Bezzerwizzer: Mastering the Game of Knowledge and Strategy
Introduction
Bezzerwizzer is a popular trivia game that originated in Denmark and has since gained popularity worldwide. The game combines elements of traditional trivia with strategic gameplay, making it a fun and challenging experience for players of all ages. I find it a fun game for large groups (as many as 16 people can play!) and it’s quite a fast-paced thinking game. The game requires a Bezzerwizzer game set, which includes a game board, question cards, category tiles, and Bezzerwizzer and Zwap tiles.
Quick tip for playing Bezzerwizzer
Strategically use your Bezzerwizzer and Zwap tiles. The Bezzerwizzer tiles allow you to answer questions from categories in which you are strong, even if the question was initially assigned to another player. The Zwap tiles let you swap categories with other players, which can be used to give yourself a favorable category or to saddle opponents with topics they may find challenging.
Rules for playing Bezzerwizzer
The official rules for Bezzerwizzer are straightforward and easy to understand. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Each player or team selects a color and takes the corresponding Bezzerwizzer and Zwap tiles.
- The category tiles are shuffled and each player or team draws four tiles, which represent the categories of questions they will answer in the round.
- Players or teams place their category tiles on their board in the order they wish to answer them, with the first tile representing the category they feel most confident in.
- The first player or team draws a question card and reads the question corresponding to the category of their first tile. If they answer correctly, they move their marker on the game board the number of spaces corresponding to the position of the tile on their board.
- Players or teams can use their Bezzerwizzer tiles to answer questions from other players’ categories and move forward on the board. They can also use their Zwap tiles to swap category tiles with other players.
- The game continues until one player or team reaches the end of the game board.
While these are the official rules, players can also create their own ‘house rules’ to add more variety and challenge to the game.
How to Win at Bezzerwizzer
Winning at Bezzerwizzer requires a combination of knowledge, strategy, and a bit of luck. Here are some strategies for beginners, intermediate, and advanced players:
- Beginners: As a beginner, focus on learning the game mechanics and understanding the categories. Don’t be afraid to use your Bezzerwizzer and Zwap tiles, even if you’re not sure of the answer. The more you play, the more you’ll learn about the categories and the types of questions asked.
- Intermediate: At this level, you should start developing your strategy. Pay attention to the categories other players are good at and consider using your Zwap tiles to take those categories from them. Also, try to save your Bezzerwizzer tiles for categories you’re confident in.
- Advanced: Advanced players should focus on maximizing their points each round. This means strategically placing your category tiles, using your Bezzerwizzer and Zwap tiles effectively, and trying to answer as many questions correctly as possible.
Best Strategies for playing Bezzerwizzer game
The best strategies for playing Bezzerwizzer involve a combination of knowledge, strategy, and understanding your opponents. Here are some tips:
- Know your strengths: If you’re good at a particular category, place it in the highest point position on your board.
- Use your Bezzerwizzer and Zwap tiles wisely: These tiles can be game-changers, so use them strategically.
- Understand your opponents: Pay attention to the categories your opponents are good at and consider using your Zwap tiles to take those categories from them.
- Don’t be afraid to guess: Even if you’re not sure of the answer, it’s better to guess than to pass and lose the opportunity to move forward on the board.
Scenarios for Bezzerwizzer
There are many scenarios that can arise during a game of Bezzerwizzer. Here are some common ones and how to handle them:
- Scenario: You’re unsure of the answer to a question in your highest point category. Solution: It’s better to make an educated guess than to pass. Even if you’re wrong, you’ll learn something new for future games.
- Scenario: Another player is consistently answering questions correctly in a particular category. Solution: Use your Zwap tile to swap categories with them and disrupt their strategy.
- Scenario: You’re far behind on the game board. Solution: Don’t lose hope. Use your Bezzerwizzer tiles to answer questions from other players’ categories and make a comeback.
Frequently Asked Questions about playing Bezzerwizzer game
- Q: Can I use my Bezzerwizzer tile after a question has been read? A: No, you must announce that you’re using your Bezzerwizzer tile before the question is read.
- Q: Can I swap categories with another player if I don’t have a Zwap tile? A: No, you can only swap categories if you have a Zwap tile.
- Q: What happens if I answer a question incorrectly? A: If you answer a question incorrectly, you don’t move forward on the game board for that question.
- Q: Can I use more than one Bezzerwizzer tile in a round? A: No, you can only use one Bezzerwizzer tile per round.
- Q: Can I pass on a question? A: Yes, but you won’t move forward on the game board for that question.
External Links
Bezzerwizzer reviews and ratings on Amazon
Bezzerwizzer board game video review, courtesy of Conmose on YouTube [Video]
Eve Brownlee was a gamer before gaming communities on the internet were a thing. Eve grew up playing traditional, standard deck card games like Rummy and Bezique, taking an interest in the classics Backgammon and Chess. Parlor card games like Bridge continue to keep Eve active in the community. After a long career, primarily in horticulture for USDA in Maryland, Eve now travels and writes on The Pineapple (pineapples.info) and contributes to Quora/Pinterest topics. Contact Eve via email.
