The Auction Game

FAQ

How many rounds are there?: 10, one legendary lot per round, then the final result.
How is the score calculated?: Each round scores 100 times 1 minus how far off you were, divided by the real price, with a floor of 0. An exact guess scores 100, a guess twice the price or more scores 0, and the maximum total is 1000.
What can I bid?: Anything from $1 million to $500 million. Drag the slider or type a number in the box.
Why is the slider logarithmic?: The lots range from about $6 million to over $450 million, so a log scale gives you fine control at the low end and still reaches the top.
Are the prices real?: They are approximate, publicly reported hammer prices in US dollars. Real world sale figures may vary.
What do the final titles mean?: They grade your total out of 1000: under 300 is Casual Browser, under 600 Sharp Eye, under 850 Auction House Material, and 850 or more is Sotheby's Prodigy.
Is there a time limit?: No, take as long as you like on each lot.
Does the game save my best score?: No, each run starts fresh. The total on the final screen is the number to beat next time.
Is it free? Can I play on my phone?: Yes, it is free in your browser, no download and no sign-up, and it works on a phone.

Tips

Start from the extremes: the da Vinci sold for over $450 million, the Cobain guitar for about $6 million, and everything else sits in between.
Use the slider for the order of magnitude, then type the exact number to fine tune it.
Price fame high: a one of a kind painting or a 59 carat diamond sells for far more than a stamp or a guitar.
Remember the revealed prices: the lots repeat in a new order each run, so what you learned about the Ferrari last game still counts.