Quiz Review - The New Crown, South Shields

Wednesday - 8pm - New Crown, South Shields

It has been a while since I attended a new quiz as such. For the past year or so I have been sticking to established quizzes I know, but given that I had a free night this Wednesday whilst the Sunderland Quiz League continues its winter break, I thought I would pop along to the New Crown in South Shields for their quiz night.

The New Crown itself is based just of the Coast Road (opposite the finish of the Great North Run). The quiz night has been running since June and starts each Wednesday at 8pm. They did advise me to get there early to secure a seat, but that wasn't an issue as there were only around 5-6 teams involved. I got the impression that due to it being January and the weather, this is usually better attended.

In fact, there seems to have been a lot of new quiz nights in South Shields launched recently so it could be the case of increased competition.

Anyway, the quiz itself is the Redtooth "Its Your Round" style quiz. I am sure many of you reading this have taken part in Redtooth of this style previously (connections, wipeout,  Top 5). Rather than review or comment on that format, I am going to post up a little separate entry on Redtooth next week. 

The quiz is ran well and despite the pub being full of little nooks and crannies, and rather large at that, there was no cheating from what I gathered which is always a good sign. The quiz started 8pm prompt and was all done and dusted by around 9.20pm. You will be all too familiar with quiz nights which start late and finish late, the norm rather than the exception, so it was refreshing to have a quiz that was delivered in a timely manner.

As with many Redtooth events, the host is one of the bar staff, He does a great job of keeping the quiz running smoothly and has a good rapport with the players. Entry is £1 per player.

The night ends with a raffle/open the envelope style game with the jackpot standing at £150 next week.

Quiz Tix Apps

You may have seen various QuizTix apps floating around the app stores. I have been playing them for a while and would highly recommend giving them a try. Largely, based around themes there are constantly new versions being brought out, and above all else, they are free so you have nothing to loose.

Rather than me telling you about it, these are the words of Ian Masters, the developer of the project...

Can you tell us a little bit about QuizTix?

Sure. We're a super small team based in and around London - although one of the artists is in Tokyo. As a start-up it has been important to be as lean as possible so we have no office yet but that should change in the coming months as we prepare for our biggest year yet.

How does QuizTix differ from the many thousands of Quiz Apps available?

QuizTix is a series of games all using the same connected engine. We've released 7 versions so far and this year we plan to hit monthly releases. If you're playing the Movies version and a friend is playing the Football version you'll be able to see each others scores, achievements and progress. Play the same game and it's even more social.

Another big differentiator is the fundamental game mechanic. It's original but has collection elements that people tell us are very rewarding.

Personally I like that if you get a question wrong that you can come back later and try again, eventually getting it right and learning some trivia you didn't know in the process.

What makes people keep coming back to Quiz Tix?

I think the collection element is actually key to that. Certainly, what we've managed to prove is that if people discover and like one game that they will go on to download another and another. For us this is the most exciting part as it means we can build a sustainable business, continually improving the games and creating more content for fans.

Who is Quix Tix aimed at?

Each version is aimed at the fans of that subject. Our questions are not easy so you do need some knowledge. Plus we do try to make the game as accessible to 'non-gamers' as possible. The player is dropped straight into the game and given a simple tutorial. No menus to navigate just great quizzing.

Tell us a little bit about your own quizzing experience.

I'm afraid you wouldn't want me one your team. Apart from some limited video games and musicals knowledge I struggle. Luckily we have great question writers.

If you were on Mastermind, what would your specialist subject be.

Probably something to do with sci-fi, a subject we want to tackle this year.

Finally, if anyone has enjoyed the QuizTix games and would like to see specific subjects in the future please let us know via Twitter @quizbo or via email: support@quiztix.co

Charity Quiz Night - Sunday 7pm - South Shields

I don't often post up information on individual quiz nights, other than in the reviews etc, but as its for a good cause, I thought I would make a quick mention for those of you in the North East, of the Charity quiz taking place this Sunday the New Crown, South Shields. All kicks off at 7pm in aid of the Charlie Cookson Foundation. 

Site of the Week - Kens Quiz Site

One of my favourite sites to visit on a regular basis is Kens Quiz Site. I have been using this site for at least 2 years or so now making sure to check back every time it is updated. There is already a wealth of good questions on there to get stuck into so great for revision, passing the time, or brushing up on weaker subjects. It jas helped a lot, particularity in pub quizzes and bringing me up to speed with all the "chestnuts".

Take a look yourself by clicking HERE

Fastermind - Light Speed Quiz

A few days ago I posted up the 2016 Schedule for Light Speed Quiz. All the videos from last years season-ending Fastermind have been posted up now. If you click the video below through to Youtube you will see all 12 videos. These are different to the usual event, as tradition dictates in LSQ, the end of the year event allows players to chose a specialists subject.

Well worth a watch through all the videos (They include GK questions at the end)

For those new readers to the blog, this is the more usual style for Light Speed Quiz....( and yes, I have actually chosen one where I got some points!)

Sunderland echo Quiz League

The Sunderland Echo Quiz League resumes next week after a break for the Xmas period. After my original team dropped out I joined The Prior this year and we have had a decent start to the season.

If anyone reading is local to the area, the league table above should give you a good idea of the teams that play. We play on Wednesday evenings and if you are interested pop me an email to daniel@thequizaddict.com and Ill put you in touch with the relevant people!

Brain of Britain Returns

Brian of Britain 2016 begins tomorrow (Monday 11th) in the usual slot on Radio 4.

It seems an age since the last series, and indeed the show has started much later this year than in previous years. Not that I am complaining as Round Britain Quiz is equally as enjoyable, but there is something about Brain of Britain which makes it my favourite of all the broadcast shows. (Despite embarrassing myself on there in 2013).

Contestant Call

As usual this year, I will try and keep mentioning as and when I see contestant calls for various game shows. I am not the biggest fan of 500 questions but they are looking for some new contestants. All the info is HERE

Book Suggestions - No Such Thing As Society

Just a quick recommendation of a book I have been enjoying massively the past few days. It has been on my to read pile for some time - Andy McSmiths "No Such Thing As Society".

The book covers the 1980s in Britain and is written in a very readable narrative, sticking to themes rather than jumping all over. Very useful for this period!

App of the Week - Trivia Ninja

One of my favourite Quiz Apps of the last few months has been Trivia Ninja. I will post a full review later in the month but just thought I would mention it in the first "App of the Week" slot of 2016.

Challenging well written questions, good community support and a game that flows and runs smoothly every single time.


Download links for IOS and Android below

http://bit.ly/trivianinja  (Android)

http://bit.ly/trivianinja-ios  (iOS)

Quizzing TV Article

Incase you may have missed it, the Telegraph had a little rant for Russell Davies about TV quizzes a couple of days ago. Link is HERE

Independent Boxing Day Quiz

Most of my Boxing Day was spent on this fantastic quiz the Independent published on Boxing Day. It also can be found online if you click Here.


In all the many quizzes I have done throughout 2015, I can't remember enjoying one as much as this. Some utterly brilliant questions including my favourite type....the ones you think for ages on, that when the answer comes, produces that "ahhhhh" moment.


Well worth a few hours of anyone's time!

Light Speed Quiz

You may have seen over the past few years I have posted number of videos from Light Speed Quiz, which is a buzzer event ran monthly around the country. 

Always an enjoyable occasion, playing with some insanely good players including many faces you will recognise from TV quizzing (including Mastermind champions, Brain of Britain finalists, Fifteen to One finalists, Mastermind runners up and several players from Only Connect).

All the contact details are on the below poster advertising the 2016 events. I am heading down to Halifax on the 30th for the first event of the year. A great location and sure to be fun!

Twitter Feed

Although I have let the blog slip in the last few months my twitter feed has been busy. I have been posting some daily teasing questions on the feed and all can be found at @quizaddictblog.

Please follow and say hi!

Happy New Year!

It has been a while....

2016 threw up some unexpected events on the career front meaning the blog was allowed to slide. In fact, quizzing itself was not given a great deal of time in the last few months of 2015.

However, I am back to normal now and keen to restart the blog, so if there are still any readers left, Happy New Year and stay tuned to the blog for the regular updates etc