How to Run a Pub Quiz: A Step-by-Step Guide
A good pub quiz is fair, fast and fun. Most of that comes down to preparation: the right number of rounds, a balanced mix of questions and a clear way to mark answers.
1. Plan the format
Most pub quizzes run for 6 to 8 rounds of 10 questions, which takes about two hours with breaks. A classic line-up is general knowledge, history, geography, sport, music, film and TV, a picture round and a final mixed round.
2. Write fair questions
- Each question should have one clear answer. Avoid “which is the biggest…” unless you specify by what measure.
- Mix difficulty: about four easy, four medium and two hard questions per round.
- Check every answer against two sources. Facts change: records fall and capitals move.
- Avoid questions that only one person in the room could know.
Short on time? Our printable pub quiz packs have ready-made rounds and an answer sheet.
3. On the night
- Explain the rules before you start: team size, phones away, how disputes are settled.
- Read each question twice, clearly, and allow about 30 seconds.
- Collect answer sheets after each round, or have teams swap and mark.
- Read the scores out every two rounds to keep the tension up.
4. Tie-breakers
Keep a numerical question ready, such as “In what year did…” or “How many…”. The closest answer wins, so there’s always a result.
5. Handling disputes
Decide in advance whether spelling counts and whether partial answers (such as a surname only) get a point. Be consistent, and the quizmaster’s decision is final.