And the "Jeopardy!" answer is: Buzz first

My study of the game also revealed that, since all the contestants are going to be bright and well-read, what sets them apart is motor skills: When Mr. Trebek finishes reading a clue, a producer arms a set of lights that viewers at home don’t see. The goal is to press the button on a hand-held buzzer after those lights go on but before one of your opponents buzzes in. That window is often just several dozen milliseconds long. Human reaction time averages 190 milliseconds. So I would have to rely on listening to Mr. Trebek’s voice alone and try to anticipate the lights.

I also decided on my strategy. Statistical analysis suggested that most players are too timid, so I settled on a desperado approach of buzzing in whenever I had an educated guess and of wagering as much money as possible. Making these decisions in advance would minimize the risk of a blunder under the hot lights and the glare of almost 10 million viewers. …

That meant it would come down to Final Jeopardy…

I flubbed. Keith figured it out—zebras—and preserved a streak that already has him among the top money winners in the show’s 29-year history. I went home with a $2,000 check for second place and a burning desire to go on a vengeful safari. Or, if I become famous enough, I could be invited back for the annual “Power Players” tournament. I’ll take that as motivation.