Bingo is a classic game that’s fun on its own, but adding a drinking element takes it to a whole new level of excitement. Whether you're hosting a casual gathering or a more lively party, turning bingo into a drinking game brings a fresh twist that everyone will enjoy.
The simple rules make it easy for players of all experience levels to jump right in and have fun. You can add your own challenges, penalties, and drink rules to keep things interesting and unpredictable.
To make the night even more entertaining, consider adding a quick side game like Pick Me Up, which offers an additional layer of fun and keeps the energy high. With these simple steps, you'll have a bingo game that keeps everyone engaged and laughing, making your next party an unforgettable one.
Establish the Drinking Rules Clearly
The foundation of a good drinking game is clear rules. You want everyone to understand how the game works and what they’re signing up for. Make sure the drinking rules are simple, fair, and easy to follow.
- Sip for Bingo Numbers: Every time a number is called, anyone who has that number on their bingo card takes a sip of their drink. You can increase the level of fun by making certain numbers require specific drinks, such as shots or a different drink choice.
- Full Card = Take a Drink: When someone completes a row, column, or diagonal, they call out "Bingo!" and pick a player to take a drink. The winner can also choose the drink type for the person they select.
- Special Number Calls: Assign special numbers (such as "B-7" or "I-19") to have unique challenges. For example, the person who marks that number could take a shot, do a mini-dance, or choose someone to complete a challenge.
Setting these rules at the start helps keep the game smooth and ensures no one is left in confusion while playing.
Penalties for Incorrect Calls or Missed Bingo
As with any competitive game, mistakes happen. In a drinking game, these errors can add an extra layer of fun.
- False Bingo Call: If someone calls bingo when they haven’t actually won, they must take a drink or perform a dare. This keeps everyone on their toes and adds some suspense.
- Missed Bingo: If a player is too slow to shout out bingo when they win, they should take a sip as a penalty. This keeps the pace moving and ensures no one misses their chance to claim a win.
These small penalties add to the competitiveness and laughter, creating more enjoyable moments for everyone involved.
Personalize Your Bingo Cards for Added Fun
Traditional bingo cards are filled with numbers, but you can make your game more exciting by customizing the cards to fit your party’s theme. Instead of numbers, use funny prompts or challenges that add variety to the drinking game.
- Add Fun Prompts: Instead of numbers, try using challenges like “Do a funny impression” or “Tell a joke” on the bingo cards. If the number is called, the player must complete the task before marking it off.
- Custom Categories: Another fun twist is having categories like “Movie Quotes” or “Party Dares” on the cards. Players who mark these categories can assign fun challenges to others.
By personalizing your bingo cards, you make the game more interactive and tailored to the group.
Include Team Play for Larger Groups
If your party is on the larger side, consider turning bingo into a team game. This allows more people to participate and adds a social element to the game.
- Team-based Bingo: Split your group into two or more teams. The team with the most bingos at the end can either win a prize or get to choose a fun group challenge for the losing team to do.
- Shared Drink Challenges: When a team wins a bingo, they can assign a group challenge to another team, such as a synchronized dance or taking a drink together. This keeps the energy high and builds camaraderie within teams.
Team play adds a competitive edge to your drinking bingo game and makes it perfect for larger gatherings.
Add an Extra Game with "Pick Me Up"
If you’re looking for another fun game to throw into the mix, consider adding Pick Me Up to your drinking game night. It’s an easy-to-play game that keeps the energy high between rounds of bingo.
- How to Play Pick Me Up: The game revolves around picking cards with specific challenges or actions. Each card could represent a different task, from taking a drink to answering a trivia question or performing a silly dare. It’s quick, fun, and offers a nice break between rounds of bingo.
- Ideal for Bingo Nights: When bingo rounds start to feel repetitive, Pick Me Up will refresh the atmosphere. You can incorporate this game right after someone wins a bingo round or use it to introduce new challenges to the game.
This fast-paced and fun game will definitely keep the laughs going and make sure everyone stays engaged.
Ensure Everyone Drinks Responsibly
While drinking games are meant to be fun, it’s important to remind everyone to drink responsibly. Set limits on the number of drinks per round to ensure that no one overindulges. Here are a few tips:
- Limit Drink Amounts: Encourage everyone to pace themselves. You can have a rule where each person only takes a certain amount per round, such as only sipping once or twice per round.
- Non-Alcoholic Options: Not everyone may want to drink alcohol, so make sure there are non-alcoholic drink options available for those who prefer them. This way, everyone can still join in the fun without feeling left out.
- Take Breaks: Incorporate breaks into the game to let everyone rest and stay hydrated. It’s all about having a good time without anyone overdoing it.
Remember, the goal is for everyone to enjoy themselves, so keep it lighthearted and fun.
Time to Wrap It Up With Fun and Laughter
The beauty of transforming bingo into a drinking game lies in its simplicity and fun factor. By following these steps, you can turn an ordinary bingo night into a lively, memorable event. Whether you’re playing with a small group or a larger crowd, bingo can become a game that keeps everyone engaged and entertained for hours.
If you’re looking to keep the energy up between rounds of bingo, Pick Me Up is a great option to spice things up. This game is easy to learn and ensures that everyone remains part of the action, no matter when they arrive at your party. By combining bingo with some creative challenges and adding in Pick Me Up, you’ve got the recipe for a fantastic drinking game night.
