I was on for two days in 2003. The buzzer (at least back then) has a “lock out” so if you buzz in before the lights on the board (visible to the players) go off (or on, can’t remember), you can’t buzz in for a bit. So a lot of this goes to timing… which is why I was fortunate to not go up against the 4-time champ who destroyed the other contestants on my taping day. We noticed them jamming their thumbs on the buzzer, but Mr. 4-time had the rhythm down perfectly.
I have pretty good reflexes and I practiced watching the show with a ball point pen to prepare, and I think it served me well. I can only remember getting locked out once or twice. My success, and ultimately failure, was about my knowledge and betting, not buzzer shenanigans. But there is an advantage for those with quick reflexes and I worry about the level of access for participants.
I always tell armchair Jeopardy! enthusiasts that they need to replicate the experience with a buzzer type implement before confidently declaring they could beat Contestant X, Y, or Z.
I did go up against a four-time champion. When I was on they only let someone on 5 times, and then gave them a car. Which they did.
His name was Fred, and one of the categories for the first round was Famous Freds. I creamed him on it.
They rebroadcast the episode one Saturday, but I found you don’t get two prizes.
