The most useful category to research is one where new information could change your pick. A famous race can be worth another look; a less familiar one is not automatically unpredictable.
Start with your scoring rules. If every correct answer earns the same points, an acting award counts as much as a series award. With category weights, the cost of a miss changes. Check that before deciding where to spend the remaining time.
Find the picks you cannot explain
Work through the Emmy ballot and give each choice a reason. A recent performance, a credible forecast or a strong category record is a starting point. Recognizing only the name is a sign to look again.
Spend your time on those uncertain choices. If more reading leaves you with the same pick for a better reason, it was still useful.
Different winners do not mean equal chances
53 vs 28
#Distinct winning titles differ between Outstanding Limited Series and Outstanding Drama Series.
Outstanding Limited Series crowned 53 different winners in 53 years. Outstanding Drama Series produced only 28.
This card counts distinct winners. It cannot tell you whether the winner was obvious before the ceremony. A limited series can be heavily favored even when the previous winner is absent and the category produces a new title every year.
Our earlier version called these races coin flips and series awards free squares. Neither conclusion follows from winner turnover.
Decide how much risk you want
An unusual pick helps you gain ground only if it wins. In a hypothetical pool where everyone else chooses the same nominee, choosing that nominee protects your position; choosing a challenger creates a chance to move ahead or fall behind.
There is no need to force an upset into the card. Use the scoring guide to understand the points, then choose the nominees you can make a case for.