How to Play Jeopardy

Jeopardy! is one of the most iconic quiz games in American television. It's fast-paced, fun, and educational—making it perfect for classrooms, corporate training, game nights, and online play. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to host or play a Jeopardy-style game, including setup, rules, scoring, and tips for success.

Jeopardy Game Setup

To set up Jeopardy, create a board with six categories, each containing five clues of increasing difficulty. Traditional dollar values in the first round are $200 to $1000. In the second round (Double Jeopardy), these values double to $400 to $2000. You can build the board using a whiteboard, poster, PowerPoint, or online Jeopardy board creators. Categories can be anything—pop culture, science, company trivia, holidays, or custom classroom subjects.

You’ll also need:

  • 3 players or teams (Jeopardy traditionally uses three individuals, but you can easily adapt it for team play)
  • A host or quizmaster to present the clues
  • Buzzers or a way to determine who answers first (bells, raised hands, or online buzzer tools)
  • A way to keep score, such as a scoreboard or spreadsheet

Gameplay Structure

Jeopardy consists of three rounds:

  1. Jeopardy Round: 6 categories × 5 clues = 30 total clues
  2. Double Jeopardy: Another set of 6 categories and 30 higher-value clues
  3. Final Jeopardy: A single clue for all players to answer with a wager

Each clue is presented as an “answer,” and players must respond in the form of a question. For example, if the clue is “This U.S. state is known as the Sunshine State,” the correct response is: “What is Florida?”

How to Play and Score

The host begins by allowing a player to choose a clue (e.g., “Science for $400”). The host then reads the clue aloud. Once it's read, players try to “buzz in” to answer. The first to buzz in gets the chance to respond. If correct, they earn the clue’s dollar value and choose the next clue. If incorrect, that amount is deducted from their score, and other players may buzz in for a chance to answer. If no one responds, the correct answer is revealed and the same player selects the next clue.

It’s crucial to phrase every response as a question (e.g., “What is...”). Failing to do so—even if the content of the answer is correct—results in a wrong answer under official Jeopardy rules.

Players can go into negative scores, and that's okay. However, to participate in Final Jeopardy, players must have a positive score.

Daily Doubles

In both the Jeopardy and Double Jeopardy rounds, some clues are secretly designated as “Daily Doubles.” When a player selects one, only they may answer it. Before the clue is revealed, they must declare a wager—ranging from $5 up to their current total (or the round’s highest clue value if their score is zero or negative). A correct answer earns the amount wagered; an incorrect answer deducts it. These high-risk, high-reward moments can change the course of the game dramatically.

Final Jeopardy Round

In the Final Jeopardy round, the host announces the category first. Each remaining player writes down a secret wager—any amount up to their current score. Then the clue is revealed, and players have 30 seconds to write their response on paper or digital device. At the end of the round, answers and wagers are revealed, and scores are adjusted accordingly.

The player with the highest total after Final Jeopardy wins the game. If all players end with $0 or below, no one wins. In unofficial or classroom versions, you can choose to let all teams continue into Final Jeopardy for the sake of fun and participation.

Playing Jeopardy in Teams or Groups

Although traditional Jeopardy uses three solo players, the game adapts well to teams. In classrooms or at parties, players can form groups of two or more. Assign a team captain to buzz in and answer, or rotate answering duties among teammates. Team play adds collaboration and helps level the field between trivia buffs and casual players.

Tips for Hosting Jeopardy

Hosting a great Jeopardy game takes a bit of preparation, but it's easy once you get the hang of it. Here are some tips:

  • Use timers (5–10 seconds per clue) to keep the pace moving
  • Include visuals or audio clues for added engagement
  • Design clues with varying difficulty—top-row clues should be easy, bottom-row should be tough
  • Clarify the “question format” rule before the game starts to avoid disputes
  • Keep track of score changes clearly, especially after Daily Doubles and Final Jeopardy

If playing virtually or in hybrid settings, online tools like JeopardyLabs, Factile, or custom Google Slides work well. These platforms often include timers, buzzers, and scorekeeping built in.

Common Jeopardy Variations

There are many ways to tweak the game depending on your setting. For example, in classrooms, teachers may let all students answer each clue as a group. At game nights, you can offer prizes, split into larger teams, or skip Final Jeopardy for a quicker game. You might also use themes like “Holiday Jeopardy,” “Movie Trivia,” or “Company History” to suit your event.

Conclusion

Jeopardy is a timeless trivia format that’s easy to learn, fun to play, and endlessly customizable. With just a bit of setup, you can create a dynamic experience that challenges players' knowledge, memory, and reflexes. Whether you’re playing at home, in the office, or online, now you know exactly how to play Jeopardy—and how to make it a hit with your audience!