Beer Pong: The Ultimate Party Showdown

Welcome to the Arena: Beer Pong!

Get ready to test your aim, strategise with your teammates, and maybe even show off a little! Beer Pong is the undisputed champion of party drinking games, a true classic that combines skill, luck, and a whole lot of laughs. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a complete newbie, our guide will get you sinking those shots and celebrating victories in no time. So grab your mates, chill the beers, and let's dive into the glorious world of Beer Pong!

What You'll Need

• A Table: Preferably long (a dining table, ping pong table, or even a sturdy outdoor table will do).
• Plastic Cups: 20-22 standard plastic cups (10 per team, plus a water cup for rinsing balls).
• Ping Pong Balls: At least 2, ideally 4-6 (they tend to go missing!).
• Your Favourite Brew: Enough beer (or chosen beverage) to fill the cups.
• Water: A cup of water for rinsing the ping pong balls between shots (hygiene is key!).

Setup - The Battlefield

1. Cup Formation: Each team arranges 10 cups in a triangle formation (like bowling pins) at their end of the table. The tip of the triangle should point towards the opposing team.
2. Fill 'Em Up: Pour a small amount of beer (or your chosen drink) into each cup. The amount can vary based on preference – typically 1/4 to 1/3 full.
3. Water Cup: Place a separate cup of water to the side of the table for rinsing the ping pong balls.
4. Teams: Divide into two teams. Beer Pong is usually played 2v2, but can be adapted for 1v1 or larger teams (e.g., 3v3 or 4v4 if you have a massive table). Each team stands at their end of the table behind their cups.

How to Play - Sink 'Em!

1. Starting the Game:
   • To decide who starts, one player from each team takes a 'look away' shot. Without looking, they shoot simultaneously. If both miss, both make, or one makes and one misses, they shoot again. The first team to sink a cup while the other misses, or to both make their shot, determines who starts. Often, a simple rock-paper-scissors will do!
   • Alternatively, just pick a team to start.
2. Taking Shots: Each team gets two shots per round (one shot per player if 2v2). Players take turns throwing a ping pong ball towards the opposing team's cups.
3. The Goal: The objective is to sink the ball into one of the opposing team's cups.
4. If You Sink a Cup:
   • If a ball lands in a cup, the opposing team must immediately drink the contents of that cup.
   • The cup is then removed from the table.
   • If both players on a team sink a cup in the same round, they get the balls back for an extra bonus shot (or "rollback").
5. Missing a Shot: If a ball misses all cups, no penalty, and the turn passes to the other team.
6. Re-Racks: Teams are usually allowed one or two "re-racks" per game. A re-rack allows a team to rearrange their remaining cups into a more compact or strategic formation (e.g., a diamond, a smaller triangle, or a line). This is typically requested when 6, 4, or 3 cups remain. Agree on the re-rack rules before starting!

Key Rules & Etiquette

• Bouncing Shots: If a player bounces the ball off the table before it lands in a cup, the opposing team can attempt to swat it away once it hits the table. If it goes in, it counts as two cups (the one it landed in, and an extra penalty cup decided by the defence).
• Defence (Swatting): Only allowed on bounced shots once the ball has touched the table. You cannot swat a direct shot in the air. If you accidentally swat a direct shot, it's a penalty (usually one of your own cups).
• Elbow Rule: Players must shoot from behind an imaginary line level with the front edge of their own cups. No leaning over the table to get closer! Violating this usually results in the shot not counting, or a penalty.
• Rollbacks/Balls Back: If both players on a team sink a cup in the same turn, they get the balls back and shoot again. This is a huge advantage!
• Island Rule (Optional): If a player calls "Island!" before shooting and sinks a cup that is isolated from the main group, it counts as two cups.
• Death Cup (Optional): If a player shoots into a cup that an opponent is currently drinking from, the game is immediately over, and the shooting team wins! This is a rare, but glorious, victory.

Winning the Game

The game ends when one team successfully sinks a ball into all of the opposing team's cups. The losing team then usually has to drink whatever beer is left in the winning team's cups (the "redemption" or "kill shot" cups, if any were missed and removed). Some house rules dictate the losing team has to drink all remaining beer on the table.

Variations & House Rules

• "On Fire": If a player sinks two shots in a row, they are "on fire" and get to shoot until they miss.
• "Heating Up": If a player sinks three shots in a row, they get to shoot until they miss, and for the remainder of the game, if they sink two shots in a row, they are "on fire."
• "Behind the Back" or "Trick Shots": Some groups allow or encourage trick shots for bonus cups or to regain a missed shot.
• Different Drinks: While beer is traditional, you can use cider, pre-mixed spirits, or even non-alcoholic drinks for fun.
• "Gentleman's Rule": If a ball spins inside a cup without falling out, the defending team can blow it out. If it spins out, no drink. If it stays in, it counts. (This is highly controversial and often leads to arguments!)

Project Beer's Responsible Drinking Reminder

Beer Pong is all about fun and friendly competition, but remember to drink responsibly! Pace yourself, stay hydrated with water between rounds, and know your limits. Never pressure anyone to drink more than they're comfortable with. The goal is to have a blast, not a bad time. Cheers!