How to be a quiz master

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The humble pub quiz is surviving the current blitz on the trade. As numbers of pub-goers drop, experts say that quizzes can enliven quiet nights and...

The humble pub quiz is surviving the current blitz on the trade. As numbers of pub-goers drop, experts say that quizzes can enliven quiet nights and introduce a different crowd.

Research shows that holding a quiz can boost a night's wet take by about £100, with 16 to 19 players buying an average of 2.5 drinks each.

And according to The Publican's 2008 Market Report survey (the full results of which you can read in a special supplement with the August 25 issue) 42 per cent of pubs stage quiz nights, up from 40 per cent in 2007.

Since the smoking ban, though, it's become even more important to organise the night carefully, and for there to be plenty of well-advertised breaks.

"This gives people the chance to nip out and not miss anything," says professional quiz compiler Ric Cooper. "It also has the added bonus of letting those who want to buy drinks get to the bar which is, after all, the evening's purpose."

Redtooth, the UK's largest supplier of pub quizzes, does just that with its best-selling It's Your Round game, which is played in 1,300 pubs.

Pete Guise of the Cabin pub in Dudley, West Midlands, found his business doubled after he subscribed to the six-round game, which is sent to his pub every week.

"Lounge regulars mixed with the bar crowd and people began to use the whole pub for the first time," he says. "Word soon spread and new customers came to discover that they had a nice pub on their doorstep."

Equally, Redtooth's Fun Fortunes - similar to the TV programme Family Fortunes - has transformed trade at Pete Thompson's Queen Hotel in Sheffield.

"We've been using Fun Fortunes since day one," Pete says. "In fact, Thursdays aren't called Thursdays any more, they are just called Fun Fortunes night!"

Quiz Monkey, which bills itself as the alternative quiz company, strongly believes success lies in tailoring questions to pre-existing events and crowds.

With a host of different quizzes designed to attract specific audiences, they offer 25 questions on everything from a 'Girls' Night Out' to patriotic quizzes for national saints' days, plus romantic ones for Valentine's Day and seasonal elections such as their scary Halloween quiz.

Director Jamie Toyne says: "People like to contribute by answering a few questions as it provides them with an ego boost and makes them want to return again and again."

Quiz Monkey also helps pubs promote their quiz online, listing all subscribers on its website so that people can see what's on offer.

For an additional cost, it will provide a link straight from its site to the pub's, add regular events listings and allow pubs to showcase their menus or accreditation logos, as well as images.

So, with ever more diverse questions tailored to different nights of the week and times of day, now could be the time to think again about the pub quiz.

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