Three Man: A Classic Drinking Game for College Parties

Looking for a drinking game that’s simple to learn but full of unpredictable fun? “Three Man” is a dice-based drinking game that guarantees laughter and excitement. With easy rules, minimal equipment, and endless opportunities for customizations, Three Man is perfect for small to medium-sized gatherings. Here’s everything you need to know to master this classic game.

What is Three Man?

“Three Man” is a drinking game involving two dice and a group of players. The game revolves around rolling specific combinations that dictate who drinks, with one player designated as the “Three Man” who drinks whenever a three is rolled. The game’s simplicity and the potential for creating custom rules make it a popular choice for parties.

Equipment Needed

Dice: Two six-sided dice are all you need.
Drinks: Beer is a common choice, but any beverage works.
A Table: A flat surface for rolling dice and placing drinks.
Players: Best with 4–8 participants, but larger groups can work too.

Setup

Gather Players: Sit everyone in a circle around the table.
Nominate the Three Man: Roll the dice. The first person to roll a 3 becomes the “Three Man.”
Prepare the Dice: Hand the dice to the player sitting left of the Three Man to start the game.

How to Play

The game proceeds clockwise, with players taking turns rolling both dice. Each roll has a specific outcome:

Roll a 3 (or a combination equaling 3): The Three Man drinks.
Roll a 7: The person to the left of the roller drinks.
Roll an 11: The person to the right of the roller drinks.
Doubles: The roller assigns drinks equal to the total of the doubles (e.g., double 4s = 8 drinks to assign).
Roll a 9: Everyone drinks (“social”).
Snake Eyes (double 1s): The roller becomes the new Three Man.
Any Roll Not Matching the Above: The dice pass to the next player.

Changing the Three Man: If the current Three Man rolls a three, they can pass the role to a player of their choice. In some variations, rolling a total of three automatically transfers the Three Man role to the roller.

Variations and Custom Rules

Add a Rule Card: Players can create additional rules for specific rolls (e.g., “Roll a 4: The roller must rhyme until their next turn”).Thumb Rule: If a player rolls a combination of 1 and 4, all players must place their thumb on the table. The last person to do so drinks.
Nose Rule: Rolling a combination of 1 and 5 requires all players to touch their nose; the last to do so drinks.
Reverse Roles: Roll a 5, and the Three Man can assign their drink to someone else.
Speed Round: Implement a timer for rolling to keep the game fast-paced.
Double Trouble: Assign a second Three Man if Snake Eyes is rolled twice in a row.New Rule Creation: Rolling double ones allows the roller to create a new rule, adding complexity to the game.

Strategies for Winning

Memorize Rules: Knowing the dice outcomes by heart helps avoid confusion during your turn.
Target the Heavyweights: When assigning drinks, pick players who seem ready for the challenge.
Stay Focused: Try to avoid becoming Three Man by mastering your dice rolls—if only luck were that simple!
Know When to Pass the Three Man Role: If you become the Three Man, be strategic about when to pass the role to avoid excessive drinking.

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