasm for the game.

Once again, down to the last pick. Arlene wants 03.

A large display showing the number '03' on an orange background with a black outline.

“You think we’re trying the old ‘Cheapo’, huh? Every so often they’ll stick the last two numbers behind some dinky little thing like that.”

An illustration of a black silhouette of a car on a yellow background, framed in black.

And she was right! “El Cheapo” became one of Bob’s favorite tricks to point out.

Tom Kennedy’s syndicated 1985-96, date unknown
A model poses next to a black Ford Bronco II SUV with decorative lights on top, showcasing a set for a game show.

Do you know what isn’t cheap? This Ford Bronco II from Tom Kennedy’s primetime Price is Right! There’s no way this car will fit on a regular Money Game board…

Tom Kennedy points to a board displaying the 'BIG MONEY GAME' with various numbers, while a contestant stands nearby, set in a colorful studio environment.

Time to break out the “BIG” Money Game! The last digit is given for free, and the contestant will have to find the first two digits and the “next two” digits.

S13, Feb 4 1985
A game show host reveals a number board during the 'Money Game', featuring dollar amounts and silhouettes of cars.

Another favorite trick is hiding both halves of the car next to each other in the “ol Front-n-Back”.

S20, Sep 20 1991
A game show host points at a board displaying ten numbers while a contestant stands beside him, set in a celebratory studio backdrop.

After 20 years of service, the old board was retired for a blue pastel one shaped like a dollar sign.

S35, Sep 19 2006
A display board for a car game featuring the number 2 alongside images of a car, set against a colorful background.

Since 1991, the middle number is revealed by default.

Another “trick” began in Season 35 and continues to this day. Top row, middle, is almost always the season number, and a wrong answer.

S51, Feb 1 2023 (Primetime)
A contestant enthusiastically participates in the 'Money Game' on a game show stage, with a large board displaying numbers and a logo of the game in the background.

Caroline is playing for an Alfa Romeo with an audience of TPIR superfans backing her up. The producers are pulling out ALL their tricks on this one!

A diverse group of contestants enthusiastically cheering and raising their hands in excitement while participating in a game show.

The crowd INSISTS that she pick 05… El Cheapo must be at work!

A contestant celebrates while standing alongside the host of 'The Price Is Right.' They are in front of the Money Game board displaying various numbers and dollar signs in a brightly lit studio.

Lo and behold!

A colorful game board for the 'Money Game' featuring nine two-digit numbers and a visible car illustration behind one of the slots.

An observant player should be able to see which “trick” is being used to conceal the first two numbers. Can YOU figure it out?

S52, Feb 2 2024 (Primetime)
A contestant stands in front of a white pickup truck and a trailer, ready to play a game on a brightly colored TV set.

In a special “Jackpot January” twist, Kareem is playing for a Toyota Tacoma… AND a pontoon boat!

A contestant and a host stand in front of the 'Money Game' board on a game show, featuring numbered slots with dollar signs and two icons representing a car and a boat in a special primetime twist.

Kareem can win the truck, the boat, or BOTH–the game doesn’t end until he hits four dollar signs!