Are you seeking a fun, exciting way to liven up your party? Look no further than the Kings Cup Drinking Game! Also known as Ring of Fire, Circle of Death, or Waterfall, Kings Cup is a classic drinking game many have enjoyed. This guide will provide the classic Kings Cup rules, popular variations, and strategies to make your game more challenging and fun.
Equipment Needed
To play Kings Cup, you’ll need a deck of cards, an alcoholic beverage, and a cup or glass. The type of alcoholic beverage is up to you, but most people use beer or a mix of hard liquor and soda. Ensure that everyone knows what the alcohol is and how strong it is before starting the game.
Ultimate Guide to Kings Cup Rules
- Kings Cup is a popular drinking game where players draw cards and follow the corresponding rule.
- The game requires a deck of cards, a cup, and alcohol.
- The article covers the basic rules, additional rules, variations, precautions, and tips to ensure everyone has a good time while playing responsibly.
Classic Rules
Card | Variation | Description |
---|---|---|
Ace | American History X | The person who draws an ace starts by saying “American” and the next player says “History,” followed by the next player who says “X.” The person who fails to say their word or says the wrong word drinks. |
2 | Make a Rule | The person who draws a 2 makes a rule everyone must follow throughout the game—anyone who breaks the rule drinks. |
3 | Three Man | The person who draws a 3 becomes the Three Man. Whenever a 3 is drawn, the Three Man drinks. |
4 | Four Floor | The person who draws a 4 touches the floor, and everyone else must do the same—the last person to touch the floor drinks. |
5 | Thumb Master | The person who draws a 5 becomes the Thumb Master. Everyone else must do the same whenever they put their thumb on the table—the last person to drink. |
6 | Six Sips | The person who draws a 6 takes six sips of their drink. |
7 | Seven Heaven | The person who draws 7 points to the ceiling and everyone else must do the same—the last person to do so drinks. |
8 | Eight Mate | The person who draws an 8 chooses someone to be their mate. Whenever they drink, their mate must drink, too. |
9 | Nine Rhyme | The person who draws a 9 chooses a word, and everyone else must say a word that rhymes with it—the person who fails to do so or says the wrong word drinks. |
10 | Categories | The person who draws a 10 chooses a category, and everyone else must name something that fits into that category. The person who fails to do so or repeats something drinks. |
Jack | Jack Make a Rule | The person who draws a Jack makes a rule everyone must follow throughout the game—anyone who breaks the rule drinks. |
Queen | Queen Make a Rule | The person who draws a Queen makes a rule everyone must follow throughout the game—anyone who breaks the rule drinks. |
King | King’s Cup | The person who draws a King pours some of their drink into a cup in the middle. The person who draws the fourth King drinks the entire cup. |
The basic rules are:
- Ace: Waterfall – Everyone starts drinking at the same time. The person who drew the card can stop drinking whenever they want, but everyone else has to keep drinking until the person to their right stops.
- 2: You – Choose someone to take a drink.
- 3: Me – Take a drink.
- 4: Floor – Everyone touches the floor—the last person to touch the floor drinks.
- 5: Guys – All guys take a drink.
- 6: Chicks – All girls take a drink.
- 7: Heaven – Everyone points to the sky—the last person to do so drinks.
- 8: Mate – Choose someone to be your mate. Whenever you drink, they have to drink, too. This rule can be repeated throughout the game.
- 9: Rhyme – Choose a word, and everyone has to say a word that rhymes with it—the person who can’t think of a word or repeats a word drinks.
- 10: Categories – Choose a category, and everyone has to name something that fits into that category. The person who can’t think of anything or repeats something drinks.
- Jack: Make a Rule – Make up a rule everyone must follow throughout the game—anyone who breaks the rule drinks.
- Queen: Question Master – Whenever you ask someone a question, they must respond with another question. If they fail to do so, they drink.
- King: Pour some of your drink into the cup in the middle. The person who draws the fourth king card has to drink the entire cup.
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Additional Rules
You can add some popular and challenging additions to the Kings Cup rules. One of the most popular is “mates” – choose someone to be your mate; whenever you drink, they have to drink too. This rule can be repeated throughout the game. Another popular rule is “social” – everyone takes a drink at the same time. These rules make the game more challenging and fun.

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Tips and Strategies
It’s important to pace yourself when playing Kings Cup. Drinking too much too quickly can lead to a wrong time for everyone. Make sure to have water and snacks available to help keep everyone hydrated and fueled up. You can also take breaks between rounds to allow everyone to catch their breath and recover.
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Variations
While the classic version of Kings Cup is the most well-known, there are several variations that you can try. “Queen’s Cup” is a variation that replaces the king cards with queen cards. Instead of pouring into the cup, the person who draws a queen has to choose someone to drink. “Ring of Fire” is another popular variation with different rules for each card. Each variation adds a new layer of challenge and fun to the game.

Precautions
It’s important to drink responsibly when playing the Kings Cup. Make sure that everyone knows their limits and doesn’t try to push themselves too hard. Keep an eye on your friends and ensure everyone is having a good time. If anyone seems to be getting too drunk, take a break or end the game early.
Personal Story: Learning to Pace Myself
As a college student, I was no stranger to drinking games. However, it wasn’t until I played the Kings Cup for the first time that I realized the importance of pacing myself. It was a hot summer day and my friends and I were all gathered around a table with a deck of cards and a pitcher of beer.
I was excited to try out this new game, but I quickly learned it was not for the faint of heart. With each turn, I drank more and more, and before I knew it, I was feeling pretty tipsy. I started to worry that I had overdone it and couldn’t enjoy the rest of the day.
Thankfully, one of my friends noticed I was struggling and pulled me aside. He reminded me that the game was about having fun and that I needed to pace myself to enjoy the entire day. He encouraged me to take a break from the game, drink water, and relax briefly.
I took his advice and stepped away from the table for a few minutes. When I returned, I could enjoy the game without worrying about getting too drunk. From that day on, I consciously tried to pace myself when playing Kings Cup, and I enjoyed the game even more. It’s all about having fun, but being responsible and caring for yourself is also essential.
Conclusion
Kings Cup is a classic drinking game perfect for parties and get-togethers. Following these rules and variations lets you have a great time and get to know your friends better. Remember always to drink responsibly and have fun!
People Also Ask
Question: What is Kings Cup and how do you play it?
Answer: Kings Cup is a popular drinking game. Players take turns drawing cards and following the corresponding rule.
Question: Who can play Kings Cup?
Answer: Anyone of legal drinking age can play Kings Cup.
Question: How long does a game of Kings Cup usually last?
Answer: It depends on the number of players, typically around 30-45 minutes.
Question: What if someone doesn’t want to participate in a particular rule?
Answer: They can take a penalty drink or sit out that round.
Question: How many cards are in a Kings Cup deck?
Answer: A standard deck of 52 cards is used for Kings Cup.
Question: What if someone gets too drunk during the game?
Answer: It’s important to drink responsibly and stop playing if someone becomes too intoxicated.
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