Kick off the warm weather by giving your noggin a nudge. Herewith, our guide for navigating Chicago’s so-nerdy-it’s-cool bar trivia scene.

The Globe Pub
FYI: Host Dave Ahrens claims to pose the toughest trivia questions in town. Common rounds include Chemical States, In the Year 2525, and Dead or Canadian?
Ooh: Ahrens is gruff, but not mean. On game day, he posts the night’s rounds as anagrams @qmdchicago on Twitter. Crack the code and conquer the competition.
Win: Free drinks in the form of gift certificates for $75, $50, or $25.
Go: Tuesdays, 8 p.m.

State Restaurant & Cafe
FYI: The spacious Lincoln Park hangout has sponsors galore (see: Win).
Ooh: Get the 935 burger for $6 on trivia night.
Win: Prizes. Big ones. Every player gets a free raffle ticket and can score items like a Wii game system, iTunes gift card, Snuggie, high-def TV, or digital camera. The first-place team (eight people max) wins $800 cash.
Go: Tuesdays, 8 p.m.

Crew
FYI: At the Uptown sports bar, Sister Mary Monistat, a drag queen nun-turned-trivia hostess, quizzes you Catholic-school style.
Ooh: Answers are written in test booklets and graded by your neighboring table.
Win: Gift certificates and free drinks. But no worries if you’re not top of your class — the last-place team goes home with learn-your-numbers coloring books.
Go: Mondays, 8 p.m.

Firkin & Pheasant
FYI: Start your week on a high note with half-price wings and rotating beer specials at the cozy English pub.
Ooh: Lauded host Jeremy Cahnmann has been known to buy a round of shots for the team with the best name.
Win: Likely a Firkin & Pheasant gift certificate, but seasonal prizes have included tickets for the Blackhawks, Bulls, Cubs, and White Sox.
Go: Tuesdays and Sundays, 8 p.m.

Wherever you end up, it helps to arrive at least a half hour early to get a table and cap your team at five or six people; you’ll fit better, and it’ll be easier to debate answers. You’re up.

Photo: Martin Cathrae / Flickr