Power Hour is an endurance drinking game where players take one small drink every minute for 60 minutes.
Most groups use beer and a 60-song playlist where each song clip lasts exactly one minute. When the song changes, everyone drinks. That is the whole game. Somehow, that very simple idea becomes a serious commitment around minute 38.
Important note right up top: Power Hour means small beer pours or small sips. Not 60 shots of liquor. That is not a party game. That is a terrible medical plan.
POWER HOUR RULES — QUICK VERSION
- Set a 60-minute timer or play a 60-song Power Hour playlist.
- Every minute, everyone takes one small drink.
- Use beer, light beer, water, soda, or another low-stakes drink.
- Refill immediately after each minute so nobody is panic-pouring.
- Do not double up on missed minutes.
- Anyone can tap out whenever they need to.
- Make it to minute 60 and you completed the Power Hour.
To play Power Hour: queue a 60-minute playlist or timer, pour small beer shots or sips, and drink once every minute when the cue hits. The game ends after 60 minutes, or earlier for anyone who taps out.
What You Need to Play Power Hour
- A 60-minute timer or Power Hour playlist
- Small cups or shot glasses
- Beer or a non-alcoholic substitute
- Water and snacks
- At least 1 player, but 3 to 8 is more fun
How Much Beer Is Power Hour?
Power Hour is 60 small beer drinks, so the total depends on pour size. This is why “small” needs to mean something before the first song starts.
| Pour Size | Total Over 60 Minutes | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Tiny sip | Varies | Casual party version. |
| 1 oz beer pour | 60 oz | Classic measured version. |
| 1.5 oz beer shot | 90 oz | Heavy for most groups. |
Power Hour Playlist and Timer Setup
| Method | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 60-song playlist | Each clip lasts one minute; song changes cue drinks. | Best party version. |
| Interval timer | Timer beeps every 60 seconds. | Simple and no playlist work. |
| Full-song playlist | Drink every minute while songs play normally. | Less precise, easier setup. |
How to Play Power Hour
MINUTE STARTS → DRINK → REFILL → REPEAT 60 TIMES
1. Start the Playlist or Timer
Once the first minute starts, the game is live. The music change or timer beep is the drinking cue.
2. Drink Once Per Minute
Take one small drink each minute. Keep it small enough that 60 rounds is still a game and not a punishment arc.
3. Do Not Double Up Missed Minutes
If someone misses a cue, they take the current drink only. Doubling up is how a simple game turns stupid.
4. Finish at Minute 60
Everyone who makes it to the final cue completes Power Hour. There is no need to immediately start another one. Please let the room breathe.
Power Hour vs. Century Club
Power Hour is 60 drinks in 60 minutes. Century Club is 100 drinks in 100 minutes. Same basic mechanic, much harsher length.
Our Recommended Power Hour Rules
COLLEGEWARES POWER HOUR RULES
- Use beer, light beer, or a non-alcoholic drink.
- Use small pours only.
- Use a 60-song playlist for the best version.
- Pause only for group bathroom/water breaks.
- No liquor shots.
- No missed-minute double penalties.
- Anyone can stop with no penalty.
Power Hour Variations
Half Hour Power
Thirty minutes, thirty drinks. Better for first-timers and pregames with somewhere to be afterward.
Themed Power Hour
Use one artist, decade, genre, or party theme. This is mostly a playlist decision, but it makes the hour much less boring.
Non-Alcoholic Power Hour
Use water, soda, or a different mini challenge every minute. Same timer structure, no booze required.
Power Hour FAQ
How much do you drink in Power Hour?
Power Hour is usually 60 small beer pours or sips. One-ounce pours total 60 ounces over the hour.
Can you play Power Hour with liquor?
No, do not play Power Hour with liquor shots. The normal game uses beer or another lower-alcohol drink.
Do you need a playlist?
No, but a playlist makes it easier and more fun. A repeating one-minute timer also works.
What happens if you miss a minute?
Take the current drink only. Do not double up missed minutes.
Can you play without alcohol?
Yes. Use water, soda, or a silly challenge every minute.
Power Hour in One Sentence
Power Hour is one small drink every minute for an hour, which sounds easy right until the playlist starts winning.
