How to play

Each match draws 9 categories, and you take turns removing and choosing them, like a map veto. A coin flip decides who goes first. Each turn has 8 seconds; if the time runs out, one is chosen for you.

1. The first player bans two categories, then the second player bans two.
2. The second player picks a category, then the first player picks one.
3. The second player bans one more, then the first player bans one.
4. The one category left is the decider.

The match has five questions from each pick and five from the decider, and the last question always comes from the decider.

• Four options, one right answer. Tap it before the 10-second timer runs out. Once you lock in, you can't change it.
• You see when your opponent locks in, but never what they chose.
• Every question ends with the answer and a short explanation, so you learn something either way. After the match, the recap shows every question again.

• Speed counts. A right answer in the first second is worth 20 points, falling steadily to 10 at the buzzer. A wrong answer or no answer scores nothing.
• Streaks multiply. Each right answer in a row raises the next one's points by a tenth, up to ×1.5. A miss starts the streak again.
• Fastest gets a bonus. When you both answer right, the quicker player earns 3 extra points.
• The final question counts double, so a match is never over until the end.

If the scores are level after question 15, a tie-break question asks for a number: how many, or what year. You both have 15 seconds to type a guess. The closest guess wins; if you're equally close, the faster one does.

• Your rating goes up when you win and down when you lose, and beating a stronger player is worth more. You are matched with players of a similar rating (how matchmaking works).
• Five placement matches find your starting level.
• The ladder runs Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Master, each with divisions 1 to 4 (4 is the highest). The top 1000 players at the Master 4 floor are Grandmasters, ranked by position.
• Leaving a match counts as a loss.

• Quick Play. The same duel with nothing at stake: three random categories, no draft, no rating. Warm up, or just play for fun.
• Challenge a friend. Send a link, or challenge a player from their profile, and settle it one-on-one: a drafted duel with no rating at stake.
• Solo practice. Pick your categories and play at your own pace, with the answer and its story after every question.
• Daily challenge. The same questions for everyone, once a day. See where you land. More about the daily challenge
• Friends lobby. Gather 3 to 8 friends. Everyone picks a category, then you all answer the same 15 questions: a point for each right answer, no matter how fast.

Want to warm up first? Try the free sample trivia questions by category.