Guy takes Jeopardy to the Next Level using Game Theory
Posted by David Nicholl
Posted by
David Nicholl
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News & Rumors
Guy takes Jeopardy to the Next Level using Game Theory
This guy is using Game Theory to kick ass at Jeopardy and annoying viewers FTW.
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Yes! :-)
article kind of annoys me, cuz it reads like the author just wants to use a term his readers dont understand (game theory) that grants it pseudo magical powers because of that fact. Kinda like how people love to pepper "quantum" into all their pseudo science BS. Basically it just sounds like this guy actually understands the concept of EV and unlike 95% of contestants can actually figure out what he should be wagering. I mean its awesome theres a contestant that is actually employing basic strategy that has for some reason eluded contestants for decades for the most part, but its not some high level stuff that one needs to understand game theory (or even know what it is) in order to be employing it.
True, but I still like this guy's style.
yeah, dont wanna imply im hating on the kid. My mom watches Jeopardy religiously, so whenever I visit I end up seeing it, and I constantly yell in disgust at how bad they are at choosing their betting amounts. So I definitely hope this guy wins a million in a row, and love that the normal viewer is annoyed by his style. Especially if its Trebek, who makes condescending comments all the time and could use a good punch in the face, heh.
Awesome. I'm gonna start watching.
Not sure if he is still in or not. The article is dated Feb 1st. I just went to check and I just missed the showing in my area. Yeah it's surprising no one else has used the most basic of game theory in this game. I hadn't thought of tying in order to move to the next day so you don't have to risk losing.
I also think that tying would also have the added advantage of knowing one of your opponent's playing style in the next round. If you can figure a way to exploit that person's style, it would obviously increase your chances of winning.
Yeah, I've always said id go for a tie if I was the one in the lead. You are more likely to be superior to the opponent you are tying, why not keep them around.
I saw a great one not too long ago. Guy who was in the lead over the multiple day champion, bet so that theyd end up tied if they both got it. They both did, so both came back. The very next game, the multiple time champion was ahead and bet so hed beat the other guy by $1 if they both got it right. They both got it right, and they other guy was visibly upset, you could see him say something to the effect of "whyd you do that, I let you tie yesterday!!!" as the credits were rolling and the music was playing, heh.
He said:
"There's much less "theory" on DDs out there than there is on the FJ
wagering, but the strategy I decided on with DDs was what poker players
call "tight and aggressive" -- bet big on DDs that I probably do know, but as small as possible on DDs that I probably don't know."
It always surprised me how little thought most contestants seemed to put into decisions like how much to wager on the Daily Double. Likewise with other game shows like Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, where many people seem to decide whether to take the money or keep going more or less at random. With so much on the line, wouldn't you at least outline a strategy beforehand?
Ken Jennings approves: http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/culturebox/2014/02/ken_jennings_on_jeopardy_champion_arthur_chu_and_daily_double_hunting.html
6day champion already!
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