Drinking games are an essential part of any adult gathering, and while classics like Beer Pong and Flip Cup are always a hit, sometimes it’s nice to try something a little more unique. Fortunately, you don’t need much more than a deck of cards to start the fun. Whether you're in the mood for a competitive showdown or a silly time with friends, we've rounded up some of the best drinking card games for adults that will make your next party unforgettable.
1. Kings (Ring of Fire)
Kings is a staple drinking game that has numerous variations. Players draw cards from a circle, each with a different rule attached, from “waterfall” (everyone starts drinking at once) to “Never Have I Ever” (players take turns sharing something they’ve never done). The game ends when all the cards have been drawn. It’s an unpredictable and fast-paced way to keep the drinks flowing!
2. F the Dealer
In this high-stakes guessing game, everyone takes turns as the “high roller,” while one player is the dealer. The high roller wagers a certain amount of drinking time and then guesses aspects of the cards drawn by the dealer, such as suit, value, or whether the next card will be higher or lower. If the high roller guesses wrong, it’s time for them to drink. If they guess correctly, the dealer has to drink instead.
3. Beeramid
Beeramid is a game of strategy and bluffing. Lay out 15 cards in the shape of a pyramid, with the largest base at the bottom. Players take turns flipping cards, and if anyone has a matching card in hand (or pretends to), they can assign a drink to someone else. The number of drinks depends on the position of the card in the pyramid. If you’re caught bluffing, be ready to drink double!
4. Give and Take
This boozy twist on Truth or Dare will reveal your friends' deepest secrets—whether they want to share them or not! Players choose between two rows of cards: one for truth and one for dare. When a card is flipped, the player who matches that card must either tell a truth or perform a dare. If they fail to complete the challenge, they drink.
5. Killer
This game is perfect for those who enjoy a little intrigue mixed with their drinks. In Killer, one player is secretly designated as the "killer," and another is the detective. The killer “kills” others by giving them a sly wink, and the detective tries to figure out who the killer is before they strike again. If the detective guesses wrong, they drink, but if they catch the killer, the killer must drink!
6. Screw Your Neighbor
This game is all about getting rid of the lowest card in your hand. Players take turns drawing a card and then choose whether to keep their card or swap it with a neighbor. The goal is to avoid having the lowest card when all the cards are revealed. If you end up with the lowest card, it's time for a drink.
7. Purple
Let’s get into something a little more unique! Purple is an exciting drinking card game where the goal is to guess the cards in the deck. The twist? Once you correctly guess three cards in a row, you can choose to pass—or keep going for more. The longer you keep guessing, the more drinks you’ll owe if you get a guess wrong.
The game starts with three options: Red, Black, or Purple (a combo of one red and one black card). Once you get your first correct guess, more options open up, like “higher,” “lower,” and the tricky “purple.” When you mess up, the number of cards in the middle determines how many seconds you must drink. If you fail on the seventh guess or the second, you still have to drink the total amount. This makes the game wild, and the more cards in the middle, the more fun (and drinking) awaits.
One of the most exciting strategies is to guess purple first. If you get it right, you're already on your third guess, so it’s a quicker path to winning. Plus, once you pass the pile, it gets handed over to the next player, and you get to watch them take on the challenge! It’s the perfect blend of strategy and fun, and everyone you teach will love it!
Try Something New: Pick Me Up
While these classic drinking card games are always a good time, why not try something fresh at your next gathering? Pick Me Up is a fun, lighthearted game that lets you practice your pickup lines and flirtation skills in a stress-free environment. It’s perfect for adult parties, especially when you want to add a humorous twist to the usual card game lineup. No pressure, just a chance to make everyone laugh (and maybe blush a little)! Why not make Pick Me Up the star of your next party?
