Trivial Pursuit Complete Guide

Trivial Pursuit is the classic trivia board game that tests players' knowledge across six categories. First published in 1981, it has sold over 100 million copies and become a cultural phenomenon.

Basic Rules

• Players: 2-6 (or teams)
• Objective: Collect all 6 pie wedges (one per category) by answering questions correctly, then reach the center hub to win.
• Components: Game board, 1 scoring token per player (pie), 36 wedges, question cards, 1 die.

The Six Categories

How to Play

Setup

1. Each player takes a scoring token (empty pie).
2. All tokens start at the center hub.

Taking Turns

1. Roll the die and move your token in any direction.
2. The player to your left reads a question from the category matching the color you landed on.
3. If you answer correctly, you roll again. If wrong, your turn ends.

Collecting Wedges

• When you land on a category headquarters space (large colored space at the end of each spoke), you receive a question from that category.
• Answer correctly to earn that pie wedge.
• You cannot earn the same wedge twice.

Winning

• Once you have all 6 wedges, move your token back to the center hub.
• You must land on the hub by exact count.
• Answer one final question from a category chosen by opponents to win the game.

Strategy Tips

1. Target Weak Categories First: Go for the categories you know least early — you have more chances to collect them.
2. Learn the Board Layout: Know where each category headquarters is located so you can navigate efficiently.
3. Use Opponents' Weaknesses: When choosing the final question category, pick your opponents' weakest subject.
4. Study Broad Knowledge: The game rewards generalists — read widely across all six categories.

Editions and Variations

Classic Genus Editions

• Genus (original 1981), Genus II-VI — updated question sets with new knowledge.
• Each edition contains 6,000+ questions.

Themed Editions

• Disney, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings
• Decades: 1980s, 1990s, 2000s editions
• Junior: Easier questions for younger players (ages 8+)
• Family Edition: Mixed difficulty with cards for adults and kids

Trivial Pursuit Live

• Digital versions for consoles and streaming devices.
• Timed questions and multiple-choice format.

Game History

• Invented by Chris Haney (a journalist) and Scott Abbott (a sports editor) in 1979 in Montreal, Canada.
• Legend says the idea came from a disagreement over a Scrabble game.
• Initially self-funded — they sold 5 shares at $1,000 each to finance production.
• First published by Horn Abbot in 1981.
• Became a massive hit after appearing on TV talk shows.
• Now owned by Hasbro, with 100+ million copies sold.
• Over 50 themed editions have been produced.

Statistics

• Designed for 2-6 players (or teams)
• 6 knowledge categories — Geography, Entertainment, History, Art & Literature, Science & Nature, Sports
• 6,000+ questions per standard edition
• Over 100 million copies sold worldwide
• First published in 1981
• Invented in Montreal, Canada
• 6 pie wedges to collect for victory
• Over 50 themed editions produced
• Typical game duration 60-120 minutes
• Suitable for ages 12 and up (adult edition)
• Combines general knowledge and board navigation
• Final winning question chosen by opponents
• Self-published before becoming a global phenomenon

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