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The Pyramidal Format

All of our matches in the LVQBA use the popular, national-style, pyramidal format from National Academic Quiz Tournaments (NAQT).  In this format, tossup questions are worded so that students are rewarded for being the quickest to know more obscure information about an answer before hearing the "common knowledge" clues that make the question easier.  Pyramidal questions also refrain from using irrelevant clues and misleading question structure--issues that unfortunately remain commonplace in older quiz bowl formats.

Every match has two types of questions--tossups and bonuses.  Each type has their own set of features, which are described in more detail below.  In a typical match, each tossup gets paired with a bonus set.  This combination is called a "cycle".  Every match consists of 24 tossup-bonus cycles (except in cases where the match is timed).  For a more detailed breakdown of the rules with visual aids, check out our page on how to become a match official.  You can also check out NAQT's rules page on their website.

Tossup Questions
A tossup question is one where a player must signal or "buzz in" in order to answer it.  Conferral with teammates is NOT allowed.  Once the moderator begins reading a tossup, a player may buzz in at any time.  If a player correctly answers the question early enough, then the question is worth 15 points.  If a player buzzes later, it's worth 10 points.  If a player buzzes in before the question is done and is incorrect, then there is a 5-point penalty (a.k.a. "neg-5").  If the question is done, however, then there is no penalty.  Note:  Only one "neg-5" can be assessed per cycle.

Bonus Questions
When a team answers a tossup question correctly, they earn a 3-part bonus question.  Each part is worth 10 points.  The moderator begins the bonus by reading the first part.  The team then has a few seconds to confer before the captain gives the answer for the team.  This process is repeated for parts 2 and 3.  Once the bonus is done, a new tossup-bonus cycle begins.  Note:  If neither team answers a particular tossup correctly, then no bonus is awarded and a new cycle begins.

What It Looks Like

Check out this match from the 2019 High School National Championship Tournament to see how exciting and fast-paced the NAQT format is!

Video courtesy of NAQT