Printable Trivia Host Checklist

A print-ready version of the checklist from Trivia Host Checklist: Before, During and After the Game. Print it, keep it in your host kit, and work down the sections in order on game day.

Print this checklist

DAY BEFORE

  • Correct game/date/version
  • Questions read aloud
  • Answers and accepted variants reviewed
  • Pronunciations checked
  • Current facts rechecked
  • Tiebreakers prepared
  • Offline game copy saved
  • Venue/date/start/finish confirmed
  • Prizes confirmed
  • Venue announcements/specials confirmed
  • Equipment and supplies packed

BEFORE LEAVING

  • Phone charged
  • Laptop/tablet charged
  • Speaker charged if applicable
  • Media files tested
  • Scoring file opens
  • Backup scoring method ready
  • Venue contact available

30–45 MINUTES BEFORE START

  • Check in with manager
  • Confirm prizes and announcements
  • Place host station safely
  • Set up microphone/speaker
  • Test sound from back/side tables
  • Open scoring system
  • Arrange answer supplies
  • Confirm backup microphone/batteries/cables

10 MINUTES BEFORE START

  • Register teams
  • Distribute materials
  • Confirm team names/numbers
  • Add teams to score sheet
  • Give venue announcement if needed
  • First category/question ready

OPENING

  • Team-size rule
  • Submission method
  • Scoring/wagering
  • Phone/outside-help rule
  • Answer deadline
  • Dispute process
  • Prize eligibility
  • Special mechanic

EACH QUESTION

  • Category
  • Clear first read
  • Consistent repeat policy
  • Discussion window
  • Time warning
  • Collect/lock
  • Next question ready

EACH SCORING BREAK

  • All active teams scored
  • Blanks/errors checked
  • Queued disputes resolved
  • Standings verified before announcement
  • Clock checked

FINAL

  • Prior scores complete
  • Final mechanic explained
  • Final answers collected/locked
  • Top totals rechecked
  • Wagers/multipliers verified
  • Tiebreaker ready
  • Winners confirmed before announcement

CLOSE

  • Winners announced
  • Prizes distributed
  • Winners' photo taken
  • Venue/staff thanked
  • Next game announced
  • Finished on time

PACK-OUT

  • Final results saved
  • Question/scoring issues recorded
  • Supply/equipment issues recorded
  • Microphone packed
  • Cables/adapters packed
  • Personal belongings checked
  • Venue manager briefed if needed
  • Winners' photo saved/shared according to process

Want the reasoning behind each step? Read Trivia Host Checklist: Before, During and After the Game, 12 Common First-Time Trivia Host Mistakes, or the pillar guide How to Host a Trivia Night. Need answer pads? Size your order with the Trivia Pad Calculator.