Quiz nights are one of the most reliable events you can run. They're sociable, easy to understand and suit almost any venue, from a village hall to a busy city pub. But a quiz that sells out every time doesn't happen by accident. Here's how to plan one people book ahead for.
Know who your quiz is for
Start by thinking about who you want in the room. A general knowledge quiz for regulars, a charity fundraiser, a themed quiz on a film or TV series, a music quiz, or a family quiz all attract different crowds. The more clearly you describe it, the easier it is for the right people to say "that's us".
Pick the right night and room
- Day of the week: midweek nights are popular for quizzes because they give people a reason to go out on a quieter evening.
- Room size: make sure you have enough tables for the teams you want, with space to walk between them.
- Sound: everyone needs to hear the questions clearly. A microphone and speaker make a huge difference in a busy room.
- Screens: useful for picture and video rounds, but not essential.
Sell team tickets
Quizzes are made for advance booking. Selling tickets ahead tells you how many teams are coming, so you can lay out tables and print answer sheets, and it means teams are committed rather than "maybe coming".
Decide whether to sell per person or per team. Per-person tickets are simple and flexible; team tickets (for example a table of four or six) are easy for groups to book in one go. Put a maximum team size in the description and stick to it.
You can list your quiz on TickTap for free and keep 100% of the ticket price. Buyers pay a small booking fee shown before they pay, and it gets cheaper the more tickets are bought in one order, which suits teams booking together. Our guide on pricing event tickets can help you set the price.
Write a great quiz
The questions are the heart of the night. A few tips:
- Mix the difficulty. Every team should get some right in every round, and the best teams should still be challenged.
- Vary the rounds. General knowledge, picture rounds, music intros, local knowledge and a themed round keep things interesting.
- Check every answer. Use more than one reliable source, and avoid questions where the answer has changed recently or is disputed.
- Keep questions short and clear. If you have to read it twice, rewrite it.
- Have tie-breakers ready. A number question where the closest answer wins works well.
A typical quiz might have six to eight rounds of around ten questions, with a break in the middle. Time it in advance; a quiz that runs too late loses people.
Find a good host
The host makes or breaks the night. You want someone who speaks clearly, keeps things moving, handles disputes politely and adds a bit of fun between rounds. Read the questions out loud in advance to check pronunciation and pacing.
Prizes
Prizes don't have to be big, but they give the night a bit of an edge. Ideas include a bar tab, a voucher from a local business, a free table at the next quiz, or a trophy that winners hold until the next one. A prize for last place is a nice touch. If it's a fundraiser, a raffle can add to the total, but check the rules on raffles and lotteries before you run one.
Promote it like an event, not a weekly habit
- Give each quiz a date and an event page, rather than just saying "quiz every Wednesday".
- Post a sample question or a photo of last week's winners.
- Put posters with a QR code around the venue and on tables.
- Share it in local Facebook groups and as a Facebook event. See how to promote an event on Facebook.
- For themed quizzes, reach out to fan groups for that theme.
Run a smooth night
- Set up tables, answer sheets, pens and the sound system before doors open.
- Check teams in with their tickets and show them to their table.
- Explain the rules at the start: phones away, team size, how marking works.
- Mark answers between rounds, or have teams swap and mark each other's.
- Keep a running scoreboard and read out the standings at the break.
Deal with cheating fairly
Phones are the obvious temptation. Set the rule clearly at the start, ask teams to keep phones face down on the table, and let your host remind people between rounds. Most quizzers are there for fun and will stick to the rules if they know what they are. If there's a dispute about an answer, the host's decision should be final, but be willing to accept a correct alternative answer if a team can show it's right. Being fair and good-humoured about it keeps everyone coming back.
Keep them coming back
The secret to a quiz that sells out is regulars. Run on a consistent schedule, announce the next date before everyone leaves, and make it easy to book. Collect email addresses (with consent) so you can let teams know when tickets go on sale. Thank everyone afterwards and post the winners on social media. Over time, a good quiz becomes the thing teams plan their week around.
Quiz night checklist
- Audience and theme decided
- Night, room and sound sorted
- Team or per-person tickets on sale
- Questions written, checked and timed
- Host briefed and tie-breakers ready
- Prizes sorted
- Next date announced on the night
Frequently asked questions
How many rounds should a pub quiz have?
A common format is six to eight rounds of around ten questions, with a break in the middle. Time it in advance so the night doesn't run too late.
Should I sell quiz tickets per person or per team?
Either works. Per-person tickets are flexible; team tickets make it easy for groups to book in one go. State the maximum team size clearly and stick to it.
How do I stop cheating at a quiz?
Set a clear no-phones rule at the start, ask teams to keep phones face down, and have the host remind people between rounds. Make the host's decision final on disputes.
Can I run a raffle at a charity quiz?
Often, yes, but there are rules on raffles and lotteries. Check what applies to your event before you run one.
