Drinking Card Games for Small Groups: Fun and Easy Games to Keep the Party Going

Drinking games are a great way to make your small group hangouts more lively, and they don’t always need a huge crowd to be fun. Whether you’re looking for a game to spice up a casual night or something that’ll get everyone laughing and interacting, drinking card games are a perfect choice. In this blog, we’ll explore a few of the best drinking games for small groups, including Cheers to the Governor and a few fun Japanese drinking games. Let’s dive in and make your next small group gathering one to remember!

1. Cheers to the Governor

If you’ve never played Cheers to the Governor, you’re missing out. It’s a simple, fast-paced game that keeps everyone engaged and guarantees laughs.

How to Play:

1. The group starts by counting from 1 to 21, with each person saying a number in sequence. But here’s the catch: numbers 7 and 14 are switched! So, the counting will go 1-6, 14, 8-13, 7, and then 15-21.
2. When someone reaches 21, everyone yells “Cheers to the Governor!” and takes a drink.
3. The player who says 21 gets to make a new rule for the next round. This could be anything from saying a random word instead of a number to performing a ridiculous dance or noise instead of saying the number.
4. If anyone messes up, they have to take a drink, and the count starts back at 1. The game continues until the count changes so much that it’s nearly impossible to keep up (or until someone gets too drunk to continue).

This game is perfect for groups who love to play and create new, hilarious rules as they go.

2. The Super Mario Game (No, Not the Nintendo Game)

It’s important to clarify that this game has absolutely nothing to do with Nintendo’s Super Mario franchise—just a quirky, rhythm-based drinking game inspired by Japanese drinking culture. This game is all about quick thinking, coordination, and, of course, making everyone laugh.

How to Play:

1. The group sits in a circle. The first person starts by saying “Su/per/Mari/O/super/mario/super mario/chaling! (coin noise).”
2. The goal is to keep saying the phrase without slowing down. Each time the phrase is repeated, the player must add an extra coin noise. The rhythm becomes faster, and the pressure builds.
3. If someone messes up the rhythm or slows down, they have to take a drink.

It’s a hilarious, fast-paced game that gets more challenging the longer you go. Plus, who doesn’t love adding that coin noise with every round?

3. The Spinach Game

If you want a drinking game with a mix of rhythm, memory, and acting, the Spinach Game is perfect for your group. It’s simple, but it can get surprisingly tricky once the rhythm picks up.

How to Play:

1. Everyone sits in a circle. The first player pretends to hold spinach in their hands, saying “spinach spinach” and showing everyone their imaginary spinach.
2. They then offer the spinach to someone else in the circle by sticking out their arm. The second player has to say “spinach spinach” in rhythm and then offer it to someone else, keeping the rhythm going.
3. Players continue passing the spinach in rhythm around the circle. You have to say "spinach spinach" as you "hand off" your spinach to the next person.
4. If anyone messes up the rhythm, repeats something, or hesitates too long, they have to take a drink.

This game requires quick thinking and the ability to stay in sync with the group, making it a great way to bond and have fun.

4. The Yamanote Line Game

Named after the Tokyo Yamanote train line, this game challenges players to think on their feet while maintaining a rhythm. It’s a great drinking game for those who want to add a bit of trivia and creativity to the mix.

How to Play:

1. The group chooses a topic (the Yamanote line’s stations are a classic, but feel free to pick something else, like types of pizza toppings or cities around the world).
2. Players go around the circle, each saying something related to the topic while keeping a steady rhythm.
3. If anyone repeats something that has already been said, breaks the rhythm, or takes too long to come up with something, they have to drink.

This game is perfect for groups with a competitive streak who also enjoy keeping things lively and interactive.

5. Flip Cup (with Cards)

A classic drinking game meets card games in this fun twist on Flip Cup. It’s easy to set up and always leads to a great time, making it a favorite for small groups.

How to Play:

1. Each player starts with a cup in front of them. The first player places a card face down in the center of the table.
2. On their turn, they flip the card over and try to flip their cup upside down using just their fingers. The first player to succeed gets to pick someone to drink.
3. Continue taking turns until everyone has had a chance to flip their cup.

This game is fun because it mixes the challenge of flipping cups with the excitement of card games, making for a perfect combination.

6. Drunk Jenga

Jenga is a game of physical skill, and when you add drinking to it, it becomes a whole new challenge. Drunk Jenga is perfect for small groups that enjoy combining strategy with a little clumsiness.

How to Play:

1. Set up a standard Jenga tower and assign a rule to each block (for example, “take a drink,” “swap seats with someone,” or “make up a rule”).
2. Players take turns pulling out blocks. If they pull a block with a rule, they must follow it.
3. The game continues until the tower falls. Whoever knocks it over must drink, and the game starts over.

This game is a fun mix of skill and drinking, with new surprises around every turn.

Keep the Party Going with These Drinking Games

Small group drinking games are an excellent way to make sure your hangout is packed with laughter, competition, and plenty of fun. Whether you want to play a strategic game like Cheers to the Governor or embrace rhythm and speed with Super Mario Game, these games will keep your group entertained for hours. And remember, drinking games are all about having fun, so make sure to drink responsibly and always know your limits!

Now that you’ve got some ideas for your next gathering, why not add a new game to your collection? Pick Me Up is a fantastic, lighthearted game for any group, allowing you to practice your flirting skills in a relaxed, non-judgmental environment. Add it to your collection of drinking card games and watch the fun level up!