In addition to the stellar performance by Scarlett, can I just say that that was the most exciting, competitive slugfest of a
Jeopardy! match I’ve ever watched? Two great players with broad knowledge bases, slugging it out on the buzzer, seesawing the lead. A
Jeopardy! classic.
I’m surprised, though, that amid all the richly deserved praise for Scarlett’s game, no one has mentioned Austin’s reckless overwager in FJ:
- Austin: 16600
Scarlett: 21200
Sean: 2800
Austin is not crushed, so he has no need to improve his score in order to win—just hold on tight and hope for a miss by the leader. Since he’s above 3/4 of her score, classic wagering theory holds he should bet at least 4601 to cover her. One thing he definitely must not do is fall below her swing-and-a-miss residue of 9199. If FJ had turned out to be a triple stumper, his whale bet of 16550 would have needlessly cost him the game and his winning streak.
None of which is to steal any glory from Scarlett. Girl, you totally rocked from start to finish. Looking forward to watching you for a good, long run.