Looking for a drinking game that brings everyone together with laughter, surprises, and creative challenges? Kings Cup is a classic party favorite that’s perfect for breaking the ice or adding energy to any gathering. This game combines cards, drinks, and a whole lot of fun, with each card bringing its own unique rule to the table. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned player, this guide will walk you through the setup, rules, and even custom twists to make Kings Cup unforgettable!
What is Kings Cup?
Kings Cup is a card-based drinking game where each card has a specific rule or action. As players take turns drawing cards, they follow the rules associated with them, often leading to hilarious challenges and a growing central cup of mixed drinks. The game is simple to learn, endlessly customizable, and perfect for groups of all sizes.
Equipment Needed
- Deck of Cards: A standard 52-card deck is all you need.
- Large Cup: This is the “King’s Cup,” placed in the center of the table.
- Drinks: Each player should have their own drink, plus something to pour into the King’s Cup.
- Table or Flat Surface: For laying out the cards and holding the King’s Cup.
How to Set Up Kings Cup
- Place the King’s Cup: Put a large cup in the center of the table.
- Spread the Cards: Shuffle the deck and spread the cards face down in a circle around the King’s Cup.
- Gather Players: Arrange everyone in a circle around the table, ensuring each player has a drink.
How to Play Kings Cup
- Drawing Cards:
- Players take turns drawing a card from the circle. Each card corresponds to a specific rule or action.
- Card Rules:
- Assign meanings to each card before starting the game. Common rules include:
- Ace: Waterfall – Everyone starts drinking, and no one can stop until the person to their left does.
- 2: You – The player chooses someone to drink.
- 3: Me – The player who drew the card drinks.
- 4: Floor – Everyone touches the floor; the last person drinks.
- 5: Guys – All guys drink.
- 6: Chicks – All girls drink.
- 7: Heaven – Everyone points upward; the last person drinks.
- 8: Mate – The player picks a “mate” who drinks whenever they do.
- 9: Rhyme – The player starts a rhyme, and others must follow. The first to fail drinks.
- 10: Categories – The player names a category (e.g., types of soda); players take turns naming something in that category. First to fail drinks.
- Jack: Rule – The player creates a rule that everyone must follow.
- Queen: Questions – The player asks someone a question; the person must respond with another question. The first to break the flow drinks.
- King: Add to the King’s Cup – Pour a portion of your drink into the center cup. The person to draw the fourth King drinks the entire cup!
- Ending the Game:
- The game ends when all cards have been drawn, or when the final King is pulled, forcing someone to drink the King’s Cup.
Rule Variations and Twists
- Double Deck Kings Cup: Use two decks for larger groups or a longer game.
- Action Cards: Add physical challenges, like doing push-ups or dancing, for certain cards.
- Mystery Drink: Fill the King’s Cup with random liquids (safe ones!) for a wild twist.
- Reverse Rule: Players can reverse actions back to the person who initiated them.
- Silent Game: Add a rule forbidding talking, making the game even more hilarious.
