Question about Millionaire

[cheyita]

When at MGM last Sunday, we went to see Millinoinaire - Play It for the first time. I was very excited because I enjoy the show and was hoping to score well. For the duration of the two players who got in the hot seat, I thought that I immediately pushing the correct button the instant the lights went on. I did get the questions correct, and couldn't have pushed them any faster. I never scored in the top 10. Sure, there was a packed house, and I'm sure there were others pushing the correct buttons right away, but I couldn't imagine how I could have done better.

So...what's the trick to this thing? Are there just that many people doing equally well and the scores are that close together?

 

[Steven Barrett]

cheyita,

In any given Millionaire session, many very intelligent first-time and repeat players are in the audience. The only hope any individual has to win is to get all the answers correct with lightning speed. For the fastest response, look at the answer pad as soon as you read answer C on the overhead screen. Punch the correct answer A, B, C (or D by elimination) as soon as the answer pad lights up.

Steven M. Barrett, author of the "Hassle-Free Walt Disney World Vacation" and "Hidden Mickeys, A Field Guide to Walt Disney World's Best Kept Secrets", both books published by The Intrepid Traveler Publishers.

 

[tar heel]

We've never been in the hot seat either, but dh, oldest ds and I have all been in the top 5 -- ds has been 1, but the session ended before the current player lost. We push the correct answer the minute it is revealed and do not wait for the panel to light up. If the correct answer isn't in A-C, we immediately push D. We have a difference of opinion among us over whether you should push over and over or hold the button in.

 

[cheyita]

Well, I did look down at the pad to push the button the second it lit up, but I was wondering if I should push before it lights up or not. Based on what you said, tar heel, I guess I should have. But I'm not sure whether I should hold it down or push rapidly. Gives me something to look forward to next year! I want that cruise!

 

[Kallison]

Dh got in hot seat and I got to #1 but they ran out of time. What you do is push, push, push the button before the light even comes on. As they read the answers a-b-c-d -- we are pushing the correct answer immediately. Now the very first question, we just push randomly because I think the only way to win that is by luck.

 

[KristaTX]

I have been fortunate enough to be in the hot seat twice and on the top 10 list several times. Once I know what the answer to the question is, I immediately begin punching the button (a,b,c, or d) with my thumb rapidly over and over again until the answer is accepted. Start punching even before the lights light up.

My family members and friends are also usually in the top 10 using this technique. I never tried just holding the button down - don't know if it works or not.

Wow - STEVEN BARRETT responded! I was just looking at your Hidden Mickeys book at my mom's house yesterday. We can't wait to meet you at Mousefest in a couple of weeks

 

[JamesD]

From someone who's been in the hotseat several times, I can tell you if you see the keypad light up before you press the button, you're too late! As soon as you think you know the answer to the question, you repetitively press the button until it lights. Holding the button down does not work! The instruction for waiting until your keypad lights before pressing the buttons really has to do with the fastest finger question, and is not necessary when answering the actual game questions. It is true that with a full house, and relatively easy questions, you are playing against hundreds of other people, and the odds are a lot higher. I find my best chance of getting in the hotseat is usually on a higher value question, when the answer is going to be D, I have already determined that by process of elimination, and I press D before the answer appears. The most frustrating thing is making it to the top of the audience list, and that buzzer sounding, besides finding out you can't play for another 30 days if you do get into the hotseat!

 

[georgina]

Another vote for pushing the button repeatedly as soon as you know the answer - it's gotten me in the hotseat twice also. Don't wait for the keypad to light up, exercise those thumbs!

 

[Pig Pen]

Kallison and James D have it "on the button." You gotta push those buttons the second you know the answer, if even the lights are not lit yet.

I never made the hot seat but was in the top 10 many times and top 3 twice.

 

[paladin]

Another vote for pressing the button repeatedly before they light up - that tactic has gotten me into the hotseat 4 times - though I have yet to make it all the way to 1,000,000 points -

 

[DavidNYC]

I['ve made it to the hot seat on each of my last three trips over the last 3 years (although it took a couple of tries on each trip).

I agree with everyone here about the need to keep quickly pressing as soon as you know the answer but also want to give even extra emphasis on the importance of speed on a question where D is the answer. The lights often light up slightly before answer D is revealed and if you can start your pressing immediately after answer C that can give you a big advantage.

When you sit down before the show, find a comfortable way to hold your hand on the keypad that lets you press very quickly and repeatedly. I usually wrap my hand over the top of the unit which lets my thumb press really fast.

Good luck!