Daily analysis, Thursday, June 5

Something’s got me really excited tonight – and it’s not just that it’s Thursday.

I didn’t think we’d get one of these scenarios. (I was rooting for the last two clues to go unanswered, and I admit I might have shouted when they did.)

Sarah Fremgen: 11,200
Stacy Layton: 5,200
Molly Lalonde: 12,000

The Final Jeopardy! category: 19th CENTURY U.S. HISTORY

This scenario is called “Faith Love”, after a player who recognized the unique properties of a group of scores like this.

Basic strategy – first vs. second

Molly should wager 10,400 to cover Sarah.

Sarah should wager no more than 9,600; Stacy should cap his bet at 3,600.

Basic strategy – second vs. third

Sarah can wager up to 800 to stay above Stacy.

Basic strategy – Rule #3

Sarah can wager 800 to cover a zero wager by Molly. But notice that’s also her maximum against Stacy – so she should consider wagering exactly that amount.

For those of you keeping score at home, the algebraic representation of Faith Love is A – B = B – 2C.

Mind games

Stacy should wager everything, in case Sarah makes the 800 wager and misses. They’ll tie in that scenario.

Molly might wager zero – and there are many players who consider this the optimal play! However, she’d need to be sure Sarah will wager the rational 800 amount.

Rachael Schwartz made a clutch zero wager in this scenario to advance to her TOC finals.

The Final Jeopardy! clue for June 5, 2014 (19th CENTURY U.S. HISTORY):

A DIGNITARY AT THE DEDICATION OF THIS SAID IT WAS “KEEPING WATCH AND WARD BEFORE THE OPEN GATES OF AMERICA”

[spoiler]What is the Statue of Liberty?[/spoiler]