Trivial Pursuit: 20th Anniversary Edition (2002) Board Game

Trivial Pursuit is a popular board game that was first created in 1979 by Scott Abbott and Chris Haney. The game quickly became a sensation, with players testing their knowledge in various categories such as history, geography, entertainment, and more. The 20th Anniversary Edition was released in 2002 to celebrate two decades of Trivial Pursuit success.

Game Components of Trivial Pursuit: 20th Anniversary Edition

Game board

Deluxe card dispenser

3600 question cards

Tokens

Scoring wedges in six category colors (Blue – Global View, Brown – The Written Word, Pink – Sound & Screen, Green – Innovations, Yellow – News, Orange – Game Time)

Dice

Rubber feet for the card dispenser

How To Setup Trivial Pursuit: 20th Anniversary Edition

To set up the game, start by carefully twisting the rubber feet from the runner and discarding the runner, then push one foot into each of the four holes on the bottom of the card dispenser. Unwrap one pack of cards and insert them into the card dispenser by lifting the cover, sliding the card rest to the back, and placing the cards into the opening with the questions facing the front chute. Close the card dispenser cover. Each player selects a token and six scoring wedges, one in each category color. The game begins with players rolling the die to determine who goes first.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Start: The highest roller goes first. Players start at the hexagonal hub and move down one of the spokes onto the circular track.

Movement: Players roll the die and move the corresponding number of spaces around the track, which can be in either direction.

Question Categories: Each space is color-coded for different categories. Another player draws a card from the dispenser and reads the question corresponding to the color landed on.

Scoring Wedges: Correctly answering a question allows the player to keep the scoring wedge of that category.

Special Spaces: There are 12 “ROLL AGAIN” spaces on the track, allowing players to roll the die and move again.

Winning the Game: To win, a player must return to the hub with all six scoring wedges and correctly answer a game-winning question in a category chosen by the other players.

Player Experience

Trivial Pursuit: 20th Anniversary Edition is designed for 2-6 players or teams, making it a great option for social gatherings. The game encourages teamwork and strategic thinking, especially when teams are formed. Players often find themselves surprised by how much they know, and the game’s dynamic can lead to exciting comebacks and dramatic wins.

Pros

Extensive Question Base: With 3600 questions covering the last 20 years, the game offers a wide range of trivia.

New Categories: The introduction of new categories such as News, Sound & Screen, and Innovations keeps the game fresh.

Team Play: The game is versatile and supports team play for up to 24 players.

Engaging Mechanics: The combination of rolling dice and answering questions creates a engaging and unpredictable gameplay experience.

Cons

Setup Time: Setting up the game, especially the card dispenser, can be a bit tedious.

Card Management: Managing the cards and ensuring they are properly inserted into the dispenser can be time-consuming.

Luck Factor: The roll of the die introduces a significant luck factor, which can sometimes overshadow player knowledge.

Personal Thoughts on Trivial Pursuit: 20th Anniversary Edition

This game is perfect for trivia enthusiasts and those who enjoy social, interactive games. It is an excellent choice for family gatherings, parties, or any event where people want to test their knowledge and have fun. The variety of categories ensures that players with different interests and strengths can participate and enjoy the game equally. However, it may not be the best fit for those looking for a game with minimal luck and more strategic depth.

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