Looking to spice up your next party? Stack Cup, also known as Slam Cup or Rage Cage, is the fast-paced, chaotic drinking game that’s guaranteed to bring energy to any gathering. With its combination of quick reflexes, strategic thinking, and a lot of laughs, Stack Cup is perfect for breaking the ice and getting everyone involved. Here’s everything you need to know to master the game, from setup to strategies.
What You'll Need
- Plastic Cups: At least 20–30 cups. Solo cups are the classic choice.
- Ping Pong Balls: At least 2 balls.
- Large Table: Ensure there’s enough space for players and cups.
- Beverages: Fill one cup in the center with a mix of drinks as the “penalty cup.” Other cups remain empty.
Game Setup
- Penalty Cup Placement: Fill one cup with a beverage of choice and place it in the center of the table.
- Center Cup Arrangement: Fill one cup with a beverage of choice and place it in the center of the table.
- Starting Players: Choose two starting players, and give each a ping pong ball and an empty cup.
- Circle Up: Players gather around the table in a circle.
How to Play Stack Cup
- Bounce to Begin: The two starting players attempt to bounce their ping pong ball off the table and into their cup.
- Pass It On: Once a player successfully lands the ball in their cup, they pass both the ball and cup clockwise.
- Stack Attack: If Player 1 lands their shot before Player 2, Player 1 stacks their cup on top of Player 2’s cup. Player 2 must then grab a new cup from the center pile and keep trying.
- Penalty Cup: When a player stacks the last available center cup, they drink the penalty cup in the center of the table.
- Restart: After a penalty, the cups and balls are reset, and the game continues.
Game-Specific Rules
- Bounce Only: Shots must bounce off the table before entering the cup.
- No Blocking: Players may not interfere with others’ attempts.
- Quick Hands Rule: If you’re too slow and consistently get stacked, prepare to face the penalty cup frequently!
Variations and Custom Rules
- Stack Bomb: Add multiple penalty cups in the center to increase the stakes.
- Power Ups: Introduce “wild cards” where certain cups in the center have special rules, like skipping a penalty or swapping cups with another player.
- Double Bounce Challenge: Require players to bounce their ball twice before it lands in the cup.
- Timed Rounds: Play in timed rounds to determine who stacks the most cups or drinks the least penalties.
- Team Mode: Divide into teams and alternate turns for an added layer of strategy.
Winning Strategies
- Practice Your Bounce: Consistency is key in Stack Cup. Aim for a controlled bounce close to your cup.
- Stay Calm Under Pressure: The chaos can get intense—focus on your own shot, not the distraction around you.
- Speed Is Everything: React quickly to avoid getting stacked! Grab a new cup and aim again as soon as possible.
- Observe Opponents: Watch for patterns in your opponents’ shots to anticipate when they’ll stack you.
- Social Sabotage: Engage in some light trash talk to throw off your competitors (within friendly limits, of course).
