Rome Pub Quiz

March 11, 2010

Think you're smart huh? Pretty well-rounded, watch a lot of History Channel? Like to chime in with obscure facts every now and then?"Did you know the plastic thing at the end of your shoelace is called an aglet?"

You make me sick.

If you really want to know how smart you are, just round up some friends and head to the Pub Quiz, either at Scholar's, Mondays at 8. It’s a great way to spend an international evening; you’ll meet interesting English-speakers from all over the world, some first-timers, some regulars, but all there to have fun. If you’ve just moved to Rome you’ll be surprised (at least I was) to discover just how large the international community is – you’ll forget you’re in Italy at the Pub Quiz. Make sure you reserve (don't be like me and just barge in) so Quizmaster Charley knows how many prizes to give out.

Prizes are plentiful, handed out generously, and intoxicating in nature - whether alcoholic or chocolaty. You don't even have to be smart (even though I'm sure you are) to win prizes. Let's say, hypothetically - it's not like this is based on personal experience or anything - that you and your friends only got two correct answers out of 10, at that point, Charley may feel so bad for you, for the fact that a collection of human brains couldn't come up with more than 20% of what should be common knowledge (at least for everyone else), that he'll give you a pity prize like chocolate - hypothetically, a box Ferrero Rocher. Which couldn't have come at a better time of course: chocolate is the perfect complement to alcohol and humiliation - just try not to get distracted by the shiny wrapper. You can also get prizes for most creative team name and best dressed team, so make sure you and your friends don’t look like bums.

But winning the Pub Quiz isn't that hard if you're prepared. The 10 rounds cover topics like music, movies & tv, current events, history, science, geography and pop culture. All you have to do to win the Pub Quiz is know everything about all these things. It's easy, just get there knowing everything about everything and you'll do fine.

"Who is currently leading the Spanish "La Liga" Soccer Championship?

""In which country was Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, born?"

"'Songs about Jane' is the 2005 debut album of what rock band?"

"What is the capital of Tunisia?" (I know that one)

"In how many countries is German the predominant language?"

Did you get all those? Really?

No cheating, alright? That's another Pub Quiz rule, no electronic devices! Please don't use your iPhone to look up answers, because cheating on a Pub Quiz, in the words of Quizmaster Charley, "is pathetic." If you got all those right off the bat then you'd probably do well at the Pub Quiz. Any given question may not be so difficult but it's the wide range and random topics that make it a real challenge, and a fun one at that, despite the (hypothetical) humiliation.

If you want to win - or at least stand a chance - the best thing to do is assemble a diverse, multinational team with very different backgrounds and life experiences, because what's being measured is how much of this world you've soaked up. If you do well on the Pub Quiz, chances are you've done well at leading an interesting life so far. If you get pity prizes, then thank Quizmaster Charley for opening your eyes!

Then go read a newspaper for God's sake.

February 4, 2008

I'm relatively new to this Pub Quiz phenomena, but apparently it's been going strong for some time in Rome.

Here's how it works: there are 5 people per team. Each team pays 15 euro to participate (so 3 euro a person). Typically the pub quizzes take place in one of Rome's several irish pubs. I believe this one only operates in the Abbey Theatre and the Scholar's Lounge (though I invite anyone to correct me if I am mistaken). There are ten rounds, ranging from various topics having to do with current events, music, movies, history, science and geography.

It happened that the first time I went, I was the "sixth wheel" (you are absolutely restricted to only 5 in your group so that no one thinks you're getting extra help), but it wasn't a problem. I quickly found another group that was missing a 5th person and joined them. (For those who are shy, here's a tip: drink a pint, then mingle.)

Two things struck me in particular:

1. Refreshing to see that you can still have great fun in a "low-tech" environment. All you need is a pencil and your brain!

2. Competition is fierce! And some of the team names can be vulgar and ornery... But, the people are all very friendly, including Charley, the cheery, bear-of-a-man MC who runs the show.

Final note: Even if you don't take first place, there's still a very good chance you won't go home empty handed. They have prizes in between rounds for things like "best team name", "best dressed", etc., and those prizes alone could easily make it worth your 3 euro - whiskey and chocolate!

October 24, 2007

December 2008

Every Monday night come and enjoy Rome’s Best Pub Quiz. Quiz master Charlie will challenge and entertain you with his vast range of questions and visual aids. Alternating between the Scholar’s Lounge and Abbey Theatre pub, you can test your knowledge or just have a beer!