Academic Challenge - How the Game is Played

Teams begin each program with 100 points.

LIGHTNING ROUND (competitive round) – All three teams play and are asked a total of 10 questions, with each correct answer worth 10 points. Teams lose 10 points for an incorrect or no answer.  Questions are related to a common subject.

MIX IT UP (non-competitive round) – Individually, teams are asked six questions with each question worth 20 points.  There are no penalties for a wrong or no answer.  If a team answers all six questions correctly, they receive a 25 point bonus.

PICTURE PERFECT (competitive round) – All three teams play and are asked eight questions worth 10 points each.  Teams lose 10 points for an incorrect or no answer.  Questions are based on a visual clue.

HOT PICKS (non-competitive round) – Team questions are selected on-air by opposing captains from an initial set of four envelopes.  Each question is worth 20 points, with a total of eight questions asked of each team.  Each question envelope contains one math and one science visual question.  There are no penalties for a wrong or no answer.  A 25 point bonus is awarded to any team which answers all eight questions correctly.

GRAB BAG (competitive round) – Questions are worth 20 points, but visual questions are worth 30 points each.  Teams lose points for an incorrect or no answer.  The total number of questions in this round varies based on the time remaining in the program.  When the final buzzer sounds, the team with the highest point total is named the winner of that program.