Online Jeopardy Test
Poll
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37 members have voted
http://jboard.tv/
This is a forum of very committed jeopardy and trivia people, including hundreds of past contestants and dozens of Champions (including Alex the most recent tournament champion, the former poker pro).
They have all the tests from the nights up with correct answers, analysis, what to expect from here, etc. And a very pleasant group of people there. Highly recommend the forum.
For whatever it's worth, I just received an email that I have been placed in the contestant pool. I have no idea how deep that pool is, whether it's chlorinated, etc. Also for whatever it's worth, many moons ago, I went to the Jeopardy! studios in LA and took a written test. I tanked totally--got only 26 out of 50--and they said that for that week's group, which ultimately consisted of about 300 test-takers, the cutoff was 36 correct. Any score that high or higher at least got you dunked in the pool. So maybe that's where I'm at right now.
My thoughts are the middle person should bud nothing and the other 2 should either bid it all or bid nothing. Thoughts?
Quote: GWAEI am not an avid watcher but in tonight's episode in was wondering what the optimum bidding should be for each. The amounts were something like 13200, 13600, and 8600. What should each person do.
My thoughts are the middle person should bud nothing and the other 2 should either bid it all or bid nothing. Thoughts?
Leader should, and would, typically wager $12,801, because there's nothing worse than having the correct response and losing because you wagered too little. If the leader is absolutely sure he's hosed on the category, that leader can hope for a triple stumper and low ball. That's risky though, as Seth Wilson found out last week.
2nd place should probably wager $6601. He'll beat a double-up by third place that way, and still stay in contention on a triple stumper.
Since third place has to think first and second will defend against each other, a $0 wager would be wise.
Quote: GWAEI am not an avid watcher but in tonight's episode in was wondering what the optimum bidding should be for each. The amounts were something like 13200, 13600, and 8600. What should each person do.
My thoughts are the middle person should bud nothing and the other 2 should either bid it all or bid nothing. Thoughts?
Basic strategy:
The leader should bet enough so that if he gets the question right, he cannot be caught. He should therefore bet so that if he wins, he will have twice what the second-place contestant currently has plus $1. So if you have $10,000 and the second-place guy has $7,000, bet $4,001.
The second-place guy should bet his entire bankroll, as long as it's still possible to catch the first-place guy. If not, he should bet as if he was the first-place guy in a two-way contest (with the actual third-place guy). There might be some value in betting $1 less than everything, in that if the third-place guy is nuts and bets his entire bankroll and loses, you'll get second that way.
The third-place guy should assume that the leader and second-place guy are going to adopt the above strategies. Now, he should figure out what amounts they would end up with if they both got the Final question wrong. Then bet accordingly. For instance, the contestants have $10,000, $7,000, and $3500. The third-place guy should expect the first-place guy to bet $4,001 and the second-place guy to bet it all. So if they both got it wrong, the first-place guy would wind up with $5,999 and the second-place guy with $0. So the optimal bet for Mr. Third in this scenario would be $2500. If the third-place guy has no hope of winning (the first-place guy won't be forced to bet enough so that he's reachable even by the third-place guy doubling up), then he should try to catch the second-place guy. If the second-place guy is within reach of first, he will bet it all, which means that the third-place guy should bet $0. If he isn't, then the third-place guy should expect the second-place guy to bet enough to wind up with twice the third-place guy's present total, and bet accordingly.
That's why the best scenario for the third-place guy is when first and second are close to one another. If you had two leaders each with $9000 and the third-place guy with $500, all that guy should do is bet $0 and hope that both his opponents blow it, as they'll each be forced to bet their entire bankroll. (By the way, if you have at least a shot at first, betting light, or zero, in the hopes that the Final question is brutally difficult is bad strategy.)
In your specific scenario, the leader should bet $12,801, the second-place guy should bet $13,200, and the third-place guy should bet something between $0 and $7800, based on his knowledge of the category and how much he feels like gambling. If both his opponents get the Final question wrong, any final total over $799 will win.
Quote: JoeshlabotnikI took scribbled notes as I was taking the test. I am certain I got 38 correct; I am equally certain I got 6 wrong. The other 6 were guesses, and I'd be optimistic to say I got more than 2 of those right. So, let's say for grins that I got 40 out of 50. It was my initial reaction that this wouldn't be nearly good enough. But then, looking at some of the questions, I realized that there were a fair amount of "fluffy" questions (where you had to be familiar with some TV show, or something like that) as well as a fair amount of very knowledge-specific questions (where you had either read that book, etc., or forget it). So there will be very few scores over 45, I feel.
For whatever it's worth, I just received an email that I have been placed in the contestant pool. I have no idea how deep that pool is, whether it's chlorinated, etc. Also for whatever it's worth, many moons ago, I went to the Jeopardy! studios in LA and took a written test. I tanked totally--got only 26 out of 50--and they said that for that week's group, which ultimately consisted of about 300 test-takers, the cutoff was 36 correct. Any score that high or higher at least got you dunked in the pool. So maybe that's where I'm at right now.
Trying to follow your thought process. You guessed on six questions, and know you got six others wrong. Why answer incorrectly when you can guess? I haven't looked at the test so maybe I'm missing something.
Quote: billryanTrying to follow your thought process. You guessed on six questions, and know you got six others wrong. Why answer incorrectly when you can guess? I haven't looked at the test so maybe I'm missing something.
It's not multiple choice--you have to type in your answers. The ones I know I got wrong were where I simply had no idea--sometimes I didn't type in anything--and the ones where I guessed, but the guess was ludicrous and had maybe a 1/10,000 chance of being correct. That's opposed to the six questions where my guess was somewhat educated, and I gave myself a 1/3 chance of getting those right.
I had no time to record the actual questions, so I don't know how many of the six educated guesses I actually did get right.
Quote: ParadigmAre you able to take a picture of each screen when the question pops up to "record the question" and figure out after the fact if you got questions right...obviously I mean for any future attempts at the test.
I suppose it's possible to do some sort of screen capture over and over; for that matter, I suppose you could video the whole thing over your shoulder. I didn't do that because I figured there had to be some fan website where people had been recording all the questions. Babs posted a link to such a site earlier in this thread.
I'm sure that information collection like that is the primary reason why the time frame for the test was so narrow. I'm certain that despite that, a small army of assiduous nerds figured out some way or the other to cheat.
In other news, on Jeopardy yesterday there was a contestant named Jeremy Zarowitz. In the interview he mentioned failing to market a video poker game. I knew his name sounded familiar. He was one of my clients back in 2006 and his game is 2nd Chance Royal.
Quote: beachbumbabsOther than acknowledging you took the test and your score was submitted successfully, you should give it at least 2 months, and your score puts you in the pool for 18 months. So I suggest you should not expect any further progress to an audition yet.
The email I got did say that I was in the contestant pool but also that it could be months--or never--before I am invited to audition. I would imagine that if you're on the borderline, you could still get dunked in the pool.
I wish I knew what the qualification cutoff was this time around. My guess is that I got 40/50 right, which seems like a lousy score, but I did get in, so...
It's not exactly +EV even if they do call you in for an audition, as you still only have a 1/10 chance of getting put in a time slot, and even then, they might not even get to you before the taping season ends.
I didn't look to see exactly how this one worked, but in the 90's there was a game called 2nd chance where you bought the opportunity to redraw for a Royal. One sat near the Rio sports bar for a long time. IIRC it was progressive on the 2nd chance Royal. I cant remember who made it but I didn't think it was IGT. For obvious reasons I would like to see them around.Quote: WizardI still haven't heard anything from Jeopardy. I wonder if maybe I'm a borderline case.
In other news, on Jeopardy yesterday there was a contestant named Jeremy Zarowitz. In the interview he mentioned failing to market a video poker game. I knew his name sounded familiar. He was one of my clients back in 2006 and his game is 2nd Chance Royal.
Quote: beachbumbabsOther than acknowledging you took the test and your score was submitted successfully, you should give it at least 2 months, and your score puts you in the pool for 18 months. So I suggest you should not expect any further progress to an audition yet.
You seem to be right. From the Jeopardy.com FAQ
Quote: Jeopardy.com
Q: WILL I RECEIVE MY TEST RESULTS?
A: No, you will not receive your score. You will know if you passed the test if a member of the Jeopardy! contestant department contacts you.
Q: WHEN CAN I EXPECT TO BE CONTACTED AFTER THE TEST?
A: If you are selected to move on to the next round of auditions, the Jeopardy! contestant department could contact you anytime within one year of your test.
I personally find it annoying that they don't tell you your score. Or at least a grouping like (you're a doofus / borderline case / definitely worthy to audition).
Quote: Jeopardy
Dear Michael,
Thank you for registering to take the Jeopardy! Online Test. You're now one step closer to standing onstage with Alex Trebek.
The test will take place on May 30 at 5 p.m. PT, May 31 at 6 p.m. PT and June 1 at 8 p.m. PT, 2017. You can take the test on any night that is convenient for you, but you may only take the test once this round. We will send you a reminder email as we approach the test date.
Best way to prepare? Just watching and playing along with Jeopardy! is a great way to get a feel for the tempo of the game and the kinds of topics you'll be tested on. You can also visit the Jeopardy! Prep Center for more ways to practice online.
Thanks for being a part of the Jeopardy! community! Be sure to mark your calendar and set your reminders for May 30-31 & June 1, 2017. Your online test date is the most important day of the season, and we're not just saying that because we're totally biased.
Your Jeopardy! Team
Quote: SkepticAlso keep in mind that if you're invited to the next round of tests you have to travel on your own dime to one of about a dozen cities. I didn't write them down unfortunately.
They ask you when you sign up which location is the most convenient for you if you make the next step. Closest to Vegas is Los Angeles. I'd be proud to just make it to the next step.
Quote: AyecarumbaIs the online test multiple choice, or do you type in responses?
Type in responses. 15 seconds per question. 50 questions. No way to pause the test once begun, and no going back to a question. You can push the test along faster, but they don't recommend it.
There is some way of them allowing a certain amount of misspelled or incomplete words. I don't know how those are graded. Possibly checked by a human if there's an amount of letters that match a correct answer.
Very important to read the category. Your eye will skip past it in the format they use. But many of the questions need the category context for a clue on how to answer them.
Quote: beachbumbabsType in responses. 15 seconds per question. 50 questions. No way to pause the test once begun, and no going back to a question. You can push the test along faster, but they don't recommend it.
There is some way of them allowing a certain amount of misspelled or incomplete words. I don't know how those are graded. Possibly checked by a human if there's an amount of letters that match a correct answer.
Very important to read the category. Your eye will skip past it in the format they use. But many of the questions need the category context for a clue on how to answer them.
So it is a typing test too. Seems like this would disadvantage many potential players who are only good at pushing a buzzer.
Quote: AyecarumbaSo it is a typing test too. Seems like this would disadvantage many potential players who are only good at pushing a buzzer.
I tend to agree. Several times I didn't finish typing my response. I know Jeopardy is supposed to be a fast thinking game but I think they should allow a little more time per question.
Quote: WizardI tend to agree. Several times I didn't finish typing my response. I know Jeopardy is supposed to be a fast thinking game but I think they should allow a little more time per question.
Do you have to type your response in the form of question as well? I wonder if a text to speech program like "Dragon Naturally Speaking" could assist?
Quote: AyecarumbaDo you have to type your response in the form of question as well? I wonder if a text to speech program like "Dragon Naturally Speaking" could assist?
They start it with the question. Ex: "what is a _ _ _ _ _ ? " and you fill in the blank.
I think the quick timing is to prevent efficient googling.
Seems like Dragon would work, as long as it keyed into the typing box on each question. It should; there's only one active place on each question screen, but the answer program reloads for each question.
If you'd like to feel smart I found an online Wonderlic sample test: http://wonderlictestsample.com/wonderlic-test-sample/50-question-wonderlic-test/
The Wonderlic is the test they give to NFL prospects at the combine. Every year we hear about some poor guy scoring in the single digits. It's not as easy as I thought it'd be. 50 questions in 12 minutes.
Quote: WizardFive-minute warning, people, for those taking it today.
I'm traveling all week without my laptop, so no test for me this time. Good luck!
I'm really mad at myself over the question on the largest country in Central America. I used 14 of my 15 seconds trying to imagine the map. Then I went to type in my guess -- Nicaragua -- which would have been right, but ran out of time. I've been to Nicaragua recently for crying out loud! Dang!
At least I had a calendar right next to me for the question on what we celebrate on June 14. Is that cheating? It's not like it will make a difference.
So, pass the dunce cap. I'll be sitting in the dufus corner wearing it the rest of the day.
I wish your score on the far right side of the bell curve. Let us know how you think you did.
Quote: SkepticI'm registered but might take it tomorrow instead. I tried out for the Jeopardy High School Tourney about 30 years ago and made it to the in-person audition part. I'll never forget the first 50-question test on paper. Incredibly hard - much worse than anything I took in college. I'm curious how it's changed.
If you'd like to feel smart I found an online Wonderlic sample test: http://wonderlictestsample.com/wonderlic-test-sample/50-question-wonderlic-test/
The Wonderlic is the test they give to NFL prospects at the combine. Every year we hear about some poor guy scoring in the single digits. It's not as easy as I thought it'd be. 50 questions in 12 minutes.
Ugh. I didn't realize how quickly 12 minutes comes up.
I completed 29/50 questions and got 24 of those questions right for 48%. Although I'm a bit suspicious about the fill in the blank questions, since I'd write stuff like "50 feet" instead of just "50". It didn't feel like I got 5 wrong. :(
Quote: RSUgh. I didn't realize how quickly 12 minutes comes up.
I completed 29/50 questions and got 24 of those questions right for 48%. Although I'm a bit suspicious about the fill in the blank questions, since I'd write stuff like "50 feet" instead of just "50". It didn't feel like I got 5 wrong. :(
Bump:
Ahh, I knew it! I just did a test run on it. I filled did a write-in answer with the correct number answer but added an extra word, and it counted it wrong.
Or else I'm stupid and answered one of the questions before it wrong. But I doubt it because I'm never wrong. ;)
There were some easy ones and some hard ones. Here are some that I recall:
-- The capital of Nebraska
-- More than 600 members are part of this body, including the Earl of Sandwich.
-- Wrote "Patriot Games"
-- Pen Named writer of "A Series of Unfortunate Events"
-- Anagram City Name: "BRAG ON" in Maine
-- Dominican Republic and Haiti are on this island
-- Eritrea and Ethiopia share this African Country's eastern border.
-- University founded in Evanston, Illinois
-- Something about a Harper Lee book title
I thought the questions were fair for Jeopardy! but I feel for folks who can't type quickly.
- Writers: No clue
- Slang: No clue. I consider slang a strong subject of mine too.
- Mammals: I thought all whales were vocal. My wild guess was wrong.
- African Leaders: I had no fricking clue. By this point I was feeling very stupid. Who would have known this one?
- Finally, I got one.
- Capital of the Ukraine. Who wouldn't know that? Too easy.
- Old Testament -- My guess was right! I guess there is a god after all. Tough question.
- Potent potables -- Give me a break, who wouldn't know that? The level of difficulty on this test is all over the place.
- Literary characters -- Ah, my Becky Thatcher question. At least I know something about literature.
- Weights and Measures -- Too easy. I was feeling a little confident by this point, despite a rough start.
- TV actresses -- Another soft ball. Everyone knows the only shows about advertising are Bewitched and Mad Men. The year of the show (2007-2015) kind of narrowed it down.
- European History -- Definitely not my strong suit. Had absolutely now clue. I looked up the answer, Maria Thersa. Never even heard of her, let alone her country of origin.
- I think I ran out of time before I could put in the full answer. Was still shell shocked from the previous question.
- No clue.
- Bodies of Water -- I should have got this one. I really should have. Geography is one of my strong suits. Somebody give me a penance. I do not deserve to be on Jeopardy. Not even close if I blew this one.
- Chemistry -- Dang. Good question. Of course, I blew it. Correct answer is catalyst. I put accelerant (why is my spellchecker flagging that?). Should have known that was too obvious, but couldn't think of anything better on short notice.
- U.S. Presidents -- Too easy.
That's enough for now. I'm still fuming my myself over that bodies of water question.
Sign up now!
Quote: WizardThe next online Jeopardy test is March 6-8.
Sign up now!
Thanks! I registered. I’m a rabid jeopardy fan, my girlfriend doesn’t stop making fun of me for DVRing it.
I’m expecting to do poorly on the test, hoping even...even though it would be a once in a lifetime, I really don’t have the time, and apparently contestants pay all of their airfare and travel expenses out of pocket.
Sometimes the REAL Jeopardy! can be tough on those who are too smart.
Yes, but if you make it on the show, you are guaranteed to win at least $1,000. That should cover, or at least greatly defray any travel expenses.Quote: gamerfreakapparently contestants pay all of their airfare and travel expenses out of pocket.
Alex Trebek made a video today saying he has Stage 4 pancreatic cancer :(
