Ken had 65,600 from game 1 compared to James's 34,181. In game 2 Ken had 23,000 to James's 44,000. Ken has to (rightfully) assume James will bet everything on the 2nd game which would give him a 2-game total of 122,181 if he were to answer correctly. Ken would need to accumulate another 56,581 to match that score which would mean he would need to go into final jeopardy with at least 28,290 but he only had 23k. Betting zero was the only way to maximize the chances of winning. I am just shocked that James got it wrong.
Wow thank you for this detailed explanation. The details flew over my head in the moment. I didn't realize Ken couldn't cover James doubling up and that James' destiny was in his hands.
Also - what I don't understand... why didn't James double up in the game 1 final? He did another weird birthday bet. He must believe in the math to hedge at that moment but I simply don't get it. Ken must have disagreed with that math, he had a huge game 1 double in final.
