We've seen games where the banker ends up respecting the contestant sufficiently to offer a good deal. Other games see the banker having the psychological edge throughout. Of course, opening lots of boxes with blue numbers helps, but the banker does seem to respect a right attitude, and courage. Apart from opening boxes with low numbers, what does it take to win the banker's respect, and gain the psychological edge?

Well Sam and Julia both got admissions from him that they outplayed him. So presumably, whatever they did earned them respect with the banker. He also respects players who have the courage to go the very end.

Maybe cos they were both attractive young women...the banker does seem to be a bit of a pervert.

I think you have to remember that the Banker isn't a real person, but a certain producer-*beep*-character-actor sitting nearby with a computer, and most likely a couple of assistants. They'll calculate their offers based on the maths, and also what will provide the most entertainment/drama.

The banker's early offers seem to get higher at times on the basis of the initial impression that the contestant makes on him. The banker does seem to like egging the contestant on into a no deal trap, when Noel says things like, "the banker doesn't think you have the courage to go on!" How many times has the contestant shown the courage by going on as a result, only to crash, then we hear from the banker that the player hasn't won a lot of money, but he's earnt the banker's respect. Quite honestly, I'd rather make the right deal at the right time, and go away with a good amount of money than earn the banker's respect!

Keeping the Banker guessing, and not giving too much away, often seems to work. A few bluffers have earned his respect but they have seen that too many times now!

Oh, and a board like Brenda or Kirsty had certainly helps a bit

The banker does seem to respect someone who looks like they are prepared to take risks, but he doesn't always reward someone who comes across as overconfident or arrogant.