Not only do you need to know the answer, you must be dam quick on the button.

This was also confirmed by Leslie Frates...the woman I mentioned who talked of her experience as a Jeopardy contestant.

She was asked if Ken Jennings might've been persuaded to 'take a dive' to finally get him off the show but she was adamant that, in her opinion, everything is on the up & up so as not to risk the show's lucrative sponsorship deals. Ms. Frates also told of tight security on the set...like how contestants are chaperoned at all times while in the studio to avoid any unnecessary contact with the production staff. Chaperones even follow contestants into the bathroom...but will stop short of joining them in the stall. She also said that during commercials, the contestants must turn their backs to the game board in case anything happens that might provide some clue to an answer...uh, I mean question.

When chosen as contestants, people are instructed to bring several changes of clothes with them to the taping. A full week of shows are taped in just two days and they want it to look like the champ comes back on successive days for each new game. Alex also changes his suit for each match to maintain the illusion.

This guy is fast and smart. He did not gamble quite so big today. Only won around $59k I think. When it was time for the final the other 2 people did not have a chance. And they were no dummies.

He finished at just under 90k for the day. Bet 31k on the final round.

Correct, I forgot about that last bet. I remember thinking, he now holds the numer one and number two single day high scores.

Won big again on Friday: 7 day total is now $415000+.

Some interesting? stats:

James Holzhauer, statistics to date:
219 correct, 9 incorrect
11/12 on rebound attempts
49.36% in first on buzzer (194/393)
14/15 on Daily Doubles (Net Earned: $139,689)
6/7 in Final Jeopardy
Average Coryat: $26,657

It seemed like he backed off at the very end of Friday's game and allowed the other two contestants to scramble for the last 5 or 6 low-dollar picks. He was far enough ahead at that point to guarantee a win and I'm certain that he would've known the 'questions' for those last relatively easy 'answers'. I can't ever remember seeing anyone play the game quite like this guy does.

New one day record today; $131,xxx.00. :rolleyes:


Will it ever end?

He now has the top 4 one day totals. I felt sorry for the 2 ladies on the stage with him.

I actually stopped watching because it isn't interesting any more.

The novelty has worn off - this guy who kick's butt - and any prospect of someone else winning. It just isn't happening that I can see.

40 for 40 in the first two rounds...perfect game. Crazy

Wagered $60K+ on final jeapardy !! that must be a record amount ?

somewhat interesting stats:

James Holzhauer, statistics to date:
341 correct, 13 incorrect
12/14 on rebound attempts (on 26 rebound opportunities)
54.43% in first on buzzer (307/564)
21/23 on Daily Doubles (Net Earned: $218,199)
9/10 in Final Jeopardy

He is certainly impressive. I feel sorry for some of the 'smart' people who have faced him...

He better watch his back after the show. Some little librarian from South Bend will kick his butt in the parking lot.

While I know that was a joke, the California Lottery building was a customer of mine many years ago and they had crazy security in their parking lot which I assumed was mostly for workers and they said no it's for anyone that comes/goes and I asked if they really hand out that much cash and they actually don't give out a single dollar, everything is electronic or mailed check, but they also said "You'd be surprised at how many people think winners stroll out of here with millions in their pockets."

So basically they spend a fortune on security because some people are just that stupid:rolleyes:

yeah but, ..I knew the answer in the 'Firsts' category Tuesday about the Tour de France, and James did not.
Valiant guess with Paris-Dakar rally though.
(how many cars were in production in 1903 that could run that race?, c'mon James)
That wrong answer dropped him back to zero in the first round - no problem.

By now, the IRS is probably tuned in to the back-and-forth with Alec. Yesterday he said most of the bookies in LV knew him by his first name.

Who's going to stop this guy?

Bill K

"They" said the same about Mike Tyson. Then along came Buster Douglas...

Ken Jennings was eventually defeated in Final Jeopardy by Nancy Zerg. Jennings looked almost relieved to finally be giving up the throne...

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I wonder if the show actually loses ratings when a champ just continues to crush opponents like this guy's doing? It sure is taking any uncertainty out of the game...sort of like watching an NBA team play against your local high school.

Dunno, when I watched TV we'd watch it (and I still watch it when it is on a TV I'm near, like at a bar, etc) I never cared about the contestants - it was a "Do *I* know the answer/question..."

Has anyone else noted the symmetry of the greatest Jeopardy contestant ever appearing a few days after Alex announced his S-4 pancreatic cancer? These shows were taped in February, I think.