On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1984, a contestant named Michael Larson, an ice cream man from Ohio, stepped onto the set of Press Your Luck and walked away with over $110,000, becoming one of the biggest winners in game show history. His run looked like pure luck, but behind the scenes, Larson had figured out how the game really worked.

Comedian and mathematician Matt Parker breaks down the famous Press Your Luck scandal, explaining how Larson memorized patterns on the board and cracked the code of one of America’s most popular game shows.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1984, a contestant named Michael Larson, an ice cream man from Ohio, stepped onto the set of&nbsp;Press Your Luck&nbsp;and walked away with over $110,000, becoming one of the biggest winners in game show history. His run looked like pure luck, but behind the scenes, Larson had figured out how the game really worked. Comedian and mathematician Matt Parker breaks down the famous&nbsp;Press Your Luck&nbsp;scandal, explaining how Larson memorized patterns on the board and cracked the code of one of America&rsquo;s most popular game shows.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit, and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories tells stories that aren&rsquo;t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we&rsquo;ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit and be inspired by our stories.

How an Ice Cream Man Cracked Press Your Luck and Won Big

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/98eab4a2-149a-4b60-9552-b4210160bda2/transcript