I thought pub trivia was well and truly dead, having been dealt an unwinnable blow (or hand) by the rising popularity of Texas Hold'em poker.
So I was stoked to discover that while a card-dealing frenzy has blown noisily through the area in recent years, the more refined tradition of displaying one's useless general knowledge has quietly continued pumping away in pubs and bars across Macarthur.
Not to be confused with evenings sitting at home in front of Temptation (did someone say nerd?), pub trivia is a miserly way to survive the mid-week hump, connect with friends and have a laugh (tres chic).
And if you're imagining your local filled with dads and dull intellects, think again you'll be pleasantly surprised to find trivia buffs come in all breeds. But you will find some cultural differences, depending on the venue.
I and my equally-as-obsessed trivia comrades have been doing the circuit in the name of research in past weeks. Here's what we've found on offer so far...
*Campbelltown Golf Club
Thursdays, 7.30pm, 1 Golf Course Road, Glen Alpine
Top marks for catering, but this Glen Alpine venue doesn't do itself any favours by moving trivia out of the club's main room with its splendid views and into a closed off function area. But what it lacks in atmosphere it does make up for in fun, with questions on a broad range of topics that aren't too hard.
Expect: lots of family groups with a variety of generations.
*Bradbury Inn
Tuesdays, 7pm, 96 The Parkway, Bradbury
We remembered the Bradbury Inn was popular among trivia buffs a few years ago so we were eager to see if was still the same.
It was. The relatively small dining area was packed with groups ranging from more than five players to couples. Probably one of the more lively venues, the game moved fast, perhaps too fast - two rounds were over before 9pm and left us wanting more.
The pub grub was cheap and served in huge portions, but nothing to phone home about.
My tip? Get there early enough to get a seat because you might miss out.
*Appin Hotel
Wednesdays, 7.30pm, 84 Appin Road, Appin
We were told that trivia at Appin Hotel ``goes off'' and indeed it does.
This is the stuff that trivia is made of - regulars, good food, plenty of opportunities to win drink vouchers to the bar, and questions along the spectrum of easy to hard. The only thing that might deter some is the somewhat pricey but deservedly so bistro menu. The Appin community is close-knit, and when we sat down for a pre-game drink to soak up the scenery outside, we half expected someone to tap us on the shoulder to tell us we were in Bluey's seat and he'd be back in half an hour.
But our trivia host, and indeed all the teams, were more than welcoming.
Expect: a late night with lots of regulars, there's plenty of heckling and chit-chat between rounds.
*Macquarie Hotel
Wednesdays, 7.30pm, Macquarie Street, Liverpool
Okay, so it's not really in Macarthur, but it does deserve a mention.
The former Legends Hotel has been revamped into the stylish Macquarie, updating the popular venue with a look that might be described as minimal Balinese.
But the guys from Red Joker Trivia who managed to pack the place most Wednesday nights have also been replaced. While Red Joker fans might be disappointed, the new style-trivia will be appreciated by newcomers for its quick pace and upbeat tempo.
A little less personal than other nights around, younger crowds and those with a short attention span will gravitate to the Macquarie's game.
Beware: The Macquarie still seems to be getting used to its crowds and had run out of pizzas, of all things, the night we played.
*Camden Sports Club
Wednesdays, 7.30pm, Cawdor Road, Camden
The place was bustling by the time we arrived, at around 7.15pm, and few seats were left. The questions ranged from difficult to medium but it was the pace that really let this night down.
We found ourselves languishing between questions, and thinking more about the bar than what we should have been for a school night (which, on second thoughts, could be part of the ploy).
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