There’s something about the words ‘pub quiz’ which brings out the worst in people.
I love pub quizzes – I used to go with my family all the time. My ability to remember things that are usually no use to anyone suddenly comes in really handy. For your average pub quiz I don’t get too competitive. I get a little anxious about being able to hear the questions properly, and that’s about it. It’s a bit of fun, but nobody really wants to come last unless they like wooden spoons.
There was recently a charity quiz at work, so I went along to the pub and nestled in with a team. We all agreed we were there for a laugh, drinks and some conversation. If we got answers right we’d be happy, but winning wasn’t vital – and we didn’t expect to come first anyway. Mid-table would be respectable, and last place would be something to giggle about the next day.
Sadly, not every team shared that opinion. It didn’t take long for things to get ugly. As soon as the first answer was read out, cries of “Yes! One out of one! Get in!” went up. There were people frothing at the mouth with glee because they knew what planet Ewoks live on.
This continued ad nauseam for all eight excruciating rounds. Our team gladly held our hands up and abandoned all hope of winning when the ‘Geography’ round started. When the ‘Sport’ round followed immediately after, we were on the verge of getting our coats and making a run for it.
Then, the worst happened. There was a tie for first place – between the two most competitive teams, naturally. A tiebreaker question was apparently meant to settle things, and we did find a winner. Right up until the other team claimed they should have been given bonus points earlier in the quiz, and all hell broke loose. Our team had tied for third, so we shrugged and left to catch our buses and trains.
The next morning, the eventual winners paraded their prize around the office and rubbed their victory in the faces of the glaring second-placed team. What had they won? A framed photo of the quiz setters. I imagine it was totally worth it.
