“Win As Much Money As You
Can” Exercise
Adapted from Gellerman, W. (1970) “Win as much
money as you can” in Pfeiffer, J. and Jones, J.
Handbook of structured experiences for human
relations training, University Associates.
The Rules
GOAL—To win as much money as you can
• There are 7 rounds
• Each group votes either HEADS or TAILS by
open ballot
• Money is gained or lost based on the collective
vote of all groups (see following slides)
Round 1
4 HEADS = each group loses $25
3 HEADS = win $25 for each group that chooses HEADS
1 TAILS = lose $75 for each group that chooses TAILS
2 HEADS = win $50 for each group that chooses HEADS
2 TAILS = lose $50 for each group that chooses TAILS
1 HEADS = win $350 for each group that chooses HEADS
3 TAILS = lose $25 for each group that chooses TAILS
4 TAILS = win $25 for each group that chooses TAILS
Round 2
4 HEADS = each group loses $25
3 HEADS = win $25 for each group that chooses HEADS
1 TAILS = lose $75 for each group that chooses TAILS
2 HEADS = win $50 for each group that chooses HEADS
2 TAILS = lose $50 for each group that chooses TAILS
1 HEADS = win $350 for each group that chooses HEADS
3 TAILS = lose $25 for each group that chooses TAILS
4 TAILS = win $25 for each group that chooses TAILS
Round 3
4 HEADS = each group loses $25
3 HEADS = win $25 for each group that chooses HEADS
1 TAILS = lose $75 for each group that chooses TAILS
2 HEADS = win $50 for each group that chooses HEADS
2 TAILS = lose $50 for each group that chooses TAILS
1 HEADS = win $350 for each group that chooses HEADS
3 TAILS = lose $25 for each group that chooses TAILS
4 TAILS = win $25 for each group that chooses TAILS
Would you like to negotiate with
other groups?
• Take 2 minutes to decide on a strategy
and who to send as a representative
• Representatives will negotiate for 2
minutes
• Take 1 minute to decide on your group
vote
Round 4
4 HEADS = each group loses $250
3 HEADS = win $25 for each group that chooses HEADS
1 TAILS = lose $75 for each group that chooses TAILS
2 HEADS = win $50 for each group that chooses HEADS
2 TAILS = lose $50 for each group that chooses TAILS
1 HEADS = win $350 for each group that chooses HEADS
3 TAILS = lose $25 for each group that chooses TAILS
4 TAILS = win $25 for each group that chooses TAILS
Would you like to negotiate with
other groups?
• Take 2 minutes to decide on a strategy
and who to send as a representative
• Representatives will negotiate for 2
minutes
• Take 1 minute to decide on your group
vote
Round 5
4 HEADS = each group loses $250
3 HEADS = win $25 for each group that chooses HEADS
1 TAILS = lose $75 for each group that chooses TAILS
2 HEADS = win $50 for each group that chooses HEADS
2 TAILS = lose $50 for each group that chooses TAILS
1 HEADS = win $350 for each group that chooses HEADS
3 TAILS = lose $25 for each group that chooses TAILS
4 TAILS = win $250 for each group that chooses TAILS
Round 6
4 HEADS = each group loses $250
3 HEADS = win $25 for each group that chooses HEADS
1 TAILS = lose $75 for each group that chooses TAILS
2 HEADS = win $50 for each group that chooses HEADS
2 TAILS = lose $50 for each group that chooses TAILS
1 HEADS = lose $300 for each group that chooses HEADS
3 TAILS = win $100 for each group that chooses TAILS
4 TAILS = win $250 for each group that chooses TAILS
Would you like to negotiate
with other groups?
• Take 2 minutes to decide on a strategy
and who to send as a representative
• Representatives will negotiate for 2
minutes
• Take 1 minute to decide on your group
vote
Round 7
4 HEADS = each group loses $250
3 HEADS = win $25 for each group that chooses HEADS
1 TAILS = lose $75 for each group that chooses TAILS
2 HEADS = lose $200 for each group that chooses HEADS
2 TAILS = win $200 for each group that chooses TAILS
1 HEADS = lose $300 for each group that chooses HEADS
3 TAILS = win $100 for each group that chooses TAILS
4 TAILS = win $250 for each group that chooses TAILS
Who won the most money?
Discussion
Identify the hidden agenda in this activity.
Identify the conflict strategies used during
negotiations with other groups. Which ones
seemed manipulative?
How did assertiveness or problem orientation
influence the communication climate during
negotiations?