Trivial Pursuit
The classic trivia game that tests your knowledge in six categories! Race to fill your pie with colourful wedges and claim the title of trivia champion.
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Read the rules for Trivial Pursuit
What is Trivial Pursuit?
Trivial Pursuit is a legendary general knowledge game where players answer questions from six classic categories—Geography, Entertainment, History, Arts & Literature, Science & Nature, and Sports & Leisure. Collect all six wedges for your scoring token, then answer a final question to win!
Fun Fact: Trivial Pursuit was invented in 1979 by two Canadian journalists after a game of Scrabble led to a conversation about creating their own board game.
History of Trivial Pursuit
- 1979: Chris Haney and Scott Abbott invent the game in Montreal, Canada.
- 1982: Trivial Pursuit is first released to the public.
- 1984: The game becomes a global phenomenon—over 20 million copies sold in a single year!
- Today: Over 100 million games sold, with countless special editions and themed versions.
How to Play - Quick Guide
- Each player/team chooses a pie-shaped token and starts in the centre of the board.
- Roll the die, move in any direction, and answer a question from the category you land on.
- If you answer correctly, go again! If not, play passes to the next player.
- Land on a 'category headquarters' and answer correctly to collect a wedge.
- First to fill their pie with all six wedges, then answer a final question in the centre, wins!
Classic Categories
- Blue: Geography
- Pink: Entertainment
- Yellow: History
- Brown: Arts & Literature
- Green: Science & Nature
- Orange: Sports & Leisure
Iconic Editions & Spin-Offs
- Genus Edition: The original classic with thousands of questions.
- Family Edition: Easier cards for kids and families.
- Special Editions: Star Wars, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, 1980s, Pop Culture, and many more!
- Travel & Digital: Compact travel sets, DVD party editions, and app versions for quiz fun anywhere.
Strategy & Tips
- Work as a team for maximum brainpower on tricky questions.
- Don't forget: a little lucky dice rolling never hurts!
- Keep your trivia sharp—watch quiz shows or play other trivia games to prepare.
- If you're stuck, make your best guess—sometimes you'll surprise yourself!
- Try to remember which categories are your strengths and weaknesses, and aim for your best topics first.
- Pay attention to your opponents' wedge progress to block them strategically!
Trivia Night Tip: Assign a 'category captain' for each wedge to boost your team's chances.
Why We Love Trivial Pursuit
It's the ultimate party game for know-it-alls, quiz fans, and families alike. Every game is different, the questions are endless, and the nostalgia is unbeatable!
Trivial Pursuit in Pop Culture
Trivial Pursuit has made appearances in TV and film, from Friends and The Simpsons to Seinfeld and Big Bang Theory. The game's iconic pie-shaped tokens and colourful wedges are instantly recognisable. In the 1980s, Trivial Pursuit became such a craze that it was featured in news stories, parodied in comedy sketches, and even inspired its own game show!
Trivial Pursuit vs Other Quiz Games
| Game | Release Year | Main Mechanic | Player Age | Replay Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trivial Pursuit | 1982 | Quiz / Wedge collection | 8+ | Extremely high |
| Scene It? | 2002 | Video clips & trivia | 13+ | High |
| Smart Ass | 2007 | Shout-out answers | 12+ | High |
| Quiz Master | 1998 | Card-based trivia | 10+ | Medium |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you play Trivial Pursuit with two players?
- Yes! While the game is often played with groups, two-player games are common and can be just as competitive and fun.
- How many questions are in a typical Trivial Pursuit edition?
- The classic Genus edition features over 6,000 questions, and many themed editions contain hundreds or thousands of unique questions.
- What’s the best Trivial Pursuit edition for families?
- The Family Edition includes cards for both adults and children, making it perfect for mixed-age play.
- Are there online or app versions?
- Yes, official Trivial Pursuit apps and video game versions are available for phones, tablets, and consoles, letting you play on the go or virtually with friends.