Drinking games are a common feature of social gatherings, designed to encourage interaction and provide entertainment. Whether you are hosting a small get-together or a larger party, knowing the rules to classic games ensures that everyone can participate safely and fairly. This guide provides straightforward instructions for the most popular drinking games, including equipment lists and step-by-step gameplay.
Kings Cup (Circle of Death)
Kings Cup is one of the most versatile card-based drinking games. It relies on a deck of cards where each card represents a specific action or rule that all players must follow.
Equipment Needed
- A standard deck of 52 playing cards.
- A large cup (the “Kings Cup”) placed in the center of the table.
- Beverages for each player.
Setup and Gameplay
Spread the cards face-down in a circle around the center cup. Players take turns drawing a card and performing the associated action. The game continues until the final King is drawn.
Common Card Meanings:
- Ace: Waterfall. Everyone starts drinking. You cannot stop until the person to your right stops.
- Two: You. Point to someone else; they must take a drink.
- Three: Me. You must take a drink.
- Four: Floor. Everyone must touch the floor; the last person to do so drinks.
- Five: Guys. All male-identifying players drink.
- Six: Chicks. All female-identifying players drink.
- Seven: Heaven. Everyone reaches for the sky; the last person drinks.
- Eight: Mate. Choose a partner. Whenever you drink, they drink, and vice versa.
- Nine: Rhyme. Say a word. Going clockwise, everyone must say a rhyming word. The first to fail drinks.
- Ten: Categories. Choose a category (e.g., car brands). Players name items in that category until someone fails.
- Jack: Never Have I Ever. Players hold up three fingers. Take turns saying things you have never done. If you have done it, put a finger down. First to lose all fingers drinks.
- Queen: Questions. You ask someone a question. They must respond with a question to someone else. If someone answers a question with a statement, they drink.
- King: The King’s Cup. Pour some of your drink into the center cup. The person who draws the fourth King must drink the entire center cup.
Beer Pong
Beer Pong is a skill-based game played with two teams. It requires coordination and a bit of strategy to win.
Equipment Needed
- A long table (approximately 8 feet).
- 20 plastic cups (10 per side).
- Two ping pong balls.
- Water for rinsing balls.
Setup
Arrange 10 cups in a triangle formation at each end of the table. Fill each cup about one-third full with water or your beverage of choice. Ensure you have a “wash cup” nearby to clean the ball if it hits the floor.
How to Play
- Teams take turns throwing the ping pong ball into the opposing team’s cups.
- If a ball lands in a cup, the opposing team must remove that cup and the contents are consumed (or the equivalent amount is drunk).
- If both players on a team make their shots in the same turn, they get the balls back for another round.
- Re-racking: Once per game, a team can request the cups be rearranged into a smaller triangle or diamond.
- The first team to eliminate all of the opponent’s cups wins.
Flip Cup
Flip Cup is a fast-paced team relay game. It is ideal for larger groups and focuses on speed and dexterity rather than aim.
Equipment Needed
- A long table.
- One plastic cup per player.
- Beverages.
Setup
Divide players into two equal teams. Teams stand on opposite sides of the table, facing each other. Each player places their cup on the table in front of them, filled with a small amount of liquid.
How to Play
- The first person in each line drinks their beverage as quickly as possible.
- They then place the empty cup on the edge of the table, slightly overhanging.
- Using one hand, the player must flip the cup from the bottom so that it lands upside down on the table.
- Once the cup is successfully flipped, the next person in line begins.
- The first team to have all members finish drinking and flipping their cups wins.
Never Have I Ever
This is a verbal game that requires no physical equipment other than drinks. It is often used as an “icebreaker” to help people get to know each other.
Instructions
- Players sit in a circle.
- One person starts by saying, “Never have I ever…” followed by an action they have never done (e.g., “…traveled to Europe”).
- Anyone in the circle who has done that action must take a drink.
- The turn then passes to the next person in the circle.
- The game continues for as long as the players wish to participate.
Quarters
Quarters is a classic game of precision that can be played with two or more people. It is compact and requires very little setup.
Equipment Needed
- A small glass (like a shot glass) or a shallow bowl.
- A quarter (or similar coin).
- A hard, flat surface.
How to Play
- Place the glass in the center of the table.
- A player attempts to bounce the quarter off the table and into the glass.
- If the player succeeds, they choose someone to take a drink. They also get to go again.
- If the player misses, the turn passes to the person on their left.
- The Three-In-A-Row Rule: If a player makes three shots in a row, they can create a new rule for the game (e.g., “no pointing” or “no using first names”). Anyone who breaks the rule must drink.
Safety and Responsibility
While drinking games are intended for fun, it is vital to prioritize safety and health. Always encourage participants to play at their own pace and never pressure anyone to consume more than they are comfortable with.
Key Safety Tips
- Hydrate: Encourage players to drink water between rounds of the game.
- Know Your Limits: Be aware of your personal tolerance and stop playing if you feel unwell.
- Designated Drivers: Ensure that everyone has a safe way to get home. Never drink and drive.
- Use Water: In games like Beer Pong, many people choose to fill the cups with water for hygiene reasons and simply drink from their own separate beverage when a cup is hit.
- Food: Always eat a meal before participating in drinking games to slow the absorption of alcohol.
By following these instructions and maintaining a focus on safety, you can ensure that your social gathering remains enjoyable for everyone involved. For more tips on hosting events or understanding social etiquette, explore our other articles on SearchAndHelp.com.
Looking for more ways to entertain guests? Check out our guides on How to Host a Game Night or Simple Party Snack Recipes for more helpful advice.