Trivial Pursuit Rules

How to Play Trivial Pursuit Board Game

Over the years, Trivial Pursuit has had many editions and themed versions, from standard rules to pop culture editions to Harry Potter Trivial Pursuit rules. However, the core gameplay mechanics remain the same.

Here’s how to play the game, from moving around the board to collecting wedges and winning the final question.

Preparations

• Players: 2–6 players (or play in teams).
• Game Contents:
  • 1 game board with a circular track.
  • 6 colored category sections.
  • Question cards (sometimes separated by editions).
  • 1 die.
  • 6 pie-shaped playing pieces (with 6 slots for wedges).
  • 36 small wedges (6 per category).

Setup:

1. Each player chooses a token (the "pie") and places it in the center of the board.
2. Decide who goes first (highest die roll, random draw, etc.).
3. Place question cards near the board.
4. If you're using a themed edition (e.g., Trivial Pursuit 2000s), ensure you're using the correct card set.

Gameplay

Trivial Pursuit follows a simple turn structure:

1. Roll the Die

• Roll the die and move that number of spaces.
• Players can move in any direction on their turn.

2. Land on a Category Space

Each colored space represents a different trivia category:

• Blue → Geography
• Pink → Entertainment
• Yellow → History
• Brown / Purple → Art & Literature
• Green → Science & Nature
• Orange → Sports & Leisure

3. Answer the Question

• The player to your left reads a question from the matching category.
• If you answer correctly:
  • You stay on the space.
  • If you're on a wedge space, you earn that wedge and place it in your token.
  • You take another turn immediately.
• If you're wrong: Your turn ends.

4. Move Toward All Wedges

• Continue moving around the board to land on wedge spaces.
• Earn wedges by answering correctly in each category.
• Once you collect all six wedges, head to the center hub.

5. Final Question

• After reaching the center, another player chooses a category for your final question.
• Answer correctly → You win the game!
• Answer incorrectly → Leave the center and try again on your next turn.

How to Win Trivial Pursuit

To win, you must:

1. Collect all six wedges by answering questions correctly on each wedge space.
2. Move to the center hub.
3. Correctly answer a final question selected by your opponents.
4. First player or team to do this wins the game.

Strategies and Tips

Trivial Pursuit isn’t just about knowing facts. Strategic movement and category targeting are key to victory.

Basic Strategies

• Aim for wedge spaces early to gain an advantage.
• Take multiple turns on your stronger categories to build momentum.
• In team play, discuss answers to pool collective knowledge.

Advanced Strategies

• Track opponents’ weaknesses → Choose those categories for their final question.
• Understand card bias → Some editions lean toward specific topics.
• Use efficient paths → Move strategically to hit multiple category options in fewer moves.

Overview of the Game Rules

Trivial Pursuit Versions & Family Rules

There are a few different versions of this classic game.

Trivial Pursuit Family Edition Rules

• Designed for mixed-age groups.
• Includes separate card decks: one for kids and one for adults.
• Kids’ deck contains simpler questions.
• Gameplay remains identical to the standard version.

Harry Potter Trivial Pursuit Rules

• Same core rules but with Harry Potter-themed questions.
• Compact editions may have slight variations in board layout and wedge rules.