Game Rules and Terms.
These are the official rules and terms for all Pick The Hit shows: Music Bingo, Trivia and Karaoke. They cover how each game works, how prizes are awarded, how jackpots operate, and how disputes are handled. If you have a question about something that happened at a show, the answer is in here. If it is not, get in touch.
Player Eligibility
Players must be actively engaged in the game. There is no strict minimum age, but participants should be able to play independently and not participate solely as a proxy for another player.
PTH Staff (Pick the Hit employees and contractors) or venue staff may participate at the discretion of the venue.
Eligibility for PTH Staff or venue staff to win prizes is determined by the venue. The host or venue manager has final authority on participation.
Bingo Cards & Gameplay
Each player is entitled to one Bingo Card per round. Each card is unique, with the same number of songs and difficulty level.
Players must actively play their Bingo Card. If a player briefly leaves for food, the bathroom, or other reasonable short absences, friends may mark songs on their card. If a player is absent for longer than a reasonable period as determined by the host, the Bingo Card may be forfeited.
All players must act honestly. Active participation enhances the overall enjoyment for all players. Concerns about rule breaches should be raised with the host for respectful resolution.
Prizes
Round Prizes
Each Music Bingo show typically has two rounds with multiple prizes. Prize types and values are determined by the venue.
Example Prize Offerings:
Round 1 – 1st prize: $20 voucher
Round 1 – 2nd prize: $30 voucher
Round 2 – 1st prize: $20 voucher
Round 2 – 2nd prize: $50 voucher
Eligibility:
A player may win only one regular prize per round, except where prizes vary significantly in value, for example a $20 voucher followed by a $100 cash prize. In these cases, the host will advise eligibility for winning a second prize in that round.
The jackpot is separate from round prizes and may be won in addition to a regular prize.
If a prize is cash and exceeds $50, players may choose to split the prize in accordance with the tiebreaker rules in Section 7. Vouchers cannot be split.
All prizes, including cash, vouchers, and merchandise, are supplied by the venue and may be subject to the venue's own rules.
Venues may require the host to record winners' names and signatures for prize collection. This is at the discretion of the venue.
Free Space and Special Cards
Bingo Card: Refers to the sheet each player actively uses during the session.
Free Space: The centre square of the Music Bingo Card, marked “Like Us for Free Space”. The Free Space is eligible for all regular prizes and the jackpot. As it appears on every card, it does not provide any individual player with an unfair advantage.
To claim a prize using the Free Space, players must follow Pick the Hit on Facebook or Instagram and provide proof on their phone at the time the prize is claimed. Failure to provide evidence results in ineligibility.
Wild Card: A special prize awarded to a single player who wins the Heads & Tails game prior to the second round.
Only one Wild Card is awarded per show.
Wild Cards are only eligible for the player who wins them and only for the specific Bingo Card they are playing on.
The player's Bingo Card number (e.g., A-23) must be written on the Wild Card to validate the prize.
Wild Cards are not eligible for jackpots, but the player may still win other regular prizes in the same round.
In-Venue Spend Wild Card: Offered at select venues.
To receive this Wild Card, the player must present a valid receipt showing a qualifying spend at the venue (e.g., $20 on food or beverages).
The host will stamp the player's Bingo Card to indicate the Wild Card is active for that round.
This Wild Card follows the same eligibility rules as a standard Wild Card.
Heads & Tails Game (for Wild Card)
All players stand to participate in the game. Two coins are flipped, with three options:
Double Heads: Both hands on Head
Double Tails: Both hands on Tails position
Heads & Tails: One hand on Head, one hand on Tails position
Players whose selection matches the coin flip remain standing for the next round.
The game continues until a single winner remains.
To ensure a winner, all three options must always be selected in each round.
When only two players remain, a single coin is used with heads or tails as the selection.
The winner receives the Wild Card.
Jackpot Mechanics
Jackpots are progressive, starting at an agreed value for each venue and increasing by a set amount per week (e.g., $50 or $100) until won.
A jackpot must be won within a predetermined number of songs, generally starting at 25 and increasing by 1 song per week until claimed.
Some venues may have a cap on the jackpot value. Once reached, the value will not increase further, but the song count progression continues until the jackpot is won.
If a jackpot is not claimed, the value increases according to venue rules, and the song count continues until a win occurs. After a win, the jackpot resets to the starting value.
The jackpot is separate from round prizes and may be won in addition to a regular prize.
Tiebreakers
- If more than one player calls Bingo simultaneously, the host will use a random number generator to determine the winner.
- Players choose a number within a range (e.g., 1–10, as decided by the host). Numbers are generated until a player's selection is chosen.
- If the prize is cash and exceeds $50, players may choose to split the prize. Vouchers cannot be split.
- Where players agree to split an eligible cash prize, a tiebreaker is not required. Where a prize cannot be split, including vouchers, the tiebreaker will always apply.
Dispute Handling
The host has final authority regarding game results, including Bingo Card verification and prize eligibility.
Venue staff or management may assist with verification if required.
Disputes should be raised during the event where possible. Concerns raised after the event will be considered at the host's or venue management's discretion.
Player Behaviour and Conduct
Players must act respectfully toward other participants, the host, and the venue.
Cheating, aggressive behaviour, or attempting to mark multiple Bingo Cards unfairly is prohibited.
Players may not deliberately mark Bingo Cards for others beyond reasonable short absences.
Active participation enhances enjoyment for all players.
The host may ask a player to leave if behaviour is inappropriate or disruptive.
Communication & Changes
Rules, jackpot amounts, or prizes may change. Changes will be communicated at the start of the session or via appropriate channels, such as online updates.
Players are responsible for following rules as announced or communicated by the host.
Venue-Specific Rules
Certain venues may offer special cards, such as the In-Venue Spend Wild Card.
The value, conditions, or mechanics of special cards may vary by venue. Players should confirm any details with the host before play.
Where venue-specific rules apply, those rules override these terms and conditions.
Spirit of the Game
Pick the Hit Trivia is first and foremost a night of fun. Whether you are a trivia regular or playing for the first time, the goal is simple: to have a great time with your team and the people around you.
Competitive spirit is absolutely welcome, but please remember that everyone is here to enjoy themselves. Treat other teams, the host, and the venue staff with respect, play honestly, and keep the vibe positive.
The host is there to make sure everyone has a great night. Their decisions are final and should be accepted in that spirit.
1. Player Eligibility
- Players must be actively engaged in the game. There is no strict minimum age.
- PTH Staff (Pick the Hit employees and contractors) or venue staff may participate at the discretion of the venue.
- Eligibility for PTH Staff or venue staff to win prizes is determined by the venue. The host or venue manager has final authority on participation.
2. Game Format
A standard Pick the Hit Trivia show consists of the following:
Main Rounds
- Three (3) main rounds of 15 questions each, played by the full team.
- Questions ending in “3” (i.e. Q3, Q13) are Music/Audio questions - teams identify a song, artist, or audio clip as asked by the host.
- Questions ending in “5” (i.e. Q5, Q15) are Mug Shot questions - teams identify a person or subject from an image displayed on the mug shots sheet.
- Music/audio clips will be played a second time if requested, but will not be repeated again after that.
Bonus Questions
- A Bonus Question worth 2 points is played at the end of Rounds 1 and 2.
- Teams must submit their Bonus Question answer before swapping answer sheets with another team for marking.
- Bonus Questions are marked by the host, not by other teams.
- Bonus Question points are not doubled even if that round has been selected as the team's “Feeling Lucky?” double points round.
Picture Round
- A Picture Round of 10 questions is held between Rounds 2 and 3. Teams identify images displayed by the host. Electronic devices are not permitted during this round.
- Teams must write their team name on their answer sheet before swapping their sheets for marking.
Weekly Bonus Question (WBQ)
- The Weekly Bonus Question is posted each week on the Pick the Hit website, Facebook, and Instagram. It is worth 1 point and is included as the last question on the Round 3 answer sheet.
- Teams are expected to research their answer before the show begins. Electronic devices are not permitted during the show at any time, including for the Weekly Bonus Question.
3. Spot Games
Two spot games are played during the show. Each offers a prize of 2 bonus points added directly to the winning team's score.
Heads & Tails (between Round 1 and Round 2)
- All players stand to participate. Two coins are flipped simultaneously, producing one of three outcomes:
- Double Heads - both hands on head
- Double Tails - both hands on tails
- Heads & Tails - one hand on head, one hand on tails
- Players place their hands on their head or hips to indicate their selection before the coins are revealed. Players whose selection does not match the result must sit down.
- The game continues until a single winner remains. To ensure the game always produces a winner, all three options must be represented by at least one player in each round.
- When only two players remain, a single coin is used with heads or tails as the only options.
- The winning player earns 2 bonus points added to their team's final score.
Higher or Lower (between the Picture Round and Round 3)
- One player from each team comes forward to participate.
- The host has a randomly selected number between 1 and 1000 (inclusive).
- Players take turns guessing the number. After each guess, the host will indicate whether the correct number is higher or lower.
- The first player to guess the correct number wins 2 bonus points added to their team's final score.
- It is each player's responsibility to keep track of the higher/lower clues given during the game.
4. Answer Booklets & Gameplay
- Each team receives an Answer Booklet at the start of the night. Teams must fill in their team name, number of players, and their “Feeling Lucky?” round to be doubled on the registration page before the event begins.
- The completed registration page must be returned to the host before the trivia event starts.
- Teams must write their team name on all answer sheets before the event begins.
Answer Sheet Marking
- After each round of questions (excluding the Bonus Question), teams tear off their answer sheet and swap it with another team for peer marking.
- Answer sheets may be swapped more than once before marking begins. Teams may not mark their own answer sheet.
- The host will read out the correct answers. Marking teams score each answer and return the sheet to the host as directed.
- Bonus Questions are not included in the peer-marking swap - they are collected and marked separately by the host.
5. “Feeling Lucky?” - Double Points Round
- At the start of each show, every team selects one of the three main rounds (Round 1, 2, or 3) in which they believe they will perform best.
- All standard question points scored in the selected round are doubled. Bonus Question points are excluded from doubling regardless of the round selected.
- The selection must be circled on the registration page and submitted to the host before the event begins. Selections cannot be changed once the event has started.
6. Scoring
Points are awarded as follows:
- Standard questions: 1 point each
- Bonus Questions (end of Rounds 1 & 2): 2 points each (marked by host; not included in double points round)
- Weekly Bonus Question (end of Round 3): 1 point
- Picture Round: 1 point per correct image (10 images)
- Double Points Round: All standard question points in the selected round are doubled
- Spot Game prizes: 2 bonus points added to the winning team's score per game
Half Points
- Some questions require multiple answers (e.g. “name 6”). For these questions:
- All required answers correct = 1 point
- Approximately half the required answers correct (e.g. 3, 4, or 5 out of 6) = ½ point
- Fewer than half correct = 0 points
- The host will advise when a question is eligible for half points. Half points are doubled in the double points round like any other standard question score.
The team with the highest total score at the end of the show wins.
7. Handicap System
To keep competition fair and give all teams a chance to win, a progressive handicap applies to teams on a winning streak.
- Wins 1 week in a row: No handicap applied.
- Wins 2 consecutive weeks: The difference between the winning team's score and the next highest score (from the second win) is applied as a points deduction the following week.
- Wins 3 consecutive weeks: The handicap difference is doubled.
- Wins 4 consecutive weeks: The handicap difference is tripled.
- Each additional consecutive win adds one to the multiplier - so a three-week streak doubles the difference, four weeks triples it, five weeks quadruples it, and so on. The streak resets when the team does not win, and no handicap applies the following week.
- The handicap is applied to a team's final score at the end of the show, before prizes are determined.
- The host will inform teams of any applicable handicap at the start of the show.
8. Prizes
Round Prizes
- Each Pick the Hit Trivia show typically offers prizes across the night. Prize types and values are determined by the venue and may include bar vouchers, food vouchers, or cash.
Eligibility
- A team may win only one regular prize per show, except where prizes vary significantly in value. In such cases, the host will advise eligibility.
- The jackpot is separate from regular prizes and may be won in addition to a regular prize.
- If a prize is cash or a voucher, see Section 10 for tiebreaker and prize splitting rules.
- All prizes are supplied by the venue and may be subject to the venue's own rules. Venues may require the host to record winners' names and signatures for prize collection.
9. Jackpot Mechanics
- Jackpots are venue-dependent and typically operate on a progressive basis, increasing by a set amount each week until won.
- Pick the Hit uses a Lucky Score Jackpot system. A predetermined target score is set for each show. If any team's final score (after any applicable handicap) exactly matches the Lucky Score, that team wins the jackpot.
- The Lucky Score system is designed to reward all teams, not just the highest scorers - any team in the room has a chance to win.
- If the jackpot is not won, the value increases in accordance with venue rules and the Lucky Score may adjust. After a win, the jackpot resets to its starting value.
- Some venues may have a cap on the jackpot value. Once the cap is reached, the value will not increase further until the jackpot is won.
- The jackpot is separate from regular round prizes and may be won in addition to a regular prize.
10. Tiebreakers
- If two or more teams are tied in a prize-eligible position, the host will use a tiebreaker question to determine the winner. The team whose answer is closest to the correct answer wins.
Prize Splitting
- If the prize is cash, tied teams may choose to combine and split the relevant prizes equally or proceed to a tiebreaker question. Splitting requires agreement from all tied teams:
- 2 teams tied for 1st: 1st and 2nd prizes combined, split 50/50.
- 2 teams tied for 2nd: 2nd and 3rd prizes combined, split 50/50.
- 3 or more teams tied for 1st or 2nd: all relevant prizes combined and split evenly between the tied teams, or all teams may agree to tiebreak instead.
- Tied 3rd place or below: a tiebreaker question must always be used. Prizes at this level may not be split.
- Voucher splitting is at the discretion of the host and venue. In most cases vouchers cannot be split and a tiebreaker will apply, however this may vary depending on the venue's system (e.g. digital gift cards may be adjustable by venue staff; printed vouchers typically cannot be split). Voucher splitting will not be offered for prizes under $50 in value. The host will advise on the night.
- Where all tied teams agree to split an eligible cash prize, a tiebreaker question is not required.
11. Electronic Devices
- Electronic devices (phones, tablets, smartwatches, etc.) and reference materials are strictly prohibited during the entire show, including all live rounds and the Picture Round.
- The Weekly Bonus Question is published in advance. Teams are expected to research their answer before arriving. Devices may not be used to look up the WBQ answer once the event has started.
- If a team is found using a device or reference materials during the show, they will be disqualified from that round.
12. Dispute Handling
- The host has final authority regarding all game results, including answer verification and prize eligibility.
- Venue staff or management may assist with verification if required.
- All disputes must be raised during the event. Concerns raised after the event has concluded will not be considered.
13. Player Behaviour & Conduct
- Players must act respectfully toward other participants, the host, and the venue.
- Players are asked to keep noise to a minimum while the host is reading questions so that all teams can hear clearly. Noise between questions is welcome.
- Cheating, aggressive behaviour, or any attempt to gain an unfair advantage is prohibited.
- Active participation enhances enjoyment for all players.
- The host may ask a player or team to leave if their behaviour is inappropriate or disruptive.
14. Communication & Changes
- Rules, jackpot amounts, or prizes may change. Changes will be communicated at the start of the session or via appropriate channels, such as the Pick the Hit website, Facebook, and Instagram.
- Players are responsible for following the rules as announced by the host at each event.
15. Venue-Specific Rules
- Certain venues may offer additional mechanics, special prizes, or variations to these rules.
- Where venue-specific rules apply, those rules override these terms and conditions.
- Players should confirm any venue-specific details with the host before play begins.
Welcome to Pick the Hit Karaoke. To keep the night fun for everyone, here are a few quick tips:
Respect the Mic
Treat our microphones and gear like your best mate's guitar. Please keep them on stage, NO walking off with them. NO dropping, swinging, or yelling into them.
Share the Spotlight
Everyone's here to sing and have fun. Keep it fair so all voices get a turn.
Stay Kind
Cheer each other on. NO booing, heckling, or harsh language.
Mind the Host
Our host is here to make it a great night. Please follow their direction so the show runs smoothly.
Safety First
Stay off the stage edges, DO NOT bring drinks near the equipment, and keep aisles clear.
Have Fun!
Sing your heart out, support your mates, and enjoy the vibe.
*If you can't follow the guide, you may be asked to sit the show out or leave so everyone else can keep enjoying the night.