Daily analysis, October 8 – the old $5 wager

Sad to say I didn’t have time to record a video for Tuesday’s match; instead, I’ll walk you through the calculations here. (Just imagine you’re hearing my intonation!)

Eliminating Mary’s opportunity for another come-from-behind victory, challenger Jason provided some fireworks, wagering $5 on one Daily Double and $5,005 on another. (Why don’t more players wager weird amounts, especially if they’re good at math?)

He also gave a little fist-pump when the final horn sounded, upon realizing he had a guaranteed victory.

Jason has some room to work with on PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION HISTORY. How much can he wager?

Up to 4,800 to stay above a double-up by Mary. What about second? To cover Erin, Mary needs to wager …

… 1,200. There’s no reason to wager more, since she’ll win $2,000 no matter what. What about Erin?

Erin must wager at least 2,200. So why not wager everything? Not too much to lose.

The Final Jeopardy! clue for October 8, 2013:

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION HISTORY
IN 1948 HE WON SOUTH CAROLINA WITH 72% OF THE VOTE & 3 OTHER STATES BUT FINISHED A DISTANT THIRD OVERALL

Correct response: Who was Strom Thurmond?

How’d the players do?

Jason must like his presidential elections! He wagered nearly the maximum, holding back a dollar so as not to offer a tie to Mary. I’m fine with this approach. Mary wagered a little too much but it was a moot point.

Check back Wednesday to see if Jason slams the podium!