TBQ Simplified Rules Browser

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Before the Quiz

Each team consists of one to three active quizzers at the table. Additional quizzers sit behind the table as inactive quizzers.

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The head coach designates a captain for each match.

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Active quizzers may only have closed Scripture Portions on the table.

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Each match consists of twenty questions: eight 10-point, nine 20-point, and three 30-point questions.

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During the Quiz

Buzzing In

After "Question" is called, hands must be above the table, palms down, in contact with the table, pad, or other hand.

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Do NOT buzz in during opening remarks (question number, point value, Introductory Remarks) — this is a foul.

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Quizzers have 5 seconds to buzz in after the question is fully read.

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Do NOT begin answering before being identified — this is a foul.

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Answering

You have 30 seconds to complete the question (if interrupted) and give your answer after being identified.

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A question is interrupted when you buzz in before the last word of the question is spoken.

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If you interrupt, you must correctly complete the question AND give the answer.

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Correct answer = full point value. Incorrect answer = lose half the point value.

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An interrupted question answered incorrectly is reread to the opposing team.

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Quiz Out / Strike Out / Foul Out

Quiz Out: Answer 5 questions correctly → 20 bonus points, must leave table.

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Strike Out: Answer 3 questions incorrectly → must leave table.

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Foul Out: Receive 3 individual fouls → must leave table.

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Any quizzer who leaves the table can be immediately replaced by an inactive eligible quizzer without using a time-out.

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Communication Rules

No verbal communication among active quizzers or between active quizzers and team members except during conferring, contesting, responding, and time-outs.

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Coaches and inactive quizzers may non-verbally communicate at any time among themselves.

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No communication between team members and the audience at any time.

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Time-outs

Each team gets 3 time-outs per match (30 seconds each).

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Any team member may request a time-out between questions.

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All members of both teams may verbally communicate during a time-out.

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Quizzers may be substituted during a time-out.

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Conferring

Only the quizzer whose answer was ruled incorrect may request to confer.

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30 seconds to confer with active quizzers and head coach at the table.

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The head coach may bring materials to the table during the confer.

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Contesting

Any team member may initiate a contest.

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Contest on three issues only: (a) question validity, (b) voiding, (c) correctness of the answer.

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Each team gets a maximum of 3 unsuccessful contests per match.

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2 minutes 30 seconds to prepare and present (30-second prep + 2-minute presentation).

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Opposing team gets 1 minute to respond after the contest.

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A team may withdraw a contest within the first 30 seconds in exchange for a time-out (if available).

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Judges vote with coins: heads = accept, tails = deny. Majority wins.

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Fouls

Each foul = loss of 5 points.

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Individual Quizzer Fouls

Buzzing in during opening remarks.

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Answering before being identified.

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Answering when another quizzer was identified.

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Giving help to a teammate who buzzed in.

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Improper communication by an active quizzer.

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Having open Scripture Portion or materials when not allowed.

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Flagrant distraction or signaling teammates.

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Un-Christlike or unsportsmanlike attitude.

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Team Fouls

Improper communication by a coach or inactive quizzer.

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Not stopping at the calling of "time" during a contest.

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Coach or inactive quizzer gives help to an active quizzer.

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Contesting with intent of using it solely as a time-out.

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Un-Christlike or unsportsmanlike attitude by a coach or inactive quizzer.

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Overtime

If tied after 20 questions, sudden death overtime begins.

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One-minute time-out is declared before overtime.

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10-point substitute questions are read until the tie is broken.

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Question Types

Standard Question: Requires an answer from the material being studied.

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Statement and Question: A statement gives additional information before the question. Both are part of the question and can be interrupted.

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Multi-Part Question: Two or more distinct questions requiring separate answers.

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Scripture Text Question: Contains "quote" followed by Scripture. Answer must come from the three-verse context.

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Application Question: Requires answers about the author, history, doctrine, or related topics not necessarily found in the material.

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Quotation Question: Requires a perfect quotation from a complete verse or verses.

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Quotation Completion Question: Requires completing a perfect quotation. Cannot be asked after question 17 or in overtime.

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Essence Question: Requires a verse or verses to be given in essence (own words with same meaning). Does not have to be a perfect quotation.

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Essence Completion Question: Requires completing a verse or verses in essence.

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