<P> The Jeopardy ! round begins when the returning champion selects a clue , which may be from any position on the game board . The clue is revealed and read aloud by the host , after which any contestant may ring - in using a hand - held signaling device . The first contestant to ring - in successfully is prompted to provide a response to the clue , phrased in the form of a question . For example , if a contestant were to select `` Presidents for $200 '' , the resulting clue could be `` This ' Father of Our Country ' did n't really chop down a cherry tree '' , to which the correct response would be `` Who is / was George Washington ? '' ( Contestants are free to phrase the response in the form of any question ; the traditional phrasing of `` who is / are '' for people or `` what is / are '' for things or words is almost always used . ) If the contestant responds correctly , the clue 's dollar value is added to the contestant 's score , and they may select a new clue from the board . An incorrect response , or a failure to respond within five seconds , deducts the clue 's value from the contestant 's score and allows the other contestants the opportunity to ring - in and respond . If no contestant both rings - in and responds correctly , the host gives the correct response ; the `` last correct questioner '' chooses the next clue . </P>
<P> The Jeopardy ! round begins when the returning champion selects a clue , which may be from any position on the game board . The clue is revealed and read aloud by the host , after which any contestant may ring - in using a hand - held signaling device . The first contestant to ring - in successfully is prompted to provide a response to the clue , phrased in the form of a question . For example , if a contestant were to select `` Presidents for $200 '' , the resulting clue could be `` This ' Father of Our Country ' did n't really chop down a cherry tree '' , to which the correct response would be `` Who is / was George Washington ? '' ( Contestants are free to phrase the response in the form of any question ; the traditional phrasing of `` who is / are '' for people or `` what is / are '' for things or words is almost always used . ) If the contestant responds correctly , the clue 's dollar value is added to the contestant 's score , and they may select a new clue from the board . An incorrect response , or a failure to respond within five seconds , deducts the clue 's value from the contestant 's score and allows the other contestants the opportunity to ring - in and respond . If no contestant both rings - in and responds correctly , the host gives the correct response ; the `` last correct questioner '' chooses the next clue . </P>
how long do contestants get to answer on jeopardy
how long do contestants get to answer on jeopardy
five seconds
five seconds