Are You a Trivia God?

By: Alex Wittman
Image: Compassionate Eye Foundation/Paul Bradbury/OJO Images Ltd/DigitalVision/Getty Images

About This Quiz

When was the last time you missed an episode of "Jeopardy?" Yeah, we had a feeling your watch-streak rivaled Ken Jennings' win-streak. Tuning into Alex Trebek is one thing, but if you really want to prove you're a trivia god, we challenge you to take this quiz. Finally, a good use for all those random facts and bits of knowledge you've been collecting over the years!

If you're a pub trivia all-star or led the quiz bowl team in high school, we know you can't turn down an opportunity to show off your skills. And, why you should you? If knowledge is power, you have a lot of random bits of it. Never let anyone tell you reciting the state capitals backward isn't a skill. Knowing who invented the popsicle stick is sure to come in handy someday! There might not be a place to display either of those on your resume, but that kind of knowledge is what makes you a trivia god. 

So, what else have you got? We want you to bring your A-game and show us why you're a trivia deity. Then, pass this quiz along to your friends to see who takes top nerd honors.

Give our regards to ... which of the following is the longest running Broadway show?

On Jan. 26, 1988, The Phantom of the Opera opened on Broadway. In its debut year, the production won seven Tony Awards including Best Musical. To date, the show has done nearly 13,000 performances.

Let America decide! Who was the first winner on "American Idol?"

Kelly Clarkson defeated Justin Guarini to win the inaugural season of "American Idol." Her song "Miss Independent" was her first international hit. Another one of her most popular songs is 'Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)."

America's pastime! Which MLB team has won the most World Series?

The New York Yankees currently hold the record for the most World Series won. The team has won 27 titles total, which is more than twice the second place St. Louis Cardinals who've won 11 World Series.

Drop the puck. What city does the NHL team Blackhawks play in?

The Blackhawks play in Chicago, Illinois. Since their founding in 1926, they've won six Stanley Cup championships. The Blackhawks won their most recent Stanley Cup in 2015. The mascot for the Chicago Blackhawks is Tommy Hawk.

Out on the gridiron. Which of the following is NOT the name of a major college football bowl game?

NCAA Division I college football teams compete for the opportunity to play in bowl games at the end of their season. In total, there are 40 bowl games—many of which have corporate sponsors. However, at this time, there is no Lemon Bowl.

Looking back on the 45 men who've sat in the Oval Office, which of the following U.S. presidents was the first to make a TV appearance?

On April 30, 1939, Franklin D. Roosevelt became the first president of the United States to appear on television. His speech at the opening of the New York World's Fair was broadcast.

"Ask not what your country can do for you"... which U.S. president issued the executive order establishing the Peace Corps?

In 1961, then-President John F. Kennedy signed an executive order establishing the Peace Corps. In the years since, more than 235,000 Americans have served in 141 countries with the Peace Corps.

Believe it or not, the United Nations hasn't always been around. Which of these countries was NOT a founding member of this important intergovernmental organization?

On June 26, 1945, 50 countries signed the Charter of the United Nations. Switzerland didn't join the UN until September 2002 after a referendum supporting full membership won in a close vote.

Before it changed in 1989, what was the official name of the nation of Myanmar?

In 1989, the ruling military junta changed the country's name from Burma to Myanmar. For years, neither the U.S. nor UK recognized the name change. However, today, the majority of the world uses the name Myanmar.

Not all religions are ancient. Which of the following religions was founded most recently?

The Baha’i Faith was founded in 1863 and gained traction in the Middle East. The religion teaches the essential worth of all faiths, and has between 5 and 8 million believers worldwide.

During World War II, on which of the following dates did D-Day occur?

On the morning of June 6, 1944, the Allied Forces invaded the beaches of Normandy, France, in a mission that is frequently referred to as D-Day. The operation symbolized the beginning of the liberation of Europe from Nazi control.

A whole lot of country, which of the following has the largest land area?

With its 6.602 million square miles, Russia easily has the largest land area of any country in the world. The second largest country is Canada followed by the U.S., China and Brazil.

Let's get extreme. What is the southernmost point in the United States?

Don't forget about Hawaii! Ka Lae, Hawaii, is the southernmost point of the U.S. It's so windy there some trees actually grow sideways. The northernmost point of the U.S. is Pochnoi Point on Semisopochnoi Island in Alaska.

The pride of the Midwest. Which of the Great Lakes has the smallest area?

When measured in surface area, Lake Ontario is the smallest of the Great Lakes at just 7,340 square miles. Compare that to the biggest Great Lake, Lake Superior, with its 31,699 square miles of surface area.

An intricate medical procedure. Which organ is most commonly transplanted?

Throughout the world, kidneys are the most commonly transplanted organ. The function of the kidneys is to remove waste from the body, making them essential. The human body has two kidneys, which make them ideal for living-donor transplants.

Before you can bake anything, how many teaspoons are in a tablespoon?

Three teaspoons are in one tablespoon. Beyond that, four tablespoons equal 1/4 cup, so 16 tablespoons equal a cup. Flour is one of the ingredients most often measured incorrectly because it requires a special technique. Be sure not to pack it down!

The U.S. hasn't always had its northernmost state. In which year did the U.S. buy Alaska?

On March 3, 1867, the United States purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million. At the time, the deal received a lot of ridicule and was called "Seward's Folly" after Secretary of State William Seward.

Not a blacksmith. What is the proper title for someone who shoes horses?

Specialists in equine foot care, farriers take great care with the shoeing of horses as well as the trimming and balancing of horses' hooves. Other strange titles include "cooper," which is used for a person who make barrels.

The original 007. Which of the following actors was the first James Bond in the movie series?

Scottish actor Sean Connery was the first to play the famous James Bond character. He played 007 in seven movies for the franchise including 1962's "Dr. No." The most recent actor to play James Bond was Daniel Craig.

A man of many talents. Which beloved children's author wrote Johnny Cash's song "A Boy Named Sue?"

As well as a storied writing career, Shel Silverstein made music and put out a number of songs. The author of "Where the Sidewalk Ends" wrote one of country music star Johnny Cash's most famous songs.

Question what you think you know. Which American city is actually farther west than Los Angeles?

Even though Los Angeles is essentially synonymous with West Coast life. Reno, Nevada, is actually geographically farther west than Los Angeles. Don't believe us? Grab a map! The curve of California cuts in below the outer edge of Nevada.

Fairly simple really, what is the meaning of rhinotillexomania?

People who suffer from rhinotillexomania compulsively pick their noses. The prefix "rhino-" is Greek and refers to the nose. In fact, the medical name for a nose job is a rhinoplasty.

The phrase behind countless memes. Which country is responsible for the saying "Keep Calm and Carry On?"

The well-known slogan "Keep Calm and Carry On" actually originated in Great Britain. During World War II, the country's government used it as propaganda in order to inspire citizens to maintain their resolve.

Scooby-Dooby doo! What is the character Shaggy's real name?

The best friend of Great Dane Scooby-Doo is Shaggy, whose proper name is Norville Rogers. Even though Shaggy and Scooby are notoriously cowardly, the two help their friends Velma, Daphne and Fred solve mysteries.

Take a peek toward the south. How many U.S. states border Mexico?

In all, four U.S. states border Mexico. Those states are California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. Of those states, Texas shares the longest stretch of border with Mexico, with California sharing the shortest.

Examine the heavens! Which of the following planets was the first to be discovered using a telescope?

In 1781, Sir William Herschel first saw Uranus through his telescope. It was the first plant to be discovered in such a way, and the moment greatly influenced the way humans look at the night sky.

Not perfect by any means, but which explorer introduced domestic pigs to the Americas?

In 1493, Christopher Columbus took eight pigs on his voyage to Cuba. But, it wasn't his idea. Spain's Queen Isabella insisted on it. Even though Columbus was Italian, the Spanish crown funded his explorations.

Don't forget to check the expiration date! Which of the following component in fresh milk do bacteria eventually devour, causing it to develop a sour taste?

Lactose is a principal sugar that makes up between 2 and 8 percent of milk. The human body creates lactase to digest it, and when it doesn't make enough, the result is lactose intolerance.

The deep blue sea. What is the world's deepest ocean?

The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest of Earth's oceans. The deepest part of the Pacific Ocean is called the Challenger Deep, which is located at the southern end of the Mariana Trench.

On one of the most beloved sitcoms in history, which of the following actresses played Rachel Green in "Friends?"

Actress Jennifer Aniston played Rachel Green for the 10 years "Friends" was on the air. In all, the show, which followed a group of young people living in New York, ran for 236 episodes.

On a computer keyboard, what letter is between E and T?

Rather than displayed in alphabetical order, keyboards are designed with a special layout that actually dates back to typewriters. The reason the first six letter keys spells out "QWERTY" was to keep the typewriter keys from jamming. In ABC order, typists simply went too fast.

Oh, Bella and Edward! Which young adult author wrote the "Twilight" books?

American novelist Stephenie Meyer wrote the "Twilight" books, which followed a vampire romance. Her books sold over 100 million copies and were made into movies. The movies starred Edward Pattinson and Kristen Stewart.

For the love of theater. Which of Shakespeare's plays in shortest in length?

One of his earliest plays, William Shakespeare wrote The Comedy of Errors toward the end of the 16th century. It tells the story of identical twins who were accidentally separated at birth.

The air we breathe. Which atmospheric gas is the most common?

Making up 78 percent of the Earth's atmosphere, nitrogen is the most common gas. Oxygen makes up 21 percent, followed by argon with less than one percent. Carbon dioxide is less than a tenth of a percent of the air we breathe.

Nature is wild. What color is a giraffe's tongue?

Between 18 and 20 inches in length, a giraffe's tongue is generally described as black in color. Although biologists have yet to determine the exact reason, the leading theory is the dark color is due to a buildup of melanin to protect against harmful UV rays.

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