It may seem trivial to some, but having your facts straight is a must when playing this game

Who plays The Man with no Name in Sergio Leone's "Dollars Trilogy?" Who is the person depicted in James Whistler's painting "Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1?" What 1987 movie included the quote, "This is not a test. This is rock and roll?"

Those who answered Clint Eastwood, Whistler's mother and "Good Morning Vietnam" would be wise to make trivia their pursuit.

Topeka has several opportunities to make that happen. The game is free and can be played individually or as part of a group. Winners can receive items like certificates for free food.

Trivia jockey Keith Johnson got a kick out of the answers he received when he asked the question about Whistler's painting.

"About half were answering Jesus Christ or something like that," he said. "Jesus may have been the answer. You never know. So I encourage you to write something."

Not every question is quite so challenging.

Many playing trivia Thursday at AJ's New York Style Pizzeria,1930 Westport Drive, had no trouble answering the "Dollars Trilogy" answer correctly.

Trivia is held at the eatery at 8 p.m. every Thursday.

Johnson is no stranger to leading trivia events. He has been a trivia jockey for 10 years and is also a manager for Challenge Entertainment's Topeka and Lawrence area. Its version of trivia covers 18 questions with seven categories.

He was recruited while playing trivia.

"I love being the center of attention," he said. "And I love trivia. I'm not shy."

The events increase food and beverage sales and bring repeat customers for businesses who hold it, according to Small Business Trends.

Trivia group makes humorous team names part of the fun

Some groups love to make naming their team part of the fun. One cohort has been known as "I Thought This Was Gage 4 Theater," then "I Know This Isn't Gage 4 Theater" before their current one, "Max Needs Another Drink."

They played at the former Quinton's (which was in the former Gage 4 Theater location), Happy Bassett and Old Chicago before playing at AJ's.

"We were sitting here one night, trying to come up with a team name when we first came here," said Max Miller. "They turned to me. My glasses empty and they said, 'What do you think Max?'

"I said, 'I think Max needs another beer,' and I got up to get me another beer. I came back and that was our team name."

Whenever their team's name is mentioned they all yell, "Cheers!" and hold up their drinks.

The team had advice for those thinking about joining the crowd.

"Don't take it too seriously," said Sandy Sadowski.

"Yeah, don't get discouraged," Dorothy Emory said.

"Just try not to be last," Sadowski said. "I promise you. You will get some answers wrong."

'Ooga Booga Caveman' is one of this group's more unusual answers

Another team made up of younger players made up mostly of students from Washburn University has had some disappointments with their answers, but its members keep on playing and say they still have a good time.

Most have been playing for more than three years.

They remembered a time when, not knowing the answer to a "Simpsons" character name they guessed "Ooga Booga Caveman."

"One of the reasons why we come is being able to sit down in our small group, where all of our friends come together, just talk to each other," said Samuel Adame.

New trivia players can easily find a team

Often groups of people who are older and groups of people who are younger would like members of other age groups to join their teams to help them become more rounded.

That is why a newcomer never has a problem fitting in.

"They can come to me, and I'll try to hook them up with a team," Johnson said. "I could say, 'Would you like an extra? and nine out of 10 times they say, 'Welcome to the team.'"

Topeka has trivia at several other locations

Some other locations to play trivia in Topeka include;

• 6:30 to 9 p.m. every Tuesday at Norsemen Brewing Company 830 N Kansas Ave.

• 8 p.m. every Tuesday at Old Chicago, 1231 S. Wannamaker Road.

• 8 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month at the Pennant, 915 S. Kansas Ave. (This month it was held May 4 to celebrate May the Fourth Be with You).

• 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month at the Burger Stand, 2833 SW 29th St.

• 6 p.m. on the last Monday of the month at Trivia Night at the Tap Room, Happy Basset, 6044 SW 29th St.

• Buffalo Wild Wings, 1227 SW Wanamaker Rd Ste 400. Go to https://www.buffalowildwings.com/en/daily-trivia/ for times and how to play.

Catheryn Hrenchir is a feature writer for The Topeka-Capital Journal. She can be reached at chrenchir.gannett.com or (785) 817-638.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Where to play trivia around Topeka and to enjoy food and friends