Even if you wish you didn’t, you probably know where O.J.’s latest legal escapades took place, what London’s most famous square is called, and the names of both of Britney’s unfortunate kids. Well, you’re in luck—the Bay Area is a hotbed of pub trivia nights, with free competitions available almost every day of the week. Even Brainstormer—the nationally syndi-c­ated weekly quiz that’s popular in bars from Anchorage to Atlanta—is put together by San Francisco’s own Liam McAtasney. So brush up on your knowledge of everything from geography to Schwarzenegger movies, pull together a well-rounded team, and reap the rewards of being a slave to factoids.

1
FOR THE HARD-CORE
Tuesday trivia night at the Bitter End has been a San Francisco staple for 13 years. When the 9 p.m. kickoff time rolls around at this Inner Richmond joint, tables are long full. (The bar even added a Thursday quiz night to combat lines out the door.) The bar also offers $2.50 drafts and $5.50 burgers, so MC Tim Keane has his work cut out for him as he tries to manage the often rowdy, always jovial crowd. Prizes range from drinks to T-shirts to cold, hard cash, so get there early and bring your thinking cap to the mother of all local trivia nights. 441 Clement St., S.F., 415-221-9538

2
FOR PARTY ANIMALS
The Lower Haight is littered with seedy, pse­udo-British pubs, but Mad Dog in the Fog is the legitimate exception, with authentic UK decor and a selection of beers straight from the motherland. Even though there’s no liquor, it’s cash-only, and you have to “bring your own food” (the kitc­hen’s closed on trivia nights), Mad Dog is packed to the brim way before the 9 p.m. quiz start time on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The fun gets under way with a remarkably simple first round (“What color is Pepto-Bismol?”), unlike most trivia formats; each round gets progressively more difficult. At this reasonably priced beer hall, the top-prize $50 bar tab will carry you a long way. 530 Haight St., S.F., 415-626-7279

3
FOR MULTI-TALENTED
The Pig and Whistle welcomes patrons with plenty of street parking, a full bar, and a well-priced English menu (bangers and mash go for $7.25, while a pile of fried mushrooms costs just $4). A couple of TVs keep you updated on sports, but the main event is the trivia, which begins at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Sundays. The Pig mixes up the traditional quiz with a picture round, in which participants identify obscure celebs; and a pop-music round that’ll have you racking your brain about whether Bruce Springsteen or Dire Straits was responsible for the bastion of ’80s music that is “Walk on By.” (Stumped? It was Dire Straits.) 2801 Geary Blvd., S.F., 415-885-4779

4
FOR HIPSTERS
Elixir, a Mission corner bar since 1858, adds a twist to its 9 p.m. Tuesday trivia. Quiz­master and local comedian Sal Calanni leads the way, spicing up traditional questions with genuine riddles and snippets of his own standup routine. You’d do well to bring a sports junkie for your team, as some rounds are all about the 49ers and the Sox, and perhaps

a burrito from one of the taquerias nearby. In fact, you’re even welcome to invite your dog, though Snooper might not be much help in the contest. 3200 16th St., S.F., 415-552-1633

5
FOR ACADEMICS
A gaggle of Berkeley grads eager to show off their newfound knowledge gathers at Berkeley’s oldest pub, Albatross, on Sundays at 8:30 p.m. In-the-know regulars arrive early to take advantage of the board games on hand (think Connect Four and Scrabble), as well as the happy-hour specials that run until 8, like $3.50 off pitchers of beer or $1 off drafts. Longtime quizmaster Jeff Gouin hosts six rounds of general-knowledge, picture, music, and themed trivia, and he reserves drink-token prizes not just for the winners, but also for the runners-up and the team with the best name. 1822 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley, 510-843-2473