The new contestant begins the selection and chooses a maximum of 8 squares, with the reigning champion selecting a maximum of 7 squares (sometimes the game may finish early when the outcome has been finalised), and the selection alternates between each player. The final square is never played. This uneven distribution of selections may at first seem like a disadvantage to the casual observer: however on witnessing game play it can often be in a players favour to select less squares, and also not to have the last pick of squares (especially if you need a large amount of money on your last go to win, or if you are in the lead and have to select a square you know will reduce your total). This is not always the case though, as each game differs wildly.