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Trivial Pursuit made trivia a family tradition, but its long games and question-by-question pace are not for every table. These games like Trivial Pursuit keep the quiz and change the format: you bet on answers, shout them out, sing them or play for sports bragging rights. Every pick here plays faster than a full game of the original.
Best Trivial Pursuit alternative: Wits & Wagers Party
Everyone answers every question, and you score by betting on the answer closest to the truth. It costs about $40.
Price band: $30+ (about $40) · Check today’s price on Amazon
1. Wits & Wagers Party — groups who hate waiting for their turn
Players: 4 to 18, ages 8+ · Price band: $30+ (about $40) · Pick for: Groups who hate waiting for their turn · See Wits & Wagers Party on Amazon
Every question has a number for an answer. Players write a guess, the guesses go on the mat, and everyone bets on the one they think is closest without going over. You can win without knowing a single answer, which keeps casual players in the game.
Our Trivial Pursuit vs Wits & Wagers comparison covers when each one fits.
Skip it if: your group loves quiet, one-question-at-a-time trivia.
2. Smart Ass — fast, loud family trivia
Players: 2 to 6, ages 12+ · Price band: $10–$20 (about $14) · Pick for: Fast, loud family trivia · See Smart Ass on Amazon
The reader gives clues one at a time for a person, place or thing, and anyone can shout a guess at any moment. A wrong guess knocks you out of that round. It is quick and chaotic, the opposite of waiting through a long Trivial Pursuit turn.
Skip it if: your group includes very young kids; the questions are pitched at 12 and up.
3. Lyrically Correct: '90s & 2000s Hip-Hop & R&B — music fans
Players: 2 or more, teens and adults · Price band: $20–$30 (about $25) · Pick for: Music fans · See Lyrically Correct: '90s & 2000s Hip-Hop & R&B on Amazon
Players finish the lyric, name the artist or answer music trivia from two decades of hip-hop and R&B. It is a strong pick for a group that sings along in the car more than it reads history books.
Skip it if: your group does not know the music; every question depends on it.
4. ESPN 21st Century Trivia — sports fans
Players: 2 or more, teens and adults · Price band: $20–$30 (about $30) · Pick for: Sports fans · See ESPN 21st Century Trivia on Amazon
This sports trivia game covers athletes, teams and big moments from the 2000s on. It gives the sports fans in the family a category they can dominate.
Skip it if: your table is mostly non-fans; the questions assume sports knowledge.
Trivial Pursuit alternatives compared
| Game | Players | Format | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trivial Pursuit | 2 to 6 | Classic wedge collecting | about $21 |
| Wits & Wagers Party | 4 to 18 | Number guesses and bets | about $40 |
| Smart Ass | 2 to 6 | Shout-out clues | about $14 |
| Lyrically Correct | 2+ | Music lyrics | about $25 |
| ESPN 21st Century Trivia | 2+ | Sports questions | about $30 |
How to choose a trivia game
Think about who usually loses at Trivial Pursuit. If it is the kids or the casual players, Wits & Wagers lets them win by betting well. If the problem is the slow pace, Smart Ass keeps everyone talking at once. If your group has a specialty, a themed game like Lyrically Correct or ESPN trivia plays to it.
If you still want the original, Trivial Pursuit (about $21) is the classic for a long evening, and a shorter house rule helps: play to three wedges instead of six.
Tips for a better trivia night
- Mix teams by age. Pair a teen with a grandparent so both eras are covered.
- Set a timer. Thirty seconds per answer keeps the pace up.
- Keep score on a whiteboard. Everyone can see the race, which keeps trailing teams trying.
- Rotate games. Play a short round of Smart Ass between longer games to reset the energy.
Picking by group
- Families with kids: Wits & Wagers Party, since kids can win by betting on a parent's guess.
- Adults who want speed: Smart Ass, which rarely runs past half an hour.
- Music lovers: Lyrically Correct, best with a group that grew up on the same radio stations.
- Sports households: ESPN 21st Century Trivia, which turns game-day knowledge into points.
Most groups end up owning two trivia games: a quick one for weeknights and a bigger one for holidays. Wits & Wagers and Smart Ass cover both ends without much overlap.
Games like Trivial Pursuit FAQ
What is the best trivia game for families?
Wits & Wagers Party. Everyone plays every question, and you can win by betting instead of knowing.
What is a faster game than Trivial Pursuit?
Smart Ass. Rounds take a minute or two, and anyone can answer.
Is there a trivia game for big groups?
Wits & Wagers Party supports up to 18 players in teams.
