Theme Trivia Guide

Big Fans, Small Focus

Theme trivia events can be incredibly fun! You do not need to be a fan to host successfully, but it helps. ;) 

Plan to arrive 20-30 min prior to the start, and to begin exactly on time. 
You are likely to have more first-time players than usual, so allow time to navigate the app with them during the first round. 

Hot Tips

• If it is not your regular venue, read the ICOE. If there is anything you have a question about, contact the regular host. 

• Teams are often new to the site, and to Trivia Mafia, so go over the basic order of operations so they know what to expect (eight rounds, image round(s), when is there a sound round, etc.) - and be sure to tell everyone when the location runs regular trivia.
  "Come back Sundays at 7pm for regular trivia!"

• Always read through the content before you arrive. If you have the subject knowledge, drop as many references, inside jokes, and innuendo about the theme as you can - but make sure none of those are actual questions for the night (for example, don't lead everyone in a recital of the Konomi cheat code for Nintendo trivia - because it is, in fact, a question!). 

• There will be teams that are SUPER into the theme and will likely do very well. But probably only a few. Most of the teams will really like the theme, but not actually do that well. Keep mentioning that these are really hard questions and they should not be discouraged if they only get some of the questions right. Be strict but fair on scoring, and always generous in spirit!

• Be ready for a very obscure objection to an answer. Since some of the teams are super into the theme, they know nuances that might cause some issues. (Looking at you, Star Wars fans.) All of our content is vetted and fact-checked to the best of our ability!
  You always have the right to Google the info (if you have the time and inclination). You can also put it to a vote - say the alternate answer into the mic and ask the crowd to raise hands if they think credit should be given. Or, be prepared to say that the answer you have is the right answer tonight, and you will forward that concern on to the Editorial team, but you can't change it right now. 

• Dress in costume, or along with the theme, if that suits your vibe/existing wardrobe. (You will not be reimbursed if you purchase a gallon of body glitter for hosting "Twilight" trivia, but we will happily post pictures of you wearing it.)

• Give the site's theme posters to the winners (or anyone really) when you take their pictures - the customer was likely to toss them anyway!

• Teams usually have pretty good team names. The third prize would be good to give to the best of the team names. At the very least, take a moment before you start the second half to acknowledge the many clever names on the mic! People love to hear their team name read out loud. 

• Note the funny wrong answers, and share them on the mic when going over all the questions. 
  

Team Size Limits

We recommend a team limit of six people for themes, but it’s really up to you to determine whether to keep it at eight people! Sometimes the site will specifically request the lower limit; this is usually the case if they’ve arranged special prizes. You are also more likely to see kids at theme nights, so just use your best judgment as to whether they count against a team total.