Are you looking to spice up your next social gathering? Got a set of premium playing cards you want to open? Whether it's a strict poker night with friends or a casual drinking games with cards after a party, nothing brings people together quite like a good card game – especially when you add adult beverages to the mix. In this article, we'll explore some exciting poker card drinking games that are sure to get the party started. These games combine the strategic elements of poker with the fun of drinking games, creating unforgettable (or forgettable depending on how much you drink), experiences for you and your friends.
The Perfect Blend: Poker and Drinking Games
Before we dive into our list of games, let's take a moment to appreciate why poker card drinking games are such a hit at parties. The combination of skill, luck, and libations creates a unique atmosphere that's both competitive and relaxed. These games encourage socialising, laughter, and friendly banter, making them perfect for breaking the ice or entertaining a group of close friends. Remember, while these games are designed to be fun, it's essential to drink responsibly and ensure everyone's safety. Now, let's shuffle the deck and deal out some excitement with these fantastic poker card drinking games!
Ring of Fire
Ring of Fire, also known as Kings Cup, is a staple of university parties and beyond. This game is perfect for larger groups and can accommodate up to 20 players. Here's how to play: Arrange a circle of cards face-down around a large cup in the centre of the table. Players take turns drawing cards and following the corresponding rules:
Ace: Waterfall (everyone starts drinking, and you can't stop until the person to your right does)
2: You (choose someone to drink)
3: Me (you drink)
4: Floor (last person to touch the floor drinks)
5: Guys (all men drink)
6: Gals (all women drink)
7: Heaven (last person to point upwards drinks)
8: Mate (choose a drinking buddy who drinks when you do)
9: Rhyme (say a word, and go around rhyming until someone can't)
10: Categories (choose a category, and go around naming items until someone can't)
Jack: Never Have I Ever (three fingers up, lose one for each thing you've done)
Queen: Question Master (ask questions, and people drink if they answer)
King: Make a Rule (create a new rule for the game)
Joker: This card isn't played in this game (Place it to the side)
The game continues until the last King is drawn, and that person must drink the contents of the centre cup. Ring of Fire is an excellent way to kick off the night and get everyone involved in the fun.
Drunk Poker
For those who love traditional poker but want to add an extra layer of excitement, Drunk Poker is the perfect solution. Play your favourite poker variant (Texas Hold'em, Omaha, Seven-Card Stud, etc.) with these additional rules:
Every time a player folds, they must take a sip of their drink.
The winner of each hand assigns two drinks to other players.
If a player goes all-in and loses, they must finish their drink.
Royal Flush? Everyone else at the table drinks!
This game combines strategy with the unpredictability of alcohol consumption, making for some hilarious and memorable moments. Just remember, as the night goes on, the poker skills might deteriorate, but the fun will only increase!
Chase the Ace
Chase the Ace is a quick and easy game that's perfect for parties. Here's how to play:
Deal one card face-down to each player.
The player to the dealer's left goes first, choosing to either keep their card or swap with the player to their left.
This continues around the table, with the last player having the option to swap with the top card of the deck.
Once everyone has had a turn, all players reveal their cards.
The person with the lowest card drinks. Aces are high in this game.
For an extra twist, you can make the person with the highest card drink as well. This game is fast-paced and keeps everyone engaged, making it an excellent choice for larger parties.
Drunk Roulette
Drunk Roulette adds a twist of chance to your typical card drinking game.
Here's what you'll need to play drunk roulette:
A standard deck of cards.
A large, open space on a table or floor.
Leave a space in the centre for a bottle or empty glass. To play:
Arrange the cards in a large circle, face-down, like a roulette wheel.
Spin the bottle in the centre of the circle.
When it stops, flip over the card it's pointing to.
The player who spun must perform the action of the card:
Hearts: Give out drinks equal to the card's value.
Diamonds: Take drinks equal to the card's value.
Clubs: Choose someone to drink with you.
Spades: Create a new rule for the game.
Face cards and Aces have special rules:
Jack: All players must touch the floor; last one drinks.
Queen: All players must touch their nose; last one drinks.
King: Pour some of your drink into a communal cup; the person who reveals the last King must drink it.
Ace: Waterfall! Start with the spinner and continue around the circle.
Drunk Roulette is an excellent game for larger groups and can lead to some hilariously unpredictable moments throughout the night.
High-Low
High-Low is a straightforward game that's easy to learn but hard to master, especially after a few rounds. Here's how to play:
Shuffle the deck and place it face-down in the centre of the table.
- The first player flips over the top card and guesses whether the next card will be higher or lower.
- If they guess correctly, they choose someone else to drink. If wrong, they drink.
- The next player then guesses based on the new card.
Special rules:
- If the same value card is drawn, everyone drinks.
- If someone guesses correctly three times in a row, they can make a rule.
- Aces can be high or low, but the player must declare which before guessing.
High-Low is perfect for any number of players and can be played for as long or as short as you like, making it an ideal filler game between other activities.
Sip, Sip, Shot
Sip, Sip, Shot adds a drinking element to traditional poker hand rankings. Here's how to play:
- Deal five cards to each player.
- Players look at their hands and place them face-down in front of them.
- Going around the table, each player must choose to either:
a) Sip their drink and pass
b) Reveal their hand - If a player reveals their hand, they compare it to the previously revealed hand (if any):
- If their hand is better, the previous player must take a shot.
- If their hand is worse, they must take a shot.
- The player with the best hand at the end of the round can give out a shot to any player.
Hand rankings follow standard poker rules. This game is great for those who know poker night games but want a faster-paced, drinking-oriented experience.
Kings in the Corner
Kings in the Corner is a solitaire-style game adapted for multiple players and drinking. Here's how to play:
- Deal seven cards to each player and place four cards face-up in the centre, forming a cross.
- Players take turns trying to play cards from their hand onto the piles.
- Cards must be one rank lower and alternate colour (like in solitaire).
- Kings can be placed in the corners to start new piles.
- If a player can't play, they draw a card and drink.
- Anytime a player empties a centre pile, they can give out two drinks.
- The first player to get rid of all their cards wins and can give out a shot to anyone.
This game combines strategy with luck and drinking, making it a great choice for smaller groups looking for more thought-provoking card games for parties.
Let the Games Begin!
There you have it – some fantastic party games with cards to liven up your next party or poker night. From the classic Ring of Fire to the strategic Kings in the Corner, these suggestions offer a perfect blend of skill, chance, and social drinking game ideas that will keep your guests entertained for hours.
Remember, the key to a great party is responsible fun. Always drink in moderation, have plenty of water and snacks available, and make sure everyone has a safe way to get home.
So, gather your friends, shuffle the deck, and get ready for an unforgettable night of laughter, friendly competition, and great memories. With these games in your repertoire, you'll be the toast of the party planning scene. Cheers to good times!
