by Susan Quilty

Created on: November 29, 2010

For over 25 years, Trivial Pursuit has challenged players to dredge their memories for a wide array of trivial knowledge. While the original game presents questions in six basic categories, specialized versions of Trivial Pursuit test players on a more specific realm of knowledge. There are Trivial Pursuit editions that focus on Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, the 80s, the 90s, pop culture, the Beatles and many other interesting topics. Yet whichever edition you choose, the basic Trivial Pursuit game play follows the same basic rules.

Game Equipment

Trivial Pursuit games come with a game board, a die, question cards, iconic player markers and plastic wedge pieces in six different colors. Some special editions of Trivial Pursuit may come with some additional equipment. For example, the Star Wars edition comes with an "R2D2 Randomizer" which is a plastic R2D2 statue which give you a number from 1 to 6 when you press his head. This is used instead of rolling the die.

If you purchase a Trivial Pursuit DVD edition, you will also get a DVD in the box. This DVD offers questions with audio and video clips. Often these questions are used only when attempting to score a wedge piece. Otherwise, the game plays with cards as usual.

Setting Up the Game

Setting up a game of Trivial Pursuit is simple. You generally only need to unfold the game board, open the box of question cards, and have each player choose a marker. Player markers are round and look like a deep dish pie pan, with room to fill in six wedges. (Special edition games may have variations.) Do not add any wedge pieces at the beginning of the game-you will have to earn them as you go.

Basic Game Play

The basic Trivial Pursuit game board has spaces that are arranged like a wheel. There is a large circle of spaces around the outside of the board and six spokes which move in to a center hub. Special wedge spaces are on the outer circle at the end of each spoke.

The game begins with all of the player markers in the central hub. On each turn, players roll the die and move down the spokes and around the circle in any direction. When they land on a space, they will be asked a question that corresponds to the color of that space. A correct answer lets the player continue, but an incorrect answer will end the turn.

When players land on special wedge spaces, a correct answer earns them a wedge of the corresponding color. The object of the game is to be the first person to collect a wedge of each color. However, the game isn't over until someone earns all of the wedges and makes it back to the starting hub for one last question.

Trivial Pursuit is a classic board game that has been enjoyed by millions for over 25 years. With so many special editions, it is easy to find a Trivial Pursuit game for nearly any board game lover.

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