$0 FJ Wager Poll

[ouachiouat]

I put other because who am I to know what mood I'd be in? If it was my first game, I'd probably put the right answer down just to calm nerves going into game 2. Game 4 or 5? Though doubtful I'd be in that situation, I might be feeling spunky and throw down a joke answer. Who knows?

[Bamaman]

If I knew it, I would write it down. If I were totally clueless or had no plausible guess, I would go for the personal shoutout to my wife and/or son.

Or really get things hopping on social media and writing down MAGA 2020.

[AFRET CMS]

Maybe a combination of question plus comment/joke.

Yes -- it's not an either/or. Or the right answer phrased weirdly -- e.g., for Aviation Disasters, "How many were Hindenburg?"

[cheezguyty]

Where's the option for "I would never wager $0"?

[DBear]

Go with funny joke if possible.

[Shaymin]

I went for the pride, but if it was like, game 5 or something I'd probably go for the infamous "What is a man" response.

[AndyTheQuizzer]

Michael Dupée specifically says in his book that if you bet $0 in Final Jeopardy, you should not attempt the question, because otherwise, random people will ask you why you bet $0 on something you knew.

I will make one addendum to this:

If I am betting $0 because I am in a wagering situation where a wager of $0 is the only correct play (i.e. third from the first = second + half of third situation from Monday), I will play the question.

If I am betting $0 by choice, I'm punting the clue.

Where's the option for "I would never wager $0"?

You should always be willing to wager any number you're allowed to. You never know when your only chance of winning is by making a $0 wager or by going all-in.

[heppm01]

I'd be tempted to write something existential like "What is the meaning of life?" but when push comes to shove I am a showoff and would likely write the correct response. Plus, there is probably a site somewhere that tracks % correct and stats like that, so I would want to put in my best showing.

[opusthepenguin]

I'd be tempted to write something existential like "What is the meaning of life?" but when push comes to shove I am a showoff and would likely write the correct response. Plus, there is probably a site somewhere that tracks % correct and stats like that, so I would want to put in my best showing.

(WARNING!!! NSFW language)

[cheezguyty]

Where's the option for "I would never wager $0"?

You should always be willing to wager any number you're allowed to. You never know when your only chance of winning is by making a $0 wager or by going all-in.

Please describe a scenario where the only chance of winning is by making a $0 wager.

[seaborgium]

Where's the option for "I would never wager $0"?

You should always be willing to wager any number you're allowed to. You never know when your only chance of winning is by making a $0 wager or by going all-in.

Please describe a scenario where the only chance of winning is by making a $0 wager.

Obviously if you're in a situation where $0 is the ideal wager, you can get it right and then it doesn't matter what you wagered. But why make it depend on your getting it right if you don't have to?

[GoodStrategy]

Please describe a scenario where the only chance of winning is by making a $0 wager.

You have $1 going into FJ!.

[Lefty]

The one time I bet $0 on FJ, I was the only contestant to get it right. I wouldn't give that up. Plus, it let my opponent in first place know a second earlier that she was going to lose.

Yes, nobody likes a slow-roller.

In general, I'd rather be right. For one thing, I don't want to risk developing bad habits. I might go with a joke, but it would have to be pretty funny.

[triviawayne]

Please describe a scenario where the only chance of winning is by making a $0 wager.

You have $1 going into FJ!.

That still doesn’t make a $0 wager the only chance of winning. You could bet that $1 and get the answer correct while your opponents bet everything and get it wrong.

[GoodStrategy]

Please describe a scenario where the only chance of winning is by making a $0 wager.

You have $1 going into FJ!.

That still doesn’t make a $0 wager the only chance of winning. You could bet that $1 and get the answer correct while your opponents bet everything and get it wrong.

I didn't think of that.

[alietr]

Well, if the scores end up $1, -$1000, and -$2000, betting $0 isn't your only chance of winning, but it's certainly your only rational wager.

[twelvefootboy]

Please describe a scenario where the only chance of winning is by making a $0 wager.

You have $1 going into FJ!.

That still doesn’t make a $0 wager the only chance of winning. You could bet that $1 and get the answer correct while your opponents bet everything and get it wrong.

I didn't think of that.

Did I dream it, or is there a rule that they get three new contestants if everybody finishes busted?

[GoodStrategy]

Please describe a scenario where the only chance of winning is by making a $0 wager.

You have $1 going into FJ!.

That still doesn’t make a $0 wager the only chance of winning. You could bet that $1 and get the answer correct while your opponents bet everything and get it wrong.

I didn't think of that.

Did I dream it, or is there a rule that they get three new contestants if everybody finishes busted?

You are correct.

[triviawayne]

Well, if the scores end up $1, -$1000, and -$2000, betting $0 isn't your only chance of winning, but it's certainly your only rational wager.

we're we supposed to start being rational on page 2 of the thread?

[twelvefootboy]

Well, if the scores end up $1, -$1000, and -$2000, betting $0 isn't your only chance of winning, but it's certainly your only rational wager.

we're we supposed to start being rational on page 2 of the thread?

I want to see that game! It sounds like Sean O'Connery is in it! Maybe with Cliff Claven and Anderson Cooper? I know there was a $1 win after FJ lately, but I wonder what the lowest total going in has been? I think there's been plenty of 4 digit leaders but just how bad can you stink up $54,000 worth of clues? (this isn't a request for research - maybe there's a stock answer in somebody's RAM?)

ETA - finally remembered Connery's name, leaving unfixed in the spirit of the post