[quote name=\'zachhoran\' post=\'114430\' date=\'Mar 28 2006, 09:04 AM\']
Would a better fix for the Instant Cash have been to make the cost of it the usual cost of the third IB($15 or so) was, regardless of the player's lead. Jim could wheel and deal on a tie on whenever the producers let him, as he usually did
I remember someone risking $65 to go for the base amount of $1K one time.
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Yes and no. If a contestant has > $15, then there's some strategy and risk. But in the case of that $65 lead you describe, if I go for the Instant Cash with that kind of lead, where's the risk or drama? I'm still up $50, and unless my 2nd place opponent can rattle off 10 in a row, I can just about take a nap during the Speed Round. Plus, I'll have at least an extra $100 in my pocket (consolation for not getting the actual jackpot).
Giving up the lead sets up a nice dilemma, esp. if the jackpot is actually up to a nice number. But, in that contestant's case, giving up that kind of lead for a not-even-guaranteed $1,000 is just ridiculous IMO.