About
“Quarters” is a classic, fast-paced drinking game that combines skill, precision, and a bit of luck. Players take turns bouncing a quarter off a table, aiming to land it in a cup. Perfect for smaller groups, this rapid-fire game is easy to set up and always delivers laughs.
Brief History
The origins of Quarters are unclear, but it’s believed to have emerged in college party scenes in the mid-20th century. Believe it or not, it's been around for decades. With its simplicity and reliance on skill, Quarters has become a staple of drinking games around the world.
What’s Needed to Play
- A flat table or surface
- A standard-sized cup (preferably sturdy).
- At least one quarter (at least one per player is best)
- Drinks for all players
Setup:
- Gather Players: 2 or more people can play, but 3-6 players typically work best.
- Place the Cups: Set a cup in the center of the table for everyone to aim at. Each player should also have a drink in front of them.
- Distribute Quarters: Each player gets a quarter or two to take their shots.
How to Play
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Taking Turns:
- Players decide the order (this can be done randomly, like flipping a coin, or just by choosing).
- On their turn, the player tries to bounce a quarter off the table and land it in the center cup
- Success:
- If the player lands the quarter in the center cup, they choose someone else to drink. The person who drinks must finish their cup.
- If the player lands the quarter in another player’s cup, that person must drink the entire contents of their cup.
- Missed Shot:
- If the player misses their shot, their turn is over, and the next player takes their turn.
- Optional “Chance” Rule:
- A player can call “Chance!” after their first bounce. This allows them a second shot. If they miss their second shot, the player must drink.
- Winning the Game:
- There isn’t a clear “winner” in Quarters, but you can declare the last player with any drink remaining the unofficial winner
Game Variations
- Kings: Place a special cup in the center and have players draw cards, with each suit representing a different rule.
- Waterfall: Once a player lands a quarter in the cup, everyone around the table must drink until the shooter stops.
- Speed Quarters: Set a timer, and see who can land the most shots in the allotted time.
- Themed Quarters: Customize the rules based on a theme (e.g., Halloween or movie night).
- Communal Cup: Players use a large communal cup. If you make a shot into this cup, the last person to drink before your shot must finish the entire cup!
- Luck of the Spin: If you miss, the last successful player gets to spin the quarter. The player who missed must drink until the quarter stops spinning!
- Call Your Shot: Before bouncing, call which cup you’re aiming for. If successful, the other player drinks. If you miss, you drink.
- Power-Ups: After a successful shot, you can activate a “power-up” that lets you force another player to drink, make someone drink with their non-dominant hand, or even get a second shot!
Custom Rules
- Shotgun: If a player lands a quarter after bouncing it off something like a wall, the shot is worth two drinks.
- Speed Round: The game speeds up, and each player only has 5 seconds to make their shot before the next person’s turn begins.
- Trick Shot Challenge: Players can call a trick shot (e.g., bounce off a wall) for double the penalty drink if successful.
- Reverse Shot: If a player makes a successful backward shot, they can nominate two players to drink.
- Bounce Battles: Opposing players simultaneously shoot quarters. The first to land theirs in the cup makes the other drink.
- Death Cup: If a player accidentally makes a quarter into someone’s drink, that person must finish their drink.
- Elimination Mode: Each player starts with a set number of lives. Missed shots cost lives, and the last player standing wins.
