Hey party people! If you’re searching for a drinking game that’s a blast, but won’t take a whole night to figure out, Quarters is your answer. Think of the satisfaction of bouncing a quarter just right, watching it land in that cup, and then getting to choose who takes a celebratory sip. In this post, I’m going to break down all the Quarters rules, give you some spicy variations to keep things interesting, and remind you how to be safe while you get your game on. So, grab some friends, a few cups, and let’s get this party started!
I. What is Quarters Drinking Game?
Quarters (also sometimes called Coinage) is a popular drinking game with simple rules that anyone can learn. The main objective is to skillfully bounce a quarter off a table and land it directly into a cup or glass. Sounds easy, right? Well, it takes a bit of practice and maybe a little luck to master the shot. If you enjoy fast-paced competition and celebratory drinks, this is the game for you! Each successful bounce earns you the right to choose someone to take a drink. If that sounds like your kind of party, keep reading!
- Minimum: 2 players
- Maximum: Technically, there’s no maximum limit. However, the more players you have, the longer the wait time between your turns might be.
- Ideal drinking game for small groups: Around 3-6 players usually provides a good balance between fun and a reasonable pace of play.
II. Equipment You’ll Need to Play Quarters
Luckily, you don’t need a ton of fancy gear to get a game of Quarters going. Here’s the essential equipment:
- Cups: Each player needs a cup, and there should be one extra cup placed in the center of the table. Solo cups are a classic choice, but any sturdy cup or glass will do.
- Quarters: You’ll want enough quarters so that each player has a few to attempt their shots.
- Table: A large, stable table helps create a predictable playing surface, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try bouncing off other flat surfaces!
- Bounce Surface (Optional): For those epic trick shots, a small coaster, book, or similar object can serve as a bounce surface.
- Beverages: Fill those cups with your preferred drinks – beer, soda, or something a little stronger!
III. How to Play Quarters Drinking Game
1. Setting Up
- Gather your players: Quarters can be played with two or more people. The more the merrier!
- Arrange the cups: Place the extra cup in the center of the table. Each player positions their own cup in front of them.
- Distribute the quarters: Give everyone a few quarters to start.
2. Taking Turns
- Choose a starting player: You can decide this however you like – flipping a coin, rock-paper-scissors, or simply let the most eager player go first.
- Shoot your shot: The player whose turn it is tries to bounce the quarter off the table and into the center cup.
3. Landing the Quarter & Choosing a Drinker
- Success!: If the quarter lands in the center cup, the shooter chooses someone else at the table to take a drink. This is where trash-talking and celebration are encouraged!
- Direct Hit!: If a player lands their quarter directly into another player’s cup, that player must drink the entire contents of their cup!
4. “Chance” Rule (Optional)
- A player can call “chance!” after their first bounce. This allows one more attempt to make the shot.
- If they miss their “chance” shot, the player themselves must drink.
5. Winning the Game
- There’s no real “winner” in Quarters, the main point is to have fun! However, the last person with any of their drink left could be declared the unofficial champion.
IV. Variations of Quarters Drinking Game
The classic version of Quarters is always a blast, but there are tons of ways to mix things up and add an extra layer of challenge and fun. Here are a few variations to get you started:
- Kings: Add a special cup (often larger) to the center. Players take turns drawing cards – each card suit corresponds to a specific rule or action.
- Waterfall: Players around the table continuously drink until the person who bounced the quarter into the cup stops. The next person can then stop, and so on.
- Speed Quarters: Set a timer and see who can make the most shots within a certain time limit. This variation increases the excitement and pace of the game.
- Themed Quarters: Customize the rules of the game to fit a specific occasion. For example, Halloween-themed rules or a movie marathon tie-in!
- The Communal Cup: In this variation, instead of players having their own individual cups, there’s a larger cup placed in the center. If you successfully bounce the quarter into the communal cup, the last person to take a drink before the next made shot has to chug the whole thing! This adds a sense of urgency and excitement to the game.
- Luck of the Spin: If you miss your shot, the person who last made the center cup has the option to spin a quarter on the table. You, the player who missed, must then drink for as long as the quarter spins! This adds a fun and unpredictable element to the consequences.
- Call Your Shot: Before attempting their bounce, the player declares which cup they’re aiming for. If successful, that person drinks. If they miss their called shot, they themselves drink.
- Power-Ups: Allow players to use “power-ups” after a successful bounce. Examples could include: making two people drink, forcing someone to drink with their non-dominant hand, or getting an additional bounce attempt.
V. Safety and Responsibility
It’s important to remember that Quarters is a drinking game, and responsible drinking is always a top priority. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Age Restrictions: Quarters should only be played by those of legal drinking age (21+ in most places).
- Pacing: Pace yourself throughout the game. It’s a marathon, not a sprint! Alternate with water or non-alcoholic drinks.
- Designated Drivers: Plan ahead for a safe ride home. Designate a driver, call a cab, or use ride-sharing services.
- Alternatives: For those who prefer not to drink alcohol, play Quarters with water, soda, or other non-alcoholic drinks. The fun is in the game itself!
