Speed Quarters is the fast version of Quarters where two coins move around the circle at the same time, and you drink if the other coin catches you.
Classic Quarters lets one person line up a shot forever while everyone else ages in real time. Speed Quarters fixes that by adding a second quarter and turning the whole thing into a chase.
The core rule is simple: bounce your quarter into the cup, pass it left, and do not get stuck holding a quarter when another quarter reaches you. That person drinks. Beautifully dumb. Efficient.
SPEED QUARTERS RULES — QUICK VERSION
- Players sit or stand in a circle.
- Place one cup in the middle.
- Give two quarters to players across from each other.
- Both players start bouncing at the same time.
- When a player makes their quarter into the cup, they pass the quarter left.
- The next player immediately starts shooting.
- If a player receives a quarter while they already have one, they are caught.
- The caught player drinks, then the quarters reset.
To play Speed Quarters: start two players with quarters on opposite sides of a circle, have them bounce into the same cup, and pass left after every make. If one quarter catches up to the other and a player ends up with both quarters, that player drinks and the round resets.
What You Need to Play Speed Quarters
- Two quarters
- One shallow cup or glass
- A flat table
- Beer or another drink
- 4 or more players
Best Number of Players for Speed Quarters
| Players | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 2 to 3 | Too small for the chase mechanic. Play regular Quarters instead. |
| 4 to 8 | Best range. The quarters can actually catch each other. |
| 9+ | Works, but use two cups if the table is huge. |
How to Set Up Speed Quarters
1. Put the Cup in the Middle
Use one central cup for the standard version. A shallow glass is easier than a tall narrow cup.
2. Start the Quarters Apart
Give the two quarters to players sitting roughly opposite each other. If the group is uneven, “as opposite as possible” is good enough. This is not NASA.
3. Pick the Passing Direction
Clockwise is common. Left is common. Pick one and stick with it.
How to Play the Speed Quarters Drinking Game
BOUNCE → MAKE → PASS → GET CAUGHT = DRINK
1. Both Starting Players Shoot
On “go,” both players try to bounce their quarters into the cup. They keep shooting until they make it.
2. Pass After a Make
Once your quarter lands in the cup, grab it and pass it to the next player in the chosen direction. That player starts shooting immediately.
3. The Quarters Chase Each Other
Fast shooters move their quarter around the circle quickly. Slow shooters become visible public problems.
4. Getting Caught
If a player is handed a quarter while they are still trying to make their current quarter, they have been caught. They drink, and the round resets.
One Cup vs. Two Cup Speed Quarters
| Version | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| One cup | Both quarters use the same center cup. | Smaller tables and classic rules. |
| Two cups | Each quarter travels with its own cup after a make. | Large circles where one center cup is awkward. |
Speed Quarters vs. Quarters
Quarters is a turn-based coin-bounce game. Speed Quarters is a chase game. In Quarters, you bounce a quarter into a cup and assign drinks. In Speed Quarters, two quarters move around the circle at the same time, and the penalty happens when one catches the other.
If you want slow shot-making and more house rules, use the Quarters drinking game guide. If you want pressure, noise, and no time for someone to enter deep focus mode, play Speed Quarters.
Our Recommended Speed Quarters Rules
COLLEGEWARES SPEED QUARTERS RULES
- Use two quarters and one center cup for 4 to 8 players.
- Pass clockwise after every make.
- No blocking or distracting another shooter’s hands.
- If you receive a quarter while holding one, you drink.
- Reset the quarters across from each other after every penalty.
- Use sip penalties, not shots.
Speed Quarters FAQ
How do you play Speed Quarters?
Two quarters move around the circle at the same time. Players bounce into a cup, pass after making it, and drink if the other quarter catches them.
How many quarters do you need?
You need two quarters. That is what creates the chase.
What happens when you get caught?
You drink and the round resets. Getting caught means you receive a quarter while you already have one.
Can you play Speed Quarters with two cups?
Yes. In the two-cup version, each quarter travels with its own cup after a successful shot.
How many players do you need?
Speed Quarters works best with 4 or more players. With fewer than 4, regular Quarters is usually better.
Can you play without alcohol?
Yes. Use points, soda, or water penalties.
Speed Quarters in One Sentence
Speed Quarters is classic Quarters with a second coin, a ticking clock, and no patience for slow shooters.
