Looking for an adrenaline-pumping, team-based drinking game that combines beer pong and battlefield strategy? Civil War is the perfect game for you! This fast-paced variation of beer pong involves speed, coordination, and teamwork, making it a college party favorite. Ready to dive into the chaos? Let’s break down how to set up, play, and dominate this epic drinking game.
What Is Civil War?
Civil War is a beer pong variation played with multiple players, cups, and ping pong balls on each side of the table. The game is fast and furious, with no turns—everyone shoots simultaneously. It’s a race to eliminate the other team’s cups while keeping your own team in the game.
What You'll Need
- Ping Pong Balls: At least three (one for each active player).
- Solo Cups: 20 per team (40 total).
- Table: Large enough to accommodate all players and cups.
- Beverages: Beer or another drink of choice.
- Water for Rinse Cups: Optional, but useful for keeping balls clean.
How to Set Up
- Form Teams: Divide players into two teams of three (or more if you have enough space and cups).
- Set Up Cups: Arrange 20 cups per team in a triangle formation on opposite ends of the table. Each team’s cups should be filled with a small amount of beer or your preferred beverage.
- Position Players: Each team positions its players behind their side of the table. Players must stay behind the cups while shooting.
- Distribute Balls: Each team starts with three balls, one for each player.
Game Rules
- Objective: Eliminate the opposing team’s cups by landing balls in them.
- Simultaneous Play: All players shoot at the same time—there are no turns.
- No Re-Racks: Cups remain in their original formation throughout the game.
- Drink & Remove: When a ball lands in a cup, a player on the defending team drinks the contents and removes the cup.
- Out of Bounds: Balls landing off the table must be retrieved by the player who missed.
- Revival Shots: Players eliminated from the game can return by making a trick shot, such as bouncing a ball off the table into a cup.
How to Play
- Start the Game: Begin with a countdown or referee signal. Players shoot simultaneously.
- Sinking Cups: If a ball lands in a cup, the defending team removes the cup and drinks the contents.
- Retrieve and Reload: Players must retrieve balls and continue shooting as quickly as possible. There’s no waiting for turns!
- Elimination: The game ends when one team’s cups are all eliminated.
Variations and Custom Rules
- Medics: Assign one player as a “medic” who can revive eliminated teammates by making a trick shot.
- Warzone Obstacles: Add challenges like requiring players to duck behind chairs or dodge nerf balls.
- Time Limit: Set a time limit, and the team with the most cups remaining at the end wins.
- Penalty Zones: If a ball lands outside the table, the player who missed must drink before rejoining the game.
Strategies for Victory
- Communication Is Key: Coordinate with your teammates to focus on specific sections of the opposing team’s cups.
- Speed Matters: Retrieve balls quickly and keep shooting to maintain pressure on the opposing team.
- Defensive Positioning: Block errant balls and protect your remaining cups without crossing the table line.
- Target Weak Links: If an opposing player is slower or less accurate, target their area of cups.
- Practice Trick Shots: Be ready to revive your team with a clutch trick shot if needed.
