2012 Game Show Decathlon - Event 3 - Card Sharks

The 3rd event in this year's event is the classic 70's and 80's edition of Card Sharks, although the rules are from the 80's edition.  Two players play head to head in a best 2 out of 3 match.  A question will be given to one person and is based on a survey of 100 people.  One person will predict how many said the response.  The other player must decide if the correct number is higher or lower than the number the other player give.  The one who is right, will control the board, and must correctly guess 5 cards by guessing if the next card is higher or lower than the previous card.  The person who got the question, has the option to change the current card before calling (Twos are Low, Aces are high).  After each right prediction, they can gamble to move more ahead or freeze and keep their spot in case in future question they predict incorrectly.  Winner of the 2 out of 3 match plays the money cards, to win up to $ 40,000.  This time they will place a wager and then predict the next card is higher or lower.  However, if the next card is the same as the previous one, they it is a PUSH, the player does not win or lose money.  They are allowed to change a card 3 times in the game, however, they cannot change the same card twice before predicting.  In the final prediction, the player must bet at least half their wage (THE BIG BET).