Hosting a night of laughs, sips, and exciting card games can be the perfect way to shake things up with friends. A drunk card game night is more than just playing cards it’s about creating hilarious moments, bonding, and discovering how creative people can get after a drink or two.
Imagine a game that brings out your friends’ flirty sides, with pickup lines flowing as freely as the drinks. That’s what “Pick Me Up” does, bringing a flirty edge to the usual party games. If you’re ready to plan a night to remember, here’s a guide to throwing the ultimate drunk card game night.
1. Set the Scene for a Fun Night
The setting is key to a successful game night, and for a drunk card game night, you’ll want to make it relaxed and inviting. Set up a cozy space with comfortable seating, ideally around a table for easy card access. Dim the lights a little to create a lounge vibe, and add some background music that keeps the energy up without overpowering conversations.
For some added fun, put up signs or add decorations that hint at what’s to come maybe a few cheeky “Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?” signs or a “No sober thoughts allowed” poster to set the playful mood. Having a few pre-made drinks or a bar station lets guests pour their own, so they can set the pace for the night.
2. Choose the Right Games
Selecting the right games can make or break the night. Go for drunk card games that encourage laughter, spontaneity, and maybe a little friendly competition. Here are a few tried-and-true games to consider:
- Kings: This game is a classic drinking card game for groups and has plenty of rules that keep everyone on their toes. From waterfall rounds to calling out “Never Have I Ever” statements, there’s always an unexpected twist. You can even add your own rule where someone has to drop a cheesy pickup line to the person on their left whenever they draw a King.
- Drunk Jenga: Not a card game, but a great addition. Write fun tasks or questions on each Jenga block, like “Take two sips if you’ve ever used a pickup line” or “Give the best pickup line you know to the player across from you.”
- Buzzed: This is another great card-based drinking game that’s easy to pick up. Each card has a different command, like “Drink if you’re wearing red” or “The person with the best pickup line can skip this round.”
Whether your group leans toward strategic games or those that are more random, mixing in games like “Pick Me Up” will add a unique, flirty twist that keeps everyone on their feet—and maybe even blushing.
3. Stock Up on Drinks and Snacks
What’s a drunk card game night without some good drinks and snacks? Keep things simple but varied. Stock up on different types of drinks beer, wine, or pre-made cocktails—to suit everyone’s tastes. For those who want to keep things light, offer mocktails or sparkling water so they can still enjoy the social fun without the alcohol.
Tip: Create a “pickup line punch” that everyone can serve themselves. Give it a cheeky name like “Heartthrob Hooch” or “Flirtini” to keep up the theme.
For snacks, finger foods are ideal. Think chips, sliders, pizza, and maybe some fruit or cheese platters. Having easy-to-grab snacks keeps the focus on the game and conversations rather than stopping for a meal.
4. Add a Drinking Rule Twist
To keep everyone in the spirit, add some fun drinking rules that can be applied to any card game you’re playing. Here are some examples to spice things up:
- Pickup Line Challenge: Whenever someone loses a round, they have to deliver a pickup line to the person across from them. For example, “Are you a magician? Because whenever I look at you, everyone else disappears.” It’s all in good fun and adds a playful element to the game.
- The “Flirt Alert” Rule: Anytime a player laughs at someone else’s attempt at a pickup line, they have to take a sip. This keeps the energy light and the laughs coming.
- Eyes on You: If someone catches another player staring at them, the “starer” has to take a drink. It’s a great way to playfully call out people, especially during a flirtier game like “Pick Me Up.”
- Secret Signal: Each player thinks of a secret signal (like scratching their nose or winking). When another player catches them doing it, the signaler takes a sip. It’s simple but adds an extra layer of observation to the game.
These rules make even simple card games funnier, especially as people start loosening up and embracing their bold sides.
5. Play Music to Set the Mood
Music keeps the energy high and breaks any awkward silence during the games. Create a playlist that everyone will enjoy, mixing upbeat tracks with some throwback hits to make the room feel lively. Choose fun songs with a party vibe but avoid anything too distracting.
Pro Tip: Include a few tracks like “Can’t Help Falling in Love” or “You Make My Dreams Come True” for moments when players need a little extra courage for those pickup line challenges. Adding subtle romantic or fun tunes will complement the flirtatious vibe without overwhelming the game.
6. Establish a Social Media-Free Zone
Sometimes people may get carried away with posting or recording moments, but a social media-free game night allows everyone to be more present. Encourage guests to put their phones away and engage in the experience fully. After all, nobody wants their less-than-smooth pickup line or daring dare captured on video for later viewing!
Alternatively, create a photo booth area with silly props and a sign that says “Leave Your Phones Here.” You can add some prop pickup lines like “Did it hurt when you fell from the heavens?” for guests to hold up in pictures. This way, everyone can snap a few memories before jumping into the fun without the distraction of social media.
7. Keep the Game Pace Quick
With drinks flowing, it’s best to keep games moving at a fast pace. Avoid overly complex games that require lots of thought or slow down the energy. Games like “Pick Me Up” are great because they’re easy to follow, and the humor flows naturally, making it a seamless addition to any drunk card game night.
If a game seems to be dragging on, don’t be afraid to mix it up or switch to a new one. Everyone’s there for a fun time, not a tournament. You can also designate someone as the “timekeeper” to keep things moving if your group tends to get sidetracked.
8. Add a Few Mini Challenges
Mini challenges between games keep the mood light and spontaneous. Consider using these ideas:
- Best Pickup Line: Have a mini-contest where everyone delivers their best pickup line, and the group votes on the best one. The winner can skip a drink or make someone else take a sip.
- Drink Roulette: For an extra twist, place a few shot glasses with different drinks in them—some tasty, some strange (pickle juice, anyone?). When someone loses a round, they take a random shot.
- Flirt Dare: At any point in the game, a player can challenge someone to a “Flirt Dare.” The dared player has to use a corny pickup line like, “If I could rearrange the alphabet, I’d put U and I together.”
Mini challenges keep everyone on their toes and break up the structure of the game night, so things don’t feel repetitive.
9. End with a Fun Award Ceremony
Wrap up the night by celebrating everyone’s unique contributions to the game. Give out lighthearted awards based on their performance:
- Flirt King/Queen: For the player who was best at dishing out the pickup lines.
- MVP (Most Victorious Player): For the person who won the most rounds.
- Biggest Bluffer: For the player who was best at bluffing or keeping a straight face.
You can even give out small prizes, like candy or “extra lives” for future game nights. And of course, make sure to give a shoutout to “Pick Me Up,” the game that turned a regular card night into a memorable experience.
