The New Twist in Pub Quizzing
Pitting your wits against other people in a test of knowledge has long remained the driving force behind the success of quiz events. Millions of people continue to attend quizzes for the overall enjoyment and fun element, and play a fundamental role in bringing local communities together and participate in an event that is suitable for people of all ages, gender and background. The flexibility of the quiz formats continues to be its strongest point, with quizzes being organised and held in a number of locations where people are able to feel comfortable and answer questions. Numerous genres can also be covered within a quiz, with general knowledge remaining the most popular; sports and music quizzes are also popular choices as they offer thousands of unique questions which vary in difficulty and range of knowledge required to know the correct answer.
Traditional to Modern Format
For many years, quizzes have been based upon the traditional use of pen and paper to answer questions during every round. The majority of quiz events follow the same pattern of numerous rounds of general knowledge questions which have a continuous theme, with a picture round testing each team in a unique way. Answer sheets are either passed around and marked by participating teams, or handed to the quiz master in order to ensure fairness and honesty is maintained. More importantly, it prevents any team from cheating and walking away with the first prize through unfair means.
While the traditional format functions effectively, the potential pitfall of cheating created a need for a new and innovative method of hosting and enjoying quizzes. Ever-increasing advancements in technology promoted the possibility that smartphones, currently seen as the root of the problem in cheating within traditional quizzes, could be utilised for the greater good. Smartphones are now marketed within advertising and marketing strategies for modern day speed quizzing events which incorporate the use of phones and a computer to provide an innovative form of quiz.
How the New Format Works
The upcoming Scottish pub quiz in Glasgow on March 2nd provides a wonderful opportunity for local residents and quiz enthusiasts to experience the future of quizzes. A participant from each team is required to download a speed quizzing app from a website which effectively transforms their phone into a device for answering questions. Each question is answered using touch screen technology to choose a letter within a multi-choice question or buzz in during a picture round where the image is shown on their phone. Every question within each round comes with a ten second time limit which encourages a fast pace to proceedings. More importantly, the limited time in which teams have to answer questions provide little or no chance of being able to use the smartphone to access the answers online, thus eradicating cheating as a possibility. Every phone is connected to a computer controlled by the quiz host which sends every answer electronically and records the score which can create more interaction and banter between the host and participants. The £80 prize for coming in first place should not be the only incentive for people to attend the speed quizzing event in Edinburgh – an event which promises considerable enjoyable and fun for all concerned as you welcome the new era of quiz events with open arms.
