The most common betting mistake I see is with Daily Doubles, where contestants bet large enough that if they are wrong they are out of it, but not large enough to over-take the leader if they are right. The worst of both. Someone will bet a huge amount, that leaves them $600 shy of the leader. Idiotic.
And if you are going against a multi-time champion, where it is demonstrated early in the game that they are quicker on the buzzer than you, and getting more answers right, the playbook to beat them is clear. Bet big on daily doubles. That's your only chance.
I'm fascinated about how common it is that these really smart people are so awful when it comes to the betting side of the game. You should be entering the game with a clear plan on what you will do in different scenarios. Yes, a big considerations is your comfort level with the category, but sometimes your only chance of winning is to maximize those doubles. Play to win. Too many seem to realize early they aren't going to win and are playing for 2nd. Or playing not to embarrass themselves.
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