Ride the Bus Drinking Game
Ride the Bus is a card game played in phases. It starts with simple guesses, builds into a pyramid where you hand out drinks, and ends with one unlucky player riding the bus.
It takes a full deck and a little luck. The last phase, the bus ride, is the one everyone hopes to avoid.
- Players
- 2-6
- You need
- A deck of cards, Drinks for everyone
How to Play Ride the Bus
Phase 1 - Guessing: The dealer asks each player four questions in turn, dealing a card after each guess. Guess wrong and you drink.
- Red or black?
- Higher or lower than your first card?
- Inside or outside your first two cards?
- Guess the suit.
Phase 2 - The Pyramid: Lay out a pyramid of face-down cards, then flip them one row at a time. When a card is flipped, anyone holding a card of that value can play it to hand out drinks equal to the row number. Higher rows mean more drinks.
Phase 3 - Ride the Bus: The player with the most cards left in hand rides the bus. Lay out a row of about five cards face-down. Flip them one at a time. A number card is safe. A face card or ace makes the rider drink, and bigger cards mean more drinks. The rider keeps going to the end of the row, and then the bus ride is over.
Tips
- Keep your cards from Phase 1, since you need them for the pyramid.
- Hold a strong match back for a higher pyramid row to hand out more drinks, but do not get stuck with leftover cards.
- Keep the bus row to about five cards so the ride stays quick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Ride the Bus?
The final phase is named the bus ride. One player has to flip through a row of cards, drinking on every face card, so they are stuck "riding the bus" until they reach the end.
How many players do you need for Ride the Bus?
Two can play, but it is best with three to six. More players make the pyramid phase livelier.
Can you play Ride the Bus without alcohol?
Yes. Swap in any drink. The guessing and the bus ride still work the same with soda or water.