How to Play Jeopardy on Zoom: Step-by-step Guide
Playing a Jeopardy game on Zoom has become a popular way to bring the classic trivia game to virtual gatherings with co-workers, friends, or family. Whether you’re hosting a virtual game night or just looking for a fun activity to do with your team, Jeopardy on Zoom is an exciting option. But what exactly do you need to play Jeopardy on Zoom? In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get started.
Getting started: what you need to play a Virtual Jeopardy Zoom game
We’ll go step by step through everything you’ll need to play Zoom Jeopardy, including:
Install Zoom
Gather your players
Choose a Jeopardy game template
Choose method of selecting questions
Choose a host
Start the game!
Track your scores
Let’s dive in!
Install Zoom
First and foremost, you’ll need to have Zoom installed on your device. Zoom is a popular video conferencing platform that allows you to host virtual meetings and gatherings. If you haven’t already, you can download Zoom for free from the Zoom website. Once you have Zoom installed, you’ll need to create a Zoom account if you don’t already have one. This game can also be played using other video conferencing platforms, such as Google Meet or Skype.
Gather your players
Next, you’ll need to gather your players. Gathering players for your virtual team building event is easy! Start by inviting your team members to join the event via email or instant messaging. If you are hosting a larger group, you may want to create a sign-up sheet for people to register for the game. Be sure to include the date and time of the event, as well as any instructions for joining the Zoom meeting. Once everyone has signed up, send out the meeting link and provide players with any additional instructions or tips for playing the game. Finally, make sure to be prepared with some fun prizes for the winners! With everyone ready to go, it's time to start the game and enjoy some friendly competition.
Jeopardy on Zoom can be played with anywhere from two players to as many players as you like. Make sure everyone has their camera and microphone turned on so you can interact with each other during the game.
Choose a Jeopardy game template
Once you have your players ready, you’ll need to choose a Jeopardy game template for Zoom. There are several templates available online that you can use for free, or you can create your own. These templates typically include the categories, questions, and answers for the game, as well as a virtual scoreboard to keep track of each player’s score. Some popular templates include Jeopardy Labs and Google Slides. If you’re looking for inspiration when creating your Jeopardy questions, check out some of the most popular trivia themes and feel free to use our tips for creating difficult questions.
Choose method of selecting questions
In addition to a game template, you’ll also need a way to randomly select questions during the game. This can be done using a random number generator or by simply having the host select questions from the template. You can also use digital tools like Kahoot or Quizlet to create and play Jeopardy on Zoom. Or, if you’re looking for the help of a professional, a virtual game night company like Bar None Games can fully create and host the event for you!
Choose a host
It’s a good idea to have a host for your game session. They are the one who will keep the game interesting and exciting, while also ensuring it runs smoothly. The host should be enthusiastic, excited about playing games, and have a great sense of humor. Additionally, they should be willing to play multiple roles in the game and keep up with the speed of play. While you can always get your team member to volunteer for this role, if you’re looking to elevate your experience, consider getting a professional game night host.
Start the game!
Once you have your game template and method of selecting questions, it’s time to start the game. Each player should choose a unique username or nickname to be identified by during the game. The host will then go through the categories and start selecting questions, just like in the classic TV show. Players will have a set amount of time to respond, and if they answer correctly, they’ll earn points.
One important thing to note about playing a Jeopardy game for Zoom is that it’s best to have a second screen available so you can easily view the game template while playing. This way, you can quickly access the categories, questions, and answers without having to constantly switch between screens. A laptop or tablet is ideal for this, but you can also use a smartphone if that’s all you have available.
Track your scores
Finally, it’s important to have a way to keep track of each player’s score during the game. This can be done manually by the host, or you can use a virtual scoreboard that comes with many Jeopardy templates. At the end of the game, the player with the most points is declared the winner!
Adding prizes to your Zoom Jeopardy game is a great way to make it even more exciting for your coworkers. Prizes can be anything from small tokens of appreciation such as a gift card or a bonus day off, to something more creative like awarding points that can be used for discounts or company swag. You can also try to make the prizes related to the game content, such as books related to the topics you’ve covered or a subscription to a related magazine. The possibilities are endless, and your coworkers will appreciate the extra effort you put into making the game more fun.
Examples of Jeopardy questions and answers
With its fast-paced format, challenging questions, and diverse categories, Jeopardy is the perfect way to test your knowledge and have fun at the same time. But how do you create your own Jeopardy questions?
First and foremost, when creating Jeopardy questions, it’s important to think about your categories. Jeopardy categories can range from popular topics like history and geography to more niche subjects like science fiction movies and comic books. When choosing your categories, consider your audience and what topics they might be interested in. You can also choose categories that you’re knowledgeable about, so you can create thoughtful and interesting questions.
Once you have your categories in place, it’s time to start writing your questions. When creating Jeopardy questions, keep in mind that the format is typically “What is [answer]?” So, when writing your question, think about the answer you want to give and work backward from there. It’s also a good idea to make your questions challenging, but not too difficult. The goal is to make the game fun and engaging, not frustrating.
When it comes to writing answers, be sure to keep them concise and to the point. Jeopardy answers are typically short and straightforward, so avoid using long, convoluted sentences. Additionally, make sure your answers are clear and easy to understand. If your answer is too complicated or hard to decipher, players may struggle to figure it out.
Now that we’ve covered the basics of creating Jeopardy questions, let’s take a look at some examples.
Example Category: Pop Culture
Question: This animated Netflix series follows a group of high school students who solve supernatural mysteries in the town of Hawkins, Indiana.
Answer: What is Stranger Things?
Example Category: History
Question: This British monarch was the last king of England to be executed.
Answer: Who is Charles I?
Example Category: Science
Question: This type of rock is formed from the solidification of lava or magma.
Answer: What is igneous rock?
Example Category: Sports
Question: This 7-time Tour de France winner was stripped of his titles in 2012 for doping violations.
Answer: Who is Lance Armstrong?
Example Category: Literature
Question: This British author wrote the Harry Potter series.
Answer: Who is J.K. Rowling?
As you can see, creating Jeopardy questions and answers is a simple process. Just think about the answer you want to give, and work backward from there. When writing your questions and answers, be sure to keep them concise, clear, and interesting. And, of course, have fun!
Host your own Jeopardy game on Zoom
Get ready to test your trivia knowledge - hosting your own Jeopardy game on Zoom is the perfect opportunity to get everyone in your team involved and encourage team-building relationships.. If you’d rather have someone else do the heavy lifting, we’re happy to help!
At Bar None Games, we would love to host your online Jeopardy Zoom game. With a team of professional hosts, and the know-how to ensure that the questions and categories are perfect, we can handle any number of teams and help turn your Zoom meeting into a full game show.