How to Run a Quiz Night
A quiz night runs on structure, not on clever questions. Get the round shape and the scoring right and even an average question set plays well.
A standard evening
- Six rounds of ten questions, roughly two hours including a break.
- Teams of four to six — larger teams reduce individual involvement.
- Mix general knowledge with one picture round and one music round.
- Swap answer sheets between teams for marking to speed things up.
Scoring formats
| Format | How it works |
|---|---|
| Flat | 1 point per correct answer |
| Weighted | Harder rounds worth 2 points each |
| Joker round | Each team nominates one round to double, before it starts |
| Wager | Teams bet points on a final question |
The joker round is what keeps it alive
Letting each team nominate one round to double — declared before that round begins — keeps trailing teams mathematically in contention until the end, and adds a decision that has nothing to do with knowledge.
Frequently asked questions
A numerical estimate question — height of a mountain, year of an event — with the closest answer winning. It cannot itself tie, unlike a knowledge question.
Announce a phone-free rule and offer a bonus point to every team that stacks its phones in the middle of the table for the whole quiz.