Affari Tuoi: Contestant Accepts Early Offer – Money Seems Secondary

Florence, Italy – In an unusual turn of events during Sunday evening’s broadcast of the Italian game show Affari Tuoi (Deal or No Deal), contestant Mauro, a cook from Florence nicknamed “Mago Merlino” (Merlin the Magician), accepted an offer of €15,000 after only nine briefcases were opened. The swift conclusion to the game left host Stefano De Martino visibly surprised and prompted a continuation of the program as a simulated game, according to reports.

Mauro, accompanied by his son Leonardo, began the game by successfully navigating the initial rounds, leaving the higher-value red briefcases untouched. He then exchanged briefcase number 8 for briefcase number 17. Shortly after, the program’s resident prankster, Herbert Ballerina, revealed a briefcase containing €100,000, followed immediately by the disappearance of the €300,000 prize. It was then that the “Dottore” (the Doctor), a recurring character who makes offers to contestants, proposed €15,000.

Despite the remaining potential for higher winnings, Mauro immediately accepted the offer, stating, “The risk is too high, I had promised myself to take a vacation and go fishing and with this money I can do it extremely well.” This decision, described as “very fast” by multiple sources, prompted suggestions from the studio audience and fellow contestants that he should continue playing.

De Martino, appearing taken aback by the rapid conclusion, was forced to continue the show by simulating the remainder of the game, a move that eliminated any suspense for viewers. Mauro, prior to accepting the offer, had playfully teased De Martino, claiming to have dreamt the host revealed the location of the €300,000 prize. He also expressed contentment with simply having participated in the show, discovering new regions of Italy and meeting the other contestants. According to Mauro, the monetary value was secondary to the experience itself.

The incident has generated discussion online, with some viewers expressing frustration at the premature end to the game. However, the contestant’s stated priorities – a vacation and a fishing trip – suggest a clear personal valuation that superseded the potential for a larger payout.