To play Kings Cup, players take turns drawing cards from a deck, each card corresponding to a specific action, often involving drinking or designating others to drink, ultimately leading to the “King’s Cup” being consumed by whomever draws the final king.
Ever found yourself wondering, “how do you play kings cup drinking game?” It’s a party favorite for a reason, a blend of chance and silliness that gets everyone involved. The rules might seem a bit chaotic at first, but that’s part of the fun.
Each card holds a unique command. These range from simple sips to waterfall scenarios. It makes it a very social and interactive game. It’s less about skill and more about enjoying the unpredictable ride with friends.
How Do You Play Kings Cup Drinking Game?
Let’s dive into the fun world of Kings Cup, also sometimes called Circle of Death or King’s. This super popular drinking game is a hit at parties because it’s easy to learn and guarantees a good time. It’s a game of chance, laughter, and of course, a little bit of friendly drinking. So, if you’re looking to add some excitement to your next get-together, keep reading to learn exactly how to play Kings Cup!
What You Need to Play
Before we jump into the rules, let’s gather what you’ll need. It’s pretty simple, thankfully:
- A deck of standard playing cards: Yes, the usual 52 cards you use for any card game.
- An empty cup: This is going to be our King’s Cup! Put it in the middle of where everyone is sitting.
- Drinks: Whatever your group likes – beer, cider, juice – just make sure everyone is drinking responsibly and knows their limits.
- A group of friends: At least two people are needed to play, but the more the merrier!
Setting Up the Game
Getting the game ready is super easy. First, everyone should sit in a circle around a table. Put the empty cup right in the center. This is the King’s Cup. Next, make sure the shuffled deck of cards is within easy reach of everyone. It’s helpful to place it face down near the King’s Cup. Now, you are ready to begin! It doesn’t matter who goes first. Just pick someone and let the game begin.
The Rules of Kings Cup: Card Meanings
Each card in the deck has a specific action linked to it. These rules can vary a little depending on where you are playing and the group, but these are the most commonly used rules:
Ace: Waterfall
When someone draws an Ace, everyone starts drinking their beverage at the same time. You can’t stop until the person to your left stops drinking. So, the first person is done, then the second person can stop, and so on. It’s like a waterfall of drinks!
Two: You
If you draw a two, you get to choose someone else to take a drink. Point to them, and they must drink.
Three: Me
When a three is drawn, the person who drew the card has to drink.
Four: Floor
When someone pulls a four, everyone has to touch the floor. The last person to touch the floor has to drink. It can be a little chaotic!
Five: Guys
If a five comes up, all the guys playing the game have to drink. If you’re the only guy playing, you drink.
Six: Chicks
If a six comes up, all the girls playing the game have to drink. If you’re the only girl playing, you drink.
Seven: Heaven
When someone draws a seven, everyone needs to point to the sky. The last person to point their finger to the sky has to drink.
Eight: Mate
If someone draws an eight, they get to choose a drinking buddy. Every time the person who drew the card drinks, their mate has to drink, too. They remain mates until the next eight is pulled.
Nine: Rhyme
If a nine comes up, the player who picked the card says a word. The person next to them has to say a word that rhymes with the first word, and this goes around the circle. If someone can’t come up with a rhyming word, they drink.
Ten: Categories
When a ten is drawn, the person who drew the card chooses a category, such as “types of cars,” “colors,” or “animals.” The next person in the circle has to name something in that category, then the next person, and so on. If someone can’t think of something, they drink.
Jack: Make a Rule
If a jack comes up, the person who drew the card gets to make a new rule that everyone playing the game has to follow. These rules can be anything, and they stay in effect until the next jack comes up. For example, you might make a rule that everyone has to speak in an accent or that everyone has to drink with their left hand.
Queen: Question Master
When someone picks a queen, they become the question master. If they ask you a question, you are not allowed to answer it. If you do, you drink. This rule is in effect until someone else picks a queen and takes over.
King: Pour into the Kings Cup
If a king is drawn, the person pours some of their drink into the King’s Cup in the center of the circle. The person who draws the fourth and final king has to drink the entire King’s Cup, whatever is in it.
Game Play Step-by-Step
Now you know the card meanings, let’s put it all together:
- Start the Game: Pick someone to go first. They will draw a card from the face-down deck.
- Follow the Rules: Depending on what card they draw, they do the action it says, following the rules we talked about before.
- Pass the Turn: Once they are done with their turn, the next person in the circle draws a card, and the game continues.
- Keep Going: Keep going around the circle until all the cards are drawn or you are done playing.
Common Variations
Kings Cup has a lot of different variations, and it can be fun to mix it up, here are some changes you can consider:
Different Card Rules
Some groups have different meanings for the cards. For example, instead of “Floor,” four might be “Thumb Master,” or instead of “Categories,” ten might be “Never Have I Ever.” The best thing to do is decide on what rules you want to follow before starting to play.
House Rules
Feel free to add your own rules! Maybe a specific rule when someone draws a joker (if you add those to your deck) or when someone forgets the current rule, they have to drink. The possibilities are endless!
Playing with a Larger Group
When playing with a bigger group, you might need to adjust some rules or decide who to play off of. For example, with an Ace, you might decide that the person to the left still starts the waterfall, but maybe you keep going around the table. Try to play with it and see what rules work best.
Tips for a Great Game
To make sure you and everyone you are playing with has a good time, keep these things in mind:
- Know Your Limits: Don’t feel pressured to drink more than you can handle. It is okay to skip a drink.
- Drink Responsibly: Always have water available and take breaks to eat snacks.
- Be Respectful: Be respectful of everyone that you are playing with. Not everyone has to follow every rule, and you can work together to make sure everyone is comfortable.
- Have Fun: Kings Cup is a game for fun, so relax, laugh, and enjoy yourself!
Adding to the Fun
Once you get the hang of the game, you can make it even more fun. Try changing the rules every so often. Maybe play with a theme like a specific decade, movie, or game. You can also make teams, which can make the game even more exciting. The point is that there are ways to change the game so that every time you play you don’t do the same thing over and over again. And most of all, have a good time!
Kings Cup is a fun, social game that’s easy to play. Just remember to play safely and enjoy the laughter with your friends. Grab your deck of cards, gather your friends, and get ready for some good times!
How to Play the Drinking Game King's Cup
Final Thoughts
To play Kings Cup, you must draw cards. Each card has a specific rule. Players follow the rules when their turn arrives.
For example, an Ace might mean everyone drinks. A King usually means pouring some of your drink into the center cup, called the Kings Cup. The person who draws the fourth king must drink the entire cup.
Understanding each card’s function is essential. This simple game is great for parties. Have fun learning how do you play kings cup drinking game.
