“Clever wordplay can lead to a big payday,” says host Dylan Lane on Chain Reaction, seen daily on Game Show Network! But, what’s the best way to make a chain of connecting words? How much should you wager? And what’s the secret to going home with more than $10,000?
To unlock the answers to these and other questions, Game Show Insider linked up with a trio of Game Show Network team members: Vice President of Development Sean Olsen; Executive Producer and Showrunner Rane Laymance; and Executive Director of Current Programming Michelle Cygan!
So, “put your brain to the chain” and check out these strategy secrets for one of Game Show Network’s most popular programs!
GAME SHOW INSIDER: What kind of a person makes a successful Chain Reaction player?
SEAN OLSEN:You have to love word games. If you love Scrabble or Words with Friends, you’re going to do well at Chain Reaction.
What’s one tip you can share with The Insider?
There are two ways to build a chain: top down or bottom up. When I play, I tend to want to start at the top: “Fire…Truck.” I think that’s a more natural progression than reversing the order.
How about starting at the top, then jumping to the bottom?
Some people do reveal a few words in the list, then cut to the bottom. It can sometimes help you connect the dots quicker. But, overall, I see more success going top down.
How important is it to speak the preceding or following word when guessing?
RANE LAYMANCE: I would have to do it because that’s how my brain works. If it’s “Tootsie…Roll,” I need to say “Tootsie” first to get to “Roll.” And saying it out loud always helps you make sure it actually makes sense.
What is a Speed Chain? And what’s an Insider Tip for playing it?
A Speed Chain is seven-second, four-word chain that helps you gain some extra bonus points. The thing that drives me nuts is when players don’t talk out loud to their teammates. If you’re doing a Speed Chain, you’re the only team that’s playing! It’s not a secret. So, shout at your teammates and help them get it right!
How much can you wager in the final competitive round? How much should you?
You can wager up to $500 on every word until the last word, then you can wager up to $1,000. You should wager strategically by looking at where the other team is. I would always start with low numbers unless I know for sure what the answer is.
What’s a common mistake players make in this round?
There are plenty of times when a team is far behind, but they still make $100 bets. They’re getting them right, but they’re not putting themselves in a position to win the game. On that same note, if one team is far ahead and has a lot of money to spare, I’d be trying to bet a little bit more, because they’ve got that room to breathe.
How does the Bonus Round work?
MICHELLE CYGAN: Only one team plays the bonus round and there are three different chains to complete: four words, five words, and six. The clock stops when the team finishes each chain. If they can finish all three chains in sixty seconds, they win their bank from the first three rounds plus an additional $10,000!
What’s a common mistake players make in the Bonus Round?
Moving too fast! They’re not able to register what letters are up there, the word attached to it, and what the possible answers could be. It’s best to stay as calm as possible so you can think clearly and precisely. Don’t panic!
What’s the secret to success at Chain Reaction?
Having a big vocabulary! Some parts of the chain are common phrases, but others are a bit obscure. And all you get are letters, so a good vocabulary is helpful!
———
My thanks to Sean, Rane, and Michelle for sharing their Chain Reaction game play tips! Are you a wordsmith? Then why not play the Chain Reaction web game? It’s fun and free! Best of luck — and keep watching Chain Reaction!
For airdates and times, visit the Chain Reaction show page. Connect with Game Show Network on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter