‘Jeopardy!’ Ken Jennings Kicks Player While They’re Down With Harsh Criticism

Jeopardy! host Ken Jennings recently rubbed salt in a contestant’s wound following a key blunder while competing on the show. What happened, and how did Jennings make things worse?

Jeopardy!: Isaac Hirsch In The Middle Of Impressive Run

For Jeopardy! watchers who have been tuning into the show of late, the program has been the Isaac Hirsch show. The reigning champion is in the middle of an impressive winning streak on the game show, and audiences are coming back to see whether or not he can continue to extend his winning run.

In addition to Jeopardy! testing the knowledge of both contestants and viewers at home, one aspect that keeps watchers coming back for more is the impressive winning streaks that players can put together over the course of their time filming. Right now, Isaac Hirsch is the man to beat.
Jeopardy!: Ken Jennings/YouTube

Player’s Unfortunate Blunder Blew Her Chances Of Dethroning The Champ

A Jeopardy! player named Brenna found the last Daily Double with $6200 compared to Isaac Hirsch’s $11k. She only wagered $3k instead of putting it all on the line, which would have allowed her to take the coveted lead. A risk, to be sure.

Brenna ended up getting her total up to $9,200. So, in theory, if she did take a bigger risk, and if she did go all-in and wager everything, this win would have given her the lead. She decided to play it safe instead. Ultimately, Isaac Hirsch ended up winning the game.

However, if Brenna ever looks back on this decision, this was a pivotal moment that could have completely changed the nature of this game, as well as a stark reminder that, sometimes in life, it may actually be better to risk it for all the marbles rather than playing it safe.
Isaac Hirsch on Jeopardy! | YouTube

Jeopardy!: Host Ken Jennings Rubs Salt In The Wound?

Jeopardy! host Ken Jennings rubbed some salt in the wound by telling Brenna: “Maybe you could have bet more.”

Whether or not this was a malicious comment from the host, many Jeopardy! fans feel Jennings was out of pocket for this remark, essentially rubbing it in and kicking Brenna when she was down. We also know that even though Hirsch continued his winning streak, this was a crucial moment that could have changed the game if Brenna bet more.
Ken Jennings – Jeopardy!

One viewer said: “The host made sure to rub it in after Brenna’s wager on DD3 and correct response left her short of the lead, saying ‘Maybe you could have bet more.’”
Another commenter added: “Fortunately for Brenna, it wouldn’t have mattered to the outcome since Isaac got FJ right and she missed. But yeah, that wager was a classic ‘I’m more afraid to lose than I am determined to win’ move.”