Kings Cup Drinking Game
Kings Cup is the classic card drinking game, and you only need a deck of cards and an empty cup. You spread the cards in a ring around the cup, and each card you draw triggers a rule.
It goes by a few names. You may know it as Ring of Fire or Circle of Death. The rules below are the most common set, but feel free to agree on your own house version before you start.
- Players
- 3-8
- You need
- A deck of cards, A large empty cup for the center, Drinks for everyone
How to Play Kings Cup
Setup: Put an empty cup in the middle of the table. Spread the deck face-down in a ring around it. Players take turns drawing one card and doing what it says. Try not to break the ring of cards as it shrinks.
Here is what each card means:
- Ace - Waterfall: Everyone starts drinking at once. You cannot stop until the person to your right stops, so the player who drew the card sets the pace.
- 2 - You: Pick someone to take a drink.
- 3 - Me: You take a drink.
- 4 - Floor: Everyone races to touch the floor. The last one drinks.
- 5 - Guys: All the guys drink.
- 6 - Chicks: All the women drink.
- 7 - Heaven: Everyone reaches for the sky. The last hand up drinks.
- 8 - Mate: Pick a partner. They drink whenever you drink for the rest of the game.
- 9 - Rhyme: Say a word. Going around the circle, each player says a word that rhymes. The first to fail or repeat drinks.
- 10 - Categories: Name a category, like beer brands. Each player names one. The first to blank drinks.
- Jack - Make a Rule: Invent a rule everyone must follow (for example, no first names). Break it and you drink.
- Queen - Questions: Ask anyone a question. They must answer with another question, fast. Whoever messes up drinks.
- King - Kings Cup: Pour a little of your drink into the center cup. Whoever draws the fourth and final king drinks the whole thing.
Play continues around the table until the ring of cards is gone.
Tips
- Agree on the card meanings before you start, since house rules vary a lot.
- Use a light drink for the center cup. Four kings can add up fast.
- Keep the cards in a tidy ring so nobody argues about whose turn broke it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kings Cup the same as Ring of Fire?
Yes. Kings Cup, Ring of Fire, and Circle of Death are all names for the same card game. The card meanings vary a little by group, but the setup is the same.
What do you need to play Kings Cup?
Just a deck of cards, one empty cup for the center, and a drink for each player. No board or app needed.
Can you play Kings Cup without alcohol?
Yes. Swap in soda, water, or a mocktail. The rules play exactly the same, so it works for any group.