Daily analysis, Thursday, May 1

I, for one, welcome our new Jeopardy! overlord (overlady?).

… but will her reign end tonight? With proper wagering from Michelle, Julia will need to respond correctly to win.

Julia Collins: 16,400
Marlon Morris: 2,200
Michelle Flaherty: 14,000

The Final Jeopardy! category: U.S. STATES

Marlon’s interview segment might have been my favorite all season. Sadly, he’s just out of contention heading into Final.

I’m also sad to say I rushed through the calculations on this one and messed up the video, and the resulting calculations. As some distant relative of Meat Loaf once sang, “163 out of 164 ain’t bad.” Karmic that it came the night after I chastised Julia for her Cliff Clavin wager!

Basic strategy

Julia should wager 11,600 to take control of her own destiny.

Michelle should wager between 4,800 (covering an “unsafe” Julia wager) and 9,200 (staying above her on a double miss).

Marlon should keep a few dollars just in case Michelle goes for broke.

Mind games

Julia might wager 6,800 to cover that 9,200 wager out of Michelle.

Michelle might respond by wagering between 2,400 (to cover a zero) and 4,400 (to stay above the 6,800 if they’re both wrong).

Julia managed to pull it out yet again. Double digits tomorrow, perhaps? Can’t wait to find out!

The Final Jeopardy! clue for May 1, 2014 (U.S. STATES):

OTHER THAN Q, THESE 2 LETTERS APPEAR THE LEAST IN THE NAMES OF STATES, EACH APPEARING ONLY ONCE

Correct response: What are J and Z?