Master Key

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The Turntable portion of the "Master Key" set

Master Key is a pricing game on the American television game show The Price Is Right. Debuting on March 25, 1983, it is played for three prizes – a car, and two smaller prizes (worth at least $500). This game uses small prizes.

[edit] Gameplay

This game is played in two stages. In the first stage, which is played on the Turntable, the contestant is shown two small prizes, one at a time, each worth up to $100. With each prize is a card with three numbers (e.g., "468"). The contestant has to decide whether the first two numbers or the last two numbers are correct (i.e., $46 or $68). A correct decision wins the prize and a choice of one of five keys. Up to two keys can be won, which are used in the game's second part. However, if the contestant fails to win a key, the game immediately ends.

The key distribution is as follows:

One key for the first smaller prize.
One key for the second smaller prize.
One key for the car.
A "dud" key, which doesn't open anything.
The "Master Key," which opens all three locks and wins everything.

In the second part of the game, the contestant inserts the keys into each of the locks, which are on the Master Key set onstage. Each of the three locks represents one of the prizes. The contestant wins whatever prizes are unlocked. The game is considered a win if the contestant wins the car, even though the most desirable result is to win all three prizes (which is only possible by getting the Master Key).

[edit] Trivia

Host Bob Barker has occasionally had trouble getting the keys out of the locks in this game. On one playing frequently featured in clip shows, he kicked a key when it wouldn't turn and accidentally snapped it in half.

The "unlocking" mechanism for the prizes is controlled by the position of magnets in the keys. The three single-prize keys have one magnet each, all in different spots; the master key has magnets in all three spots; and the "dud" key has no magnets.