This game is basically gambling disguised as a trivia game. You can play for free up to a certain point, and then you have to use "coupons" to plan. In order to actually win something, you would need upwards of 200,000 coupons. You can earn coupons by playing and placing in tournaments, but it takes forever. The much easier option is to buy them-- $50 for 50,000 coupons. You can also refer a friend for 50,000 coupons, but they have to spend money before you get the coupons. If you have an addictive personality or competitive streak-- stay far, far away. You'll get caught up in trying to win and decide to buy coupons to keep playing, and before you know it, you're out $150 bucks. And if you don't win the tournament, you lose! You're just out the money. You can buy the item you were bidding on at full price to get your coupons back, but the items are way overpriced.
Also think the thing is rigged. The same two people (CASNBELLA and JONNYCONNECT) are always seen winning in tournaments. I don't know how they do it. Either they go through money like water, or Total Trivia is giving them free coupons to play and drive up the price of items. I emailed support about this and they said "No employee is allowed to play in tournaments," but I never said I thought it was an employee. I think they are giving certain players advantages to drive up the prices and get other players to purchase additional coupons.
SUMMARY: Don't bother bidding on anything unless you have 200,000+ coupons saved up, or you likely won't win. Also, don't play in a tournament where Casnbella or Johnnyconnect are playing. They'll play till the bitter end.
Don't be a sucker and sink $150 in coupons. Just play it patiently until you've earned 200,000 coupons (or more) for free, then play to win.
I won't be playing ever again.
I contacted support about an issue and accused them of rigging tournaments, and they closed my account.