How To Win The Price Is Right

So... a few years ago I won The Price Is Right. It was amazing. Everyone always says, wow you are so lucky! Yes, yes I am. But I'm also skilled. I studied and executed a very specific plan. Here's how you can too.

Myth #1: They pick contestants at random. 
Actually, they don't. Everyone gets a ~8 second interview with the main producer (in groups of ~10) but there is also an insanely early check-in time and extremely long waiting period where they are constantly watching you. They watch, they listen, they talk and they pick contestants that they think will please their audience. Be happy, energetic, and more energetic. Preferably to the point of a cheerleader on speed. Bonus points if you can make the producers laugh.

Myth #2: The home viewer audience isn't important.
Quite the contrary - the producers select the contestants so that the home audience will be entertained and continue to watch (thus sustaining their revenue). The TPIR audience is overwhelmingly older men. Yes, grandpas. Thus they disproportionally choose younger women as contestants. Bonus points if you are one, but don't worry if you aren't; being energetic, positive, fun, funny, and crazy are most important. 

Myth #3: The games are random.
Spolier alert: They aren't. Even the 50/50 games - they overwhelmingly choose one way over the other. There are actual strategies for each of the games. Ben Blatt at Slate.com is awesome and created this handy dandy cheat sheet. Print it. Study it. Memorize it.

Myth #4: Winning lots of prizes is awesome.
The experience of being at TPIR was amazing, even without getting on stage (I also went once in college without studying and wasn't picked - it was just as much fun and none of the nerves). The second time I went I ended up getting picked, winning my first item bid, not winning my game, winning the wheel spin, then winning the showcase showcase showdown. I won a combination of items and trips. My advice to anyone is to immediately forfeit any trips you win. You will pay more in taxes for the trip than the trip would actually cost and it sucks. This is because the value you are taxed on is based off the insane MSRP value, not anywhere near the Fair Market Value. I didn't know this but luckily forfeited 2 of my 3 trips anyway (I had just started a new job and didn't have the vacation time). As all clever life-hackers do, I was able to figure out a resolution for the taxes for the trip I did take, but let's just say it took more than a few correspondences with the IRS and is not recommended.

Myth #5: You are guaranteed a spot if you reserve a ticket.
Nope. To make the best first impression as possible, I recommend showing up early as early as you can (6am is ideal!). That way once the gates open you are one of the first ones in line to get a number. Bonus points if you bring donuts for everyone else. If you show up in the later half of the pack you are not guaranteed entry and may sit around for hours for nothing. Another good strategy if you can swing it is to go as part of a group of 25 or more; you will be guaranteed a spot and at least 1 person from your group will be called. Spoiler alert: they usually pick the person being celebrated (birthday boy/girl, bachelorette, etc).

TLTR: You will not regret signing up to be a contestant on The Price Is Right (it's free!). Going with a group and/or acting super happy and insanely energetic will help you get called. Practicing the game strategy and studying prices will definitely not hurt either. But overall the most important thing is to have fun!

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