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Secrets of the Buzzer
A winner of the Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions shows you the secrets of quiz buzzing and how to improve your reaction time for winning speed. This book is for anyone who wants to buzz faster: on Jeopardy!, in college or pub quiz games, or on any TV game show or trivia competition.
- GenresNonfiction
57 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 8, 2021
I bought Secrets of the Buzzer some time between the contestant interview/mock game stage of my Jeopardy! audition (and subsequently entering the contestant pool as a result) and The Call to be on the show. I had already taped by the time the latest (third?) edition was released, so my thoughts are based on the second.
The buzzer is absolutely tricky, and while there are objects that are analogous to the actual buzzer used on set, the overall gameplay experience (lights, the host reading the clues, the activation of the buzzer) is harder to practice for and ultimately more than the sum of its parts. And as somebody who has little to no hand-eye coordination, I dreaded the buzzer the most.
While Secrets of the Buzzer isn't so much about how to conquer the buzzer as opposed to a holistic data-driven look at the different variables that affect buzzer performance, I did feel more prepared by having read the book and practiced with The Buzzer App, which Fritz Holznagel developed to record buzzer performance by the millisecond based on audio vs. visual cues. (I bought a buzzer to practice using the Buzzer App.) The book was most helpful for me in figuring out which buzzing position or posture would be most ideal, as I compared different positions via the Buzzer App by comparing my recorded buzzer reaction times.
For what it's worth, the buzzing stance I used was the exact same one that Fritz identifies as the most optimal (not sure if this has changed in the third edition): the dominant hands holds the buzzer while the non-dominant hand clasps the buzzer hand for extra steadiness. I had the best results with this position when I was practicing and stuck with it during my actual tape day. It was also nice to get to the stage and practice with a buzzer stance already in mind, instead of having to rotate between different positions in the limited preparation time we had with the actual buzzer.
Fritz also makes a compelling case for following the signal lights to buzz in (as opposed to the audio cues of waiting until the host has completely answered the question). Personally, I knew I wasn't going to overcome a lifetime of bad hand-eye coordination in the span of three weeks, so I ended up following the audio cues. I feel like this is a polarizing topic and it honestly varies for people. I had practiced both methods, and found I had much better results with audio by far. I have a musical background, which I think helped me get into a good rhythm. However, it's definitely worth figuring out which side you lean toward, so you don't have all but a few minutes to decide right before you film your actual episode.
Anyway, I went to my tape day feeling pretty good on the buzzer front. The buzzers were actually a lot thicker than the practice one I used, but I wasn't completely shocked. We did a couple practice rounds, and as I suspected, I immediately had trouble looking for the signal lights, vowed to stick with audio cues, and never looked back. I had a great rhythm going during my practice rounds and I can't describe the relief when the buzzing felt more natural than I imagined. The actual game itself was a little different, because the clues were harder (compared to the practice round) and it took me a bit more time to read the clue, mentally parse the answer, and buzz in at the right moment, before any of my opponents. While there were definitely clues that I knew but didn't get to in time, I had a pretty decent rate of being first on the buzzer (39.29% -- or 22/56 clues).
All this is to say that there are a lot of factors that go into gameplay. Out of the controllable ones (there absolutely is so much luck and randomness thrown into the mix), I'd identify knowledge, wagering strategy, and buzzing as the big three. Even within these three factors, buzzing is still the most variable in that it's difficult to emulate the entire experience when you're "training". If anything, Secrets of the Buzzer helps identify and break down a lot of the controllable variables, so you have a better idea of what to expect from an experience that is truly incomparable.
The buzzer is absolutely tricky, and while there are objects that are analogous to the actual buzzer used on set, the overall gameplay experience (lights, the host reading the clues, the activation of the buzzer) is harder to practice for and ultimately more than the sum of its parts. And as somebody who has little to no hand-eye coordination, I dreaded the buzzer the most.
While Secrets of the Buzzer isn't so much about how to conquer the buzzer as opposed to a holistic data-driven look at the different variables that affect buzzer performance, I did feel more prepared by having read the book and practiced with The Buzzer App, which Fritz Holznagel developed to record buzzer performance by the millisecond based on audio vs. visual cues. (I bought a buzzer to practice using the Buzzer App.) The book was most helpful for me in figuring out which buzzing position or posture would be most ideal, as I compared different positions via the Buzzer App by comparing my recorded buzzer reaction times.
For what it's worth, the buzzing stance I used was the exact same one that Fritz identifies as the most optimal (not sure if this has changed in the third edition): the dominant hands holds the buzzer while the non-dominant hand clasps the buzzer hand for extra steadiness. I had the best results with this position when I was practicing and stuck with it during my actual tape day. It was also nice to get to the stage and practice with a buzzer stance already in mind, instead of having to rotate between different positions in the limited preparation time we had with the actual buzzer.
Fritz also makes a compelling case for following the signal lights to buzz in (as opposed to the audio cues of waiting until the host has completely answered the question). Personally, I knew I wasn't going to overcome a lifetime of bad hand-eye coordination in the span of three weeks, so I ended up following the audio cues. I feel like this is a polarizing topic and it honestly varies for people. I had practiced both methods, and found I had much better results with audio by far. I have a musical background, which I think helped me get into a good rhythm. However, it's definitely worth figuring out which side you lean toward, so you don't have all but a few minutes to decide right before you film your actual episode.
Anyway, I went to my tape day feeling pretty good on the buzzer front. The buzzers were actually a lot thicker than the practice one I used, but I wasn't completely shocked. We did a couple practice rounds, and as I suspected, I immediately had trouble looking for the signal lights, vowed to stick with audio cues, and never looked back. I had a great rhythm going during my practice rounds and I can't describe the relief when the buzzing felt more natural than I imagined. The actual game itself was a little different, because the clues were harder (compared to the practice round) and it took me a bit more time to read the clue, mentally parse the answer, and buzz in at the right moment, before any of my opponents. While there were definitely clues that I knew but didn't get to in time, I had a pretty decent rate of being first on the buzzer (39.29% -- or 22/56 clues).
All this is to say that there are a lot of factors that go into gameplay. Out of the controllable ones (there absolutely is so much luck and randomness thrown into the mix), I'd identify knowledge, wagering strategy, and buzzing as the big three. Even within these three factors, buzzing is still the most variable in that it's difficult to emulate the entire experience when you're "training". If anything, Secrets of the Buzzer helps identify and break down a lot of the controllable variables, so you have a better idea of what to expect from an experience that is truly incomparable.
March 13, 2020
I'm not really sure how to rate a book like this - but come back in just a few months and I might have a more educated opinion on whether or not Holznagel's advice worked for me...because I'm going to be on Jeopardy! Yes, that's right... check back for more info, folks. Until then, I'll be listening to the sweet cadence of Alex Trebek's voice reading clues, trying to anticipate when he'll be done, practicing my two-hand, 90-degree top joint, drinking coffee, and trying to improve my buzzer reaction by hundredths of a second.
Side note: This book totally confirms that people who are crazy about Jeopardy! really are crazy. Holznagel recorded Alex reading a clue with the word "kick" in it, played it back in GarageBand, and watched the sound waves - just to confirm that Alex says the word more like "ki-kh" rather than a one-syllabled "kick." Side side note: I do indeed count myself among these crazies.
Side note: This book totally confirms that people who are crazy about Jeopardy! really are crazy. Holznagel recorded Alex reading a clue with the word "kick" in it, played it back in GarageBand, and watched the sound waves - just to confirm that Alex says the word more like "ki-kh" rather than a one-syllabled "kick." Side side note: I do indeed count myself among these crazies.
April 10, 2021
I'd heard of this little e-book in the press about James Holzhauer, but I didn't read it until I was in Full Training Mode preparing for my appearance on Jeopardy! on April 15, 2021.
It was absolutely worth the time and money. I only wish that I'd read it sooner, but I never believed The Call would come so quickly! I still appreciated the detailed advice and statistics about the show's great equalizer: the buzzer (which, on Jeopardy!, does not buzz). Every contestant who appears on Jeopardy! is smart. We all passed at least two tough tests and an audition. The challenge is earning the opportunity to answer questions by being first in on the signaling device---or picking up a rebound when those lights flash again. Reading this book helps contestants prepare to face that little button.
Since Alex is no longer the host, the "sound versus lights" debate about when to buzz has a new perspective. Until a new permanent host is named, contestants probably won't have enough time to pick up the host's cadence before the cameras start rolling and the game has begun. It's down to "guess versus lights," and that's a much riskier game to play.
The best part of this book was the general advice to do what works best for you. I kept that in mind as I took my place on the stage and... as I write this review, you'll have to wait to see for yourself how that turned out!
It was absolutely worth the time and money. I only wish that I'd read it sooner, but I never believed The Call would come so quickly! I still appreciated the detailed advice and statistics about the show's great equalizer: the buzzer (which, on Jeopardy!, does not buzz). Every contestant who appears on Jeopardy! is smart. We all passed at least two tough tests and an audition. The challenge is earning the opportunity to answer questions by being first in on the signaling device---or picking up a rebound when those lights flash again. Reading this book helps contestants prepare to face that little button.
Since Alex is no longer the host, the "sound versus lights" debate about when to buzz has a new perspective. Until a new permanent host is named, contestants probably won't have enough time to pick up the host's cadence before the cameras start rolling and the game has begun. It's down to "guess versus lights," and that's a much riskier game to play.
The best part of this book was the general advice to do what works best for you. I kept that in mind as I took my place on the stage and... as I write this review, you'll have to wait to see for yourself how that turned out!
May 30, 2023
A page turner for me! Blazed right through it and it should be required reading going forward for aspiring J! contestants.
There were a lot of good tips but one that I found interesting was that Holzhauer practiced timing his buzzes to every 0.27 seconds because if everyone buzzes in too early, then they're all locked out for 0.25 seconds and he can be the first one in after. I used an online calculator and .27 seconds is roughly an 1/8 note at a musical tempo of 111 BPM. So if you want to copy Holzhauer's buzzing speed you can buzz along to the hi hat on Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust"
There were a lot of good tips but one that I found interesting was that Holzhauer practiced timing his buzzes to every 0.27 seconds because if everyone buzzes in too early, then they're all locked out for 0.25 seconds and he can be the first one in after. I used an online calculator and .27 seconds is roughly an 1/8 note at a musical tempo of 111 BPM. So if you want to copy Holzhauer's buzzing speed you can buzz along to the hi hat on Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust"
March 18, 2021
Absolutely loved the high-level analysis in this book - an absolute must for any Jeopardy! hopeful.
February 7, 2021
Great read for someone who has been selected to be on Jeopardy! not really applicable to anyone else other than diehard fans. I followed the author's advice, and was clearly outclassed on the buzzer by my opponents. I cannot blame the author for that, but know that reading the book won't necessarily get you to buzz in first.
Read
June 14, 2019I really don't know how to rate this book. It's pretty short and filled with stuff that should be pretty obvious (use as little motion as possible, don't "statue of liberty" it, a little caffeine is good, don't take meth.)
Nearly every major competitor I've talked to disagrees with the premise that you should wait for the light to come on, but I guess those are the people who *could* time it right, which might be a huge assumption for a first-timer coming onto the set. Either way, as someone who hasn't gotten on yet, I'm not going to publicly disagree with Ken Jennings and Mike Dupee.
With that said, his at-home trials are interesting, and if you've gotten on, you should read it. Even if you shouldn't expect it to revolutionize your world view.
Nearly every major competitor I've talked to disagrees with the premise that you should wait for the light to come on, but I guess those are the people who *could* time it right, which might be a huge assumption for a first-timer coming onto the set. Either way, as someone who hasn't gotten on yet, I'm not going to publicly disagree with Ken Jennings and Mike Dupee.
With that said, his at-home trials are interesting, and if you've gotten on, you should read it. Even if you shouldn't expect it to revolutionize your world view.
May 9, 2023
I started this in early April after hearing both James H. and Buzzy C. recommend it prior to my time taping the show. I'm surprised I didn't add that I was reading it then. Talk about a niche work, but it's definitely worth a read if you are going on the show! I wish I would have finished it prior my time taping as there is a gem of advice in the last couple pages. That said, I think the advice to watch the light was super helpful during my own time.
September 15, 2022
Meh. I guess this was concise and useful, but the information in here is no longer unique to this book so was a bit redundant. It confirms my plan to practice with a working buzzer system, but that's about all I got outside of the snippets from former champions quoted near the end containing random but useful advice.
November 17, 2023
If you're planning on getting involved with competitive trivia, or of course if you're trying to be on Jeopardy, this is an ESSENTIAL book to read.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews