There are two groups within each NAL team. The first is the buzzer team, who compete by answering questions to score points against the opposing team. The second is the presentation team, who prepares a presentation on a specific question given to them in the game. Depending on how much information is in their presentation and how well it is communicated, the presentation team can score up to twenty-five points.
There are also four quarters in a game. Each quarter is different from all the others in some way which will be explained below. The buzzer team competes in the first, second, and fourth quarters. The presentation team competes in the third quarter.
Tip Off Question
The game begins with a tip off question. The captains of each team are asked a question, and the first captain to answer correctly wins the tip off. They now have the choice of going first or second in first quarter, or first or second in third quarter. Captains almost always choose to go first in first quarter because it gives the team a decisive advantage.
First Quarter
The buzzer team competes in first quarter. First quarter lasts for exactly twelve minutes with fifteen seconds (maximum) for each question. Five members sit in the front row and five in reserve. The first question goes to seat one, the captain. If he answers correctly, two points are added to the team's score. The second question will go to seat two. If he also answers correctly, two more points are added to the score and the question goes to seat three. If he also answers correctly, two more points are added, but the team does not get another question. After three correct answers, the questions go to the opposing team.
If one of the questions are answered incorrectly, the other team is given a chance to steal. If they answer correctly, the series of questions goes to the other team and one point is added for a steal. They then have a chance to score up to six points.
If any team member answers wrongly, they are given a foul. After two fouls, the first reserve player in line takes the fouled-out player's seat, and the fouled-out player moves to the back of the reserve line.
Second Quarter
In second quarter, five members of the buzzer team work as a team to answer lengthy questions. There is a back row of five reserve players, but this reserve is rarely used. This quarter lasts exactly twelve minutes with one minute (maximum) for each question. The questions are printed on a card, which is carried to the team by a player of the opposite team. Each correct answer is worth three points.
Third Quarter
In third quarter, the presentation team gives a presentation on the question they were given after the tip off question. They work on the presentation for thirty minutes, or until the end of second quarter. The two judges over the match judge the presentation on basis of eye contact, memorization, information, etc. The team must take at least three minutes, but no longer than five in their presentation. The scores (out of a possible 25) are averaged out and added to the team's score.
Fourth Quarter
The buzzer team participates in fourth quarter. Five players sit at the buzzers with an additional five in reserve. The first question is given to seat one, then seat two, three, and so forth. When a question is given to seat one, for example, no one but seat one may answer. The student must wait until the judge calls on them. If a student answers correctly, they are awarded two points. If the answer is wrong, however, one point is deducted from the score and a foul is given to the player. If a student does not know the answer, they may pass. This means they receive a foul, but no point deduction. If both students pass, answer wrongly, or time runs out and the right answer has still not been given, the judges may declare "Free for all". The student must wait until the judge finishes saying "Free for all." Anyone on either team at this point may buzz in and answer.
End of the Game
At the end of the game, the team with the highest cumulative score wins.