I walked in to The Big Quiz Thing and the place was packed. No seats anywhere and none of my friends were there yet. It was only 7:30. Oh well. They finally arrive and we get our drinks and as Shannon hands me my jack and coke, it somehow spills up my sleeve. Not a good start to the night. I got a Big Quiz Thing pad and pencil from Noah Tarnow, the host, and my team and I force ourselves into a crowded corner by the doors so we have something to lean on. Our team name was uncoolkids dot com. Original, I know. My favorite team name of the night was “Buy more chairs”. Right on.

The quiz itself? HARD. I didn’t know I was so dumb. Actually, I was a little smarter than I thought. Here’s a hint: don’t second guess yourself. Every time I did, I was all “D’oh! I should have gone with my first guess.” There were five rounds with about 10-15 questions about movies, Fortune 500 companies, books, unusual deaths of famous people, candy bars, politics, even a ‘name that tune’ round…a little something for everyone. They also give away Smart-Ass Points. If you don’t know the answer, make something up, and if it’s funny, Noah will read it and decide if you get a Smart-Ass Point based on audience response.

I thought I had put together a pretty decent team and while we didn’t come in last, we certainly didn’t come in first, not even close. Regardless, we had a blast. Noah Tarnow is a charming and delightful host; not at all creepy and orange like a Bob Barker or Chuck Woolery type. And you can win prizes like books or CDs or Entenmann’s donuts (the team that was in 17th place won these) or the grand prize of the evening: $200!! The Big Quiz Thing is a good excuse to get your friends together and go out on a Monday night. Just get there early. I spoke with a regular who said she usually gets there at 6:30 or 7:00 to score a booth for her team . You can bring in outside food and have a couple of drinks before the show begins. Also, they want teams of at least four people, but never fear. If you show up alone, they’ll find a team for you. For those of you looking to cheat, don’t try it cause you’ll most likely get caught. Plus Noah doesn’t like cheaters and frankly, neither do I.

I can’t wait to go to The Slipper Room for The Big Quiz Thing again. Next time, however, I will get there early because I want a booth!!