Best Drinking Games

Buying guide for Best drinking games

Whether you’re hosting a small group or a crowd, drinking games are a fun and rowdy way to get everyone laughing. While there are many classic games you can play at home with a deck of cards, many new options are designed with fun themes or toy components or even for playing outdoors. 

Drinking games vary in duration, number of players, and how much alcohol players imbibe over the course of the game. If you have a specific group of friends or family in mind, you should look for a game that suits their tastes and the number of players. If you want a crowd pleaser that you can take to a variety of gatherings, consider something versatile and easy to learn.

There’s a wide range of drinking games to choose from. Whether you want to play in teams or test your dexterity, picking the right game for your next party is the key to a fun night with friends.

Remember to stay hydrated as you drink alcohol. A good guideline is to have a glass of water for every alcoholic drink. 

How to buy the best drinking game

To narrow your options, consider the group you plan to play with. Is it a regular group of friends with particular tastes, or are you looking for reliable entertainment that you can enjoy at all kinds of gatherings? 

Number of players

There are drinking games for any number of players, including head-to-head games for two and simple games that can support a dozen players. Note the number of players for the games you’re considering, but keep in mind that just because a game says a particular number of people can play, that doesn’t mean it works well with a group of that size. This is particularly true of games that accommodate from two to eight players or more. These are often more fun with more than two or three players. Of course, most drinking games are more fun with a large group.

Duration

Just like traditional board games, drinking games vary in how long they take to play, from quick and simple games that take less than half an hour to more involved games, perhaps intended to be the main entertainment of the evening, that last an hour or more. 

What are the features of drinking games?

Drinking games can be simple or involved. They can pit teams of players against each other or let everyone play on their own. Know what types of games your group is likely to enjoy before you buy. 

Complexity

Of course, you want a game that’s simple enough to teach to people who have been drinking, but some drinking games take longer to explain than others. Some are simple enough that players can learn just by watching. 

If your group already enjoys adult board games, they might be willing to learn something with a few more rules for an experience that involves more strategy. If you’re not sure what types of games your group likes, it’s best to opt for something simpler. Many drinking games don’t involve any skill or decision-making at all. Players might roll dice or draw cards that tell them what to do. When the night is winding down and no one wants to think too hard (or at all), these types of games are crowd pleasers.

Types of drinking games

From team-based games to twists on the classics, there are many drinking game types to choose from.

Head-to-head games for two players can be a fun addition to a stay-at-home date night. Often, these are alcohol-infused takes on classics you already know like Jenga.

Classic games are an easy fit for any group since most people are already familiar with the rules. These include takes on tic-tac-toe or deluxe beer pong sets. They may also include waterproof cards for playing classic drinking games. 

Team games work well for several couples and larger gatherings. These are a good way to get everyone involved and cheering each other on. 

Individual games allow each player to compete on their own. These often include a series of fun challenges, or they might be card games. There is usually one winner, or sometimes one loser, at the end.

Dexterity games can be for teams or individuals and feature challenges like beer pong, flip cup, or less conventional feats. Of course, these become more entertaining as players continue to drink.

Content

Though drinking games are for adults, they don’t all have adult content. Some games have questions to ask your friends or questions to test players’ common knowledge. While many games don’t have any specific content, take note of whether the game you plan to purchase will be well suited to your friends and family. You want your game to appeal to as many people as possible so that everyone feels comfortable playing.

Waterproof

Drinking games should always be water resistant or waterproof if you want to play them more than a few times. That’s why many companies produce games with plastic cards or waterproof boards that can’t be destroyed by spilled liquids. Some games use components made of glass or wood that aren’t easily damaged by moisture.

Size

Not all games are the same size. Consider where you plan to play and how much available space you have. Some games require quite a lot of space on a table, while others are compact and can easily be played at a bar. 

While there are many classic drinking games you can play with a regular deck of cards, many drinking games have fun, flashy themes or oversize components that add to the experience. 

How much do drinking games cost?

Most drinking games are fairly inexpensive, but some that include props, toy components, or deluxe pieces might be more of an investment. 

Inexpensive

For $10 to $15, you can find simple card games that may be waterproof. These are often new takes on classic drinking games with updated illustrations or rules.

Mid-range

Most drinking games fall in the $15 to $30 range. These offer more content so you can play dozens of times before gameplay becomes repetitive. Some dexterity games also fall in this range. 

Expensive 

You’ll spend $30 to $100 for deluxe drinking games with high-quality pieces or oversize components. These are good options if you host parties regularly or you’re looking for an eye-catching game to get everyone involved.

Tips

• Consider limiting the amount players drink. If a game has players taking shots often, smaller shots will keep the game going longer and may be more fun for everyone.
• Include nonalcoholic drink options. Just because a group is playing a drinking game doesn’t mean people have to drink alcohol. Be sure to offer nonalcoholic options like mocktails for those who don’t or can’t drink.
• Choose a type of alcohol that’s suited to the game. If the game has players taking shots every few turns, hard liquor probably isn’t suitable. Choose a type of alcohol that allows players to pace themselves and drink responsibly.
• Read the rules first. Listening to someone read the rules, especially if people have had a few drinks, is pretty dull. Familiarize yourself with the rules before the party so you can teach the game to others quickly and start playing right away.
• Enjoy your party. Drinking games shouldn’t require players to get drunk to have a good time. The point is to enjoy the company of your friends and family. Alcohol is just one part of the equation.

Some drinking games are well suited for playing in bars or similar environments, while others are designed to be played at a large table or even on the lawn.

FAQ

Q. What drinks go well with drinking games?

A. That’s up to you and your friends, but you should pick something that everyone enjoys or give people a few options. Beer works well due to its lower alcohol content, while shots of vodka is a much stronger option. For something in between, consider wine or simple cocktails.

Q. How do I get everyone involved in a game? 

A. You don’t need to encourage everyone to play. When you want to get started, simply bring out the game and see if anyone is interested. It’s likely that once you start teaching the game or begin playing, others will want to join in. If some guests just want to watch, they can still have fun. Drinking games aren’t for everyone. 

Q. What if I have more players than a game supports? 

A. There’s nothing stopping you from playing in teams of two or more if there aren’t enough game pieces to go around. In some cases, you can even add more players than the rules recommend, though the game might end earlier or later than usual.

Q. Is it okay to make up my own house rules?

A. The point of playing a drinking game is to have fun. No one can tell you how to play a game in your own home, so you should play in whatever way is the most fun for you.