Such information could affect trading behavior and adversely affect the education value of the simulation. At the beginning of the experiment, a short period is allowed to answer general questions and to review the instructions before trading begins. After the Traders have a chance to make sure they understand the instructions, the simulation is started. When the market opens, Traders start to make deals with other Traders to complete transactions consistent with each Trader's supply of goods and specified needs. Everyone is free to circulate and make trades at any time.
Trading continues until the close of the market is announced by the instructor.
Determination of the success or failure of each Trader occurs at two levels. First, Traders can be identified as winners or losers by determining whether or not they were able to meet their needs. Traders who collect all the needed items, and maybe extras, win over Traders who cannot meet their basic needs. A second measure of individual success can be analyzed by considering the initial wealth position of each Trader. Traders who start out with more wealth should logically end with more wealth, and vice versa.