You think you’re sooooo smart, don’t you? Well… maybe you are. For those that want to prove it — or just hang out and drink while others flex their knowledge of random cultural, sports and political knowledge (a.k.a. “trivia,” which you may have heard of) — there’s Saturday’s Geek Bowl 2008 at the Oriental Theater. Yes, the Geek Bowl. And it’s sold out, fool!

We recently chatted via e-mail with John Dicker, head of Geeks Who Drink, about the event, which will be hosted by Westword’s Adam Cayton-Holland. I hosted some Geeks Who Drink “Real World”-themed trivia rounds last year back when this blog was a stalkerazzi-style deal. Suffice to say, people did not take kindly to questions about “The Real World.” I do not blame them.

Anything not covered in my scintillating exchange with Mr. Dicker can be gleaned from the Geek Bowl FAQ, which contains such valuable advice as: “Friend, there ain’t nothin’ wrong with a hooker. Except possibly crabs, but you can get rid of those. Unless you’re a vegan. If you’re a vegan, you’ve just made some lifelong friends. And there ain’t nothin’ wrong with friends.”

Hi John. Tell me a little bit about the history of the Geek Bowl — when and how it started, the motivation behind it, all that good stuff.

Last year was our first Geek Bowl. Players had been asking us throughout our first year of doing this when there would be a tournament to decide who was THE best team in all the Front Range. We figured the demand was there and that it would be fun to put on a huge production. We’re always looking for excuses to wear suits.

Where does the prize money come from? How much was it last year?

Last year first place was $750, but we gave away $1,400 in prizes since we awarded up to fourth place. Prize money comes from ticket sales.

Who won last year, and on what question?

A team from The Irish Rover on South Broadway called the Moops. They didn’t win on any specific question though. This year the Moops haven’t been placing very well so it’s anyone’s quiz, though a team from Albuquerque called Captain Tightpants have become a powerhouse. Watch out for them.

Why did you choose Adam Cayton-Holland to MC?

Adam did a comedy set at last year’s Geek Bowl and it was very well received. That and the fact that he promised to be more like Dane Cook this year put him over the top.

What percentage of people there will have traveled from out of state?

My guess is 10 percent. We have three weekly quizzes in New Mexico so we’re still mostly in state.

Does alcohol help or hurt these contests?

Players have mixed opinions on this, I’d have to defer to specific teams. I can post this on our blog and see what people say and then you could use some of their answers if you’d like? (Note — respond on the comments section of this post and let the debate begin!)

How many players does Geeks Who Drink usually draw every week?

Over 1,000.

Any updates or news on Geeks Who Drink in general?

We have an office. And a copy machine! And a dorm room-style mini fridge! We hope to keep kicking ass in 2008, expanding in and out of state, more special theme quizzes and city vs. city events. Philadelphia must be destroyed! We’re also going to be launching a weekly podcast with quiz questions and reporting from around the world of GWD.

Anything you’d like to add? Funny stories, anecdotes, recipes, WWII-era codes?

This year’s Geek Bowl will feature a profoundly offensive visual round and even more offensive live performances in the form of theme rounds. We will also deliver Taliban-style justice to players who so much as glance at their cell phones during Geek Bowl. There’s money on the line here so the quiz is NOT fixed. For once…