Planning a memorable game night or looking for the perfect pre-game activity? Look no further than the exciting world of drinking card games. These interactive party games are the ultimate icebreaker, guaranteed to ignite laughter and create unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a seasoned card shark or a complete newbie, this comprehensive guide has something for everyone. We’ve curated a diverse collection of top-rated games, ranging from easy-to-learn classics like Kings Cup to more strategic options like President, all with simple, step-by-step instructions. We’ll even cover some unique variations and the best drinking card games for large groups and small gatherings. So grab a standard deck of cards, your favorite alcoholic beverages (or non-alcoholic alternatives!), and your best buds – let’s get this party started! (And as always, please drink responsibly.)
1. Pyramid (Beeramid): A Boozy Bluffing Game
Pyramid (Beeramid), also known as King’s Pyramid, is a fun, fast-paced party game that combines bluffing, memory, and just the right amount of social deception. Perfect for 3 or more players, this easy-to-learn game requires a standard 52-card deck (no jokers needed) and your favorite beverages. Gameplay is simple: 15 cards are dealt face down in a pyramid formation (5 on the bottom, up to 1 at the top). Each player also receives four cards. The dealer flips a pyramid card; if you have a match, choose another player to drink. They can accept their fate (sips are assigned based on the pyramid row) or call your bluff – adding a layer of risk vs. reward. If they’re wrong about your bluff, they drink double! If you were bluffing, you drink double. Work your way up the pyramid, with drink penalties increasing per row, adding to the suspense. The last player assigned a drink in each row takes a bonus sip – just a little extra punishment! There’s no single winner in Pyramid – just hilarious chaos and unforgettable party moments. A typical game lasts around 15-20 minutes, making it a great choice for pre-games or casual get-togethers.
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2. Screw the Dealer (F*ck the Dealer): A Risky Guessing Game
Screw the Dealer (or F*ck the Dealer, for a more daring crowd) is a simple, fast-paced, and hilarious drinking card game centered around guessing the top card of the deck. Ideal for small groups of 2 or more players, all you need is a standard 52-card deck and your drinks of choice. Gameplay is straightforward: one player is the dealer, and the person to their left guesses the top card’s suit and value. A correct guess means the dealer drinks! But beware: a wrong guess means you drink – the difference in value between your guess and the actual card, to be exact. (Jacks, Queens, and Kings are worth 10, and Aces are 1 or 11, your call.) Three wrong guesses in a row, and you’re the new dealer, so choose wisely! There aren’t really “winners” in Screw the Dealer, just a chaotic blend of luck, strategy, and social interaction. It’s perfect as a quick icebreaker or a fun addition to any party. This game is easy to learn but offers a surprising amount of strategic depth, as players can try to bluff or deduce the cards based on what’s been played. The fast-paced nature and unpredictable outcomes guarantee plenty of laughs and memorable party moments.
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3. Kings Cup: The Classic Party Drinking Game
Kings Cup (also known as Circle of Death, Ring of Fire, or Waterfall) is a timeless and hilarious party game known for its simple rules and maximum fun. A fantastic icebreaker for 2 or more players, Kings Cup requires just a standard deck of cards, a variety of drinks, and a large cup (designated as the “Kings Cup”). Gameplay is a breeze: cards are spread face down around the cup, and players take turns drawing one card at a time. Each card has a specific action associated with it. For example, a Two means “You,” allowing you to pick someone to drink; a Jack means “Make a Rule,” giving you the power to set a silly rule for the rest of the game. When a King is drawn, the player pours some of their drink into the Kings Cup. Suspense builds as the game progresses, because drawing the fourth King means you have to chug the entire, often-questionable, concoction! While the core rules are fairly standard, different groups often add their own unique rules, making each game a unique experience. The real fun of Kings Cup lies in the unpredictable outcomes, social interaction, and the inevitable hilarious moments it creates, making it a perfect addition to any party, pre-game, or casual get-together. This easy-to-learn game typically lasts 15-30 minutes, depending on the number of players and the, shall we say, enthusiasm with which the rules are followed.
4. Ride the Bus: A Wild Card Drinking Game Adventure
Ride the Bus is a hilarious and unpredictable drinking card game that takes you on a wild ride through three distinct phases. Perfect for groups of 4-8 players, you’ll need a standard 52-card deck, your beverages of choice, and a sense of adventure. The first phase involves guessing card attributes (red/black, higher/lower, in between/outside, suit) for four challenging rounds. Guess correctly, and you get to keep the card; guess wrong, and you drink! These cards become crucial in phase two, where a card pyramid is dealt. Match cards in your hand to the pyramid cards to assign drinks to other players, with penalties increasing based on the card’s row – adding an element of strategy! Finally, in the dreaded third phase, the player with the most cards left takes the “bus ride.” They flip ten cards, drinking for each face card or Ace revealed. This final, suspenseful showdown can turn the game around in an instant. The last player standing wins bragging rights – and avoids the worst of the penalties, making Ride the Bus a highly interactive and competitive party game. This multi-stage game typically lasts 20-30 minutes, making it ideal for pre-games or any social gathering where laughter and friendly competition are desired.
5. Bullshit (Cheat/Liar): A Hilarious Game of Deception
Bullshit (also known as Cheat, Liar, or I Doubt It) is a wildly entertaining party game of deception, bluffing, and social deduction. Perfect for 3-6 players (though more can join for increased chaos), all you need is a standard 52-card deck and your favorite drinks. Deal out all the cards. Starting with Aces, players take turns placing cards face down, announcing the rank they’re supposedly playing – even if they’re bold-faced liars! The tension builds as players try to deceive their opponents and get away with their trickery. If you suspect someone’s bluffing, yell “Bullshit!” If they were lying, they take the discard pile and drink – the penalty can be equal to the number of cards they faked, or another agreed-upon punishment. But be careful: if they were telling the truth, you take the discard pile and drink! It’s a risky game of accusation and social deduction! The first player to get rid of all their cards wins, proving that sometimes, dishonesty is the best policy (but honesty might save you from a hangover). Bullshit is a fast-paced, easy-to-learn game that is perfect for parties, game nights, or any social gathering where laughter and a bit of mischievous fun are welcome. A typical game lasts 15-20 minutes, but the memories of epic bluffs and hilarious accusations will last much longer.
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6. Irish Poker: A Drinking Game of Guessing and Groans
Irish Poker isn’t actual poker, but a hilarious and slightly cruel drinking card game based on risky guesses and escalating penalties. Perfect for 3-6 players, you’ll need a standard 52-card deck and, of course, plenty of drinks. Each player receives four cards face down. The game progresses through four challenging rounds. In round one, flip your first card and guess its color (red or black). Guess right, assign two drinks to another player; guess wrong, drink them yourself! The tension mounts as the penalties increase. In round two, guess if the second card is higher or lower than the first (four drinks are at stake!). Round three: guess if the third card falls inside or outside the value of the first two cards (six drinks!). Finally, in round four, guess the suit of your last card (eight drinks – yikes!). The player with the fewest drinks remaining at the end wins – though after all those risky guesses, “winning” might be a relative term. For even more chaotic fun, add a “Ride the Bus” bonus round, where players must correctly guess the value of cards to avoid additional drink penalties. Irish Poker is a fast-paced, easy-to-learn party game that typically lasts 15-20 minutes, making it ideal for pre-games, house parties, or any social gathering where laughter and friendly competition are desired.
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7. Asshole (President/Scum): The Ultimate Social Hierarchy Drinking Game
Asshole (also known as President, Scum, or Kings) is a hilariously brutal drinking card game where the goal is to be the first to get rid of your cards – and avoid the dreaded title of “Asshole.” Designed for 4 or more players, this fast-paced and competitive game requires a standard 52-card deck (including Jokers!), your drink of choice, and a sense of humor. Gameplay revolves around a social hierarchy: card ranks are Ace (high) down to 4 (low), with 2s acting as “clear” cards (restarting the round) and 3s as wild cards. Players take turns playing single cards or sets of equal value, aiming to beat the previous play with higher cards or sets. Can’t play? You pass, take a drink, and feel the sting of defeat. The first player to empty their hand in each round becomes the “President” for the next round, enjoying privileges like making others drink or assigning undesirable tasks. The last player stuck with cards is the unfortunate “Asshole,” tasked with dealing the next round and often subject to playful humiliation. This dynamic social hierarchy adds a layer of strategy and playful cruelty, leading to plenty of laughs and memorable moments. Asshole is easy to learn but offers surprising strategic depth, as players must carefully manage their hands and exploit the social dynamics to their advantage. A typical game lasts 20-30 minutes, making it a great choice for parties, game nights, or any social gathering where a bit of playful competition and social manipulation is desired.
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8. Kemps: The Secret Signal Drinking Game
Kemps is a unique and hilarious drinking card game that relies on secret signals, teamwork, and a bit of luck. Designed for 4 players (two teams of two), you’ll need a standard 52-card deck, your favorite drinks, and a way to keep score. Before dealing, each team devises a secret signal – a wink, a cough, a subtle foot tap, anything goes! Deal four cards to each player and four face up in the center. The real fun begins as players simultaneously swap cards between their hand and the center, aiming to collect four-of-a-kind. Once a player has four-of-a-kind, they must covertly signal their partner. If the partner correctly calls “Kemps!”, the team scores a point. However, miscommunication can be costly: if a player signals incorrectly (and their partner calls “Kemps!”), both players drink. Other teams can also get in on the action by calling “Cut,” challenging another team they suspect of signaling. If the challenged team doesn’t have four-of-a-kind, they both drink; if they do have it, the challenger drinks. This element of risk and social deduction adds another layer to the gameplay! The first team to reach a predetermined number of points (usually four) wins! Kemps is a fast-paced, easy-to-learn game that is perfect for parties, game nights, or any social event where laughter, teamwork, and friendly competition are encouraged. A typical game lasts 15-20 minutes, but the inside jokes and memories of botched signals will likely last much longer.
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9. Egyptian Rat Screw (Slap): The Fast-Paced, Reflex-Driven Drinking Game
Egyptian Rat Screw (also known as Slap, Snot, or Egyptian War) is a high-energy, reflex-driven drinking card game where speed and accuracy reign supreme. Perfect for 2 or more players (the more, the merrier – and more chaotic!), all you need is a standard 52-card deck (Jokers optional) and, of course, drinks. Deal the entire deck face down. Players take turns quickly flipping cards into a central pile. Number cards are simply flipped, but face cards (Jack, Queen, King, Ace) create a slap-off opportunity! The next player has a limited number of chances (Ace = 4, King = 3, etc.) to flip another face card. Here’s where the real fun begins: incorrect slaps mean you drink! Doubles (two cards of the same rank), sandwiches (two matching cards with one in between), and matching the top and bottom cards of the discard pile are also slappable – and missing these means drinks too! The game quickly descends into a hilarious frenzy of slaps, misses, and inevitable spills. The first player to grab all the cards wins, claiming card-slapping glory… unless a house rule changes everything! Egyptian Rat Screw is a simple, fast-paced game that is perfect for parties, pre-games, or any social gathering where a burst of chaotic energy is welcome. While easy to learn, the game rewards quick reflexes and sharp observation, making it surprisingly competitive. Games typically last 5-15 minutes, making it a great choice for a quick and exciting drinking game experience.
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10. Spoons: The Hilariously Chaotic Card Game for Grabbing Silverware (and Drinks)
Spoons is a fast-paced, action-packed card game where the real competition isn’t just about the cards – it’s about grabbing the silverware! Perfect for a lively group of 3-13 players, you’ll need a standard 52-card deck, a set of spoons (one fewer than the number of players), your favorite drinks, and lightning-fast reflexes. Setup is simple: place the spoons in a pile in the center of the table, and deal four cards to each player. The dealer shouts “Pass!”, and everyone simultaneously passes one card to the left. The frantic energy builds as players try to collect four-of-a-kind. Once you do, subtly (or not so subtly) grab a spoon. Everyone else races to grab one too, leading to hilarious chaos and inevitable spills. The player left spoonless drinks (and might have to perform a silly forfeit determined by the group). The game continues for multiple rounds, with players accumulating penalties for being spoonless. The first player to reach a set number of penalties (or the player with the fewest penalties after a certain number of rounds) loses – or wins, depending on how you view drinking and public humiliation! Spoons is an easy-to-learn yet surprisingly competitive party game that’s perfect for large gatherings, family get-togethers (with appropriate forfeits!), or any social event where laughter and quick reflexes are encouraged. Games typically last 10-20 minutes, but the memories of the chaotic spoon grabs and silly forfeits will last much longer.
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11. Cards Against Humanity: A Drinking Game Twist on Twisted Humor
Cards Against Humanity, that bastion of inappropriate humor, isn’t technically a drinking game… but with a few creative twists, it becomes a hilariously inappropriate adult party game. You’ll need the Cards Against Humanity deck (obviously!), your drinks of choice, and 3-6 players (or more, if you’re ready for unadulterated chaos). The core gameplay remains the same: the Card Czar reads a black card prompt, and everyone else plays a white card to complete the sentence. The Czar chooses the funniest (or most offensive, depending on their sense of humor) combination, and that player wins the round. Now for the boozy twist: integrate drinking rules to amplify the fun! For example, drink every time a certain word is played, drink if you lose a round, or give the Czar the power to assign drinks for particularly outrageous (or terrible) card combinations. These customizable drinking rules add a layer of social interaction and hilarious consequences to the already entertaining gameplay. Just remember, as the drinks flow, those cards will seem even funnier (or more offensive – you’ve been warned). Cards Against Humanity with a drinking twist is a fantastic icebreaker for parties, game nights, or any adult gathering where laughter, inappropriate humor, and a bit of friendly competition are celebrated. This highly adaptable game typically lasts 30-60 minutes (or longer, depending on your drinking pace!), and the memories (or lack thereof) of the outrageous card combinations will surely last much longer. So gather your most twisted friends, prepare for unpredictable laughter, and, as always, play responsibly! (But also, let’s be honest, probably not).
12. Give and Take (Truth or Dare with Cards): Reveal Your Secrets (or Drink!)
Give and Take is a fun and engaging party game that combines the thrill of Truth or Dare with a unique card-based twist, offering a fresh alternative to classic icebreakers like Never Have I Ever or Most Likely To questions. Perfect for 3 or more players, you’ll need a standard 52-card deck, your favorite drinks, and a sense of adventure (or at least a tolerance for embarrassment). Gameplay is simple: lay out two parallel rows of six face-down cards – one row for “truth” and one for “dare.” This setup adds a layer of anticipation not found in typical Truth or Drink games. Deal each player four cards. Players take turns flipping over a card from either the truth or dare row. If a player has a card in their hand that matches the flipped card, they must answer a truth or perform a dare (chosen, of course, by the person who flipped the card). Here’s where the risk comes in: if a player “chickens out” of a truth or dare, they must drink! The penalty time is based on the flipped card’s position in the row (one second at the beginning, increasing up to six seconds at the end). This escalating penalty adds a fun layer of pressure! Continue flipping cards until all cards in both rows are revealed. Give and Take is a fantastic icebreaker that encourages social interaction and playful risk-taking. It’s easy to learn and guaranteed to lead to hilarious moments, embarrassing revelations, and plenty of laughter, making it a great addition to any party, game night, or social gathering where you want to get to know your friends (or even strangers) a little better. A typical game lasts 15-20 minutes, but the secrets revealed might live on much longer… Just like a good round of “Never Have I Ever,” the memories (and maybe the embarrassment) will linger long after the last card is flipped.
