What Is Kings Cup?
Kings Cup is a classic drinking game that’s perfect for parties, gatherings, or any occasion where you’re looking to add some fun and excitement. The game is simple, fast-paced, and interactive, making it an ideal choice for groups of friends looking to bond over some laughs and challenges.
In Kings Cup, players take turns drawing cards and performing actions based on the card they pick. These actions often involve taking drinks, making other players drink, or doing fun challenges. With its easy-to-understand rules and flexible gameplay, Kings Cup remains one of the most popular drinking games.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to play Kings Cup and explain the Kings Cup rules so you can enjoy this game to the fullest.
Setting Up Kings Cup
What You’ll Need to Play Kings Cup
To get started with Kings Cup, you’ll need:
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A standard deck of playing cards (52 cards).
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A large cup (the "Kings Cup") that will sit in the center of the table.
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Drinks of choice for each player (beverages can vary based on preference, but alcoholic drinks are typically used).
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A flat surface like a table where everyone can reach the center.
Setting Up the Cards
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Shuffle the Deck: Start by shuffling the deck of cards and placing it face down in a circle around the Kings Cup.
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Prepare Your Drinks: Each player should have their own drink in front of them, ready for action. You can also prepare additional drinks to refill as needed.
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The Kings Cup: Place a large cup in the center of the circle—this is where everyone will contribute during the game.
Now that everything is set up, you’re ready to learn how to play Kings Cup.
How to Play Kings Cup
The Objective of Kings Cup
The goal of Kings Cup is to follow the rules associated with the cards, which will often involve drinking, performing challenges, or interacting with other players. The game’s main focus is to have fun and engage with friends in a playful way.
Basic Kings Cup Rules
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Taking Turns: Players take turns drawing one card at a time from the circle of cards. When a player draws a card, they must perform the action associated with that card (see the detailed list of card rules below).
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Actions: Each card has a unique action associated with it. Some cards require players to drink, while others might cause players to do something more creative (like making a rule or assigning drinks to others).
The Card Rules
Each card drawn in Kings Cup corresponds to a specific action. Here are the most common Kings Cup rules associated with the cards:
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Ace: "Waterfall" – Everyone starts drinking at the same time. You can stop only when the person before you stops drinking.
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2: "You" – The player who draws the card picks someone to drink.
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3: "Me" – The player who draws the card must drink.
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4: "Floor" – The last player to touch the floor drinks.
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5: "Guys" – All male players drink.
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6: "Chicks" – All female players drink.
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7: "Heaven" – The last player to raise their hand drinks.
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8: "Mate" – Choose a player to be your mate. Whenever you drink, they drink too, and vice versa.
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9: "Rhyme" – The player who draws the card says a word, and the other players must take turns saying words that rhyme with it. The first player who fails to come up with a rhyme drinks.
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10: "Categories" – The player who draws the card picks a category (e.g., types of beer, cities, animals), and players take turns naming items in that category. The first to fail drinks.
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Jack: "Make a Rule" – The player who draws this card creates a new rule that everyone must follow. For example, no using first names or no pointing. If anyone breaks the rule, they must drink.
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Queen: "Question Master" – The player who draws this card becomes the Question Master. Anyone who answers a question from the Question Master must drink.
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King: "Kings Cup" – When a King is drawn, the player pours some of their drink into the Kings Cup in the center. The player who draws the fourth King must drink the contents of the Kings Cup (a mix of everyone’s drinks).
Strategies for Winning Kings Cup
How to Play Strategically
Although Kings Cup is largely a game of luck, a few strategies can help make the experience more enjoyable:
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Pay Attention to the Cards: Keep track of which cards have been drawn to avoid forgetting the actions linked to certain cards. This can help you anticipate what might come next.
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Be Creative with Rules: When you draw the Jack card, get creative with the rules. Fun and silly rules (like no laughing) can make the game even more entertaining.
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Monitor Your Drinking: Since Kings Cup can involve a lot of drinking, it’s important to stay mindful of how much you’ve had. Drink responsibly and encourage others to do the same.
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Engage With the Group: Kings Cup is a social game. The more you interact and have fun with others, the more enjoyable the game will be for everyone.
Ready to Play Kings Cup?
Kings Cup is a perfect party game, full of laughs, excitement, and friendly competition. Now that you know how to play Kings Cup and understand the Kings Cup rules, you can gather your friends and dive into the game. Whether you’re playing for fun or trying to outlast your opponents, this classic drinking game is sure to deliver an unforgettable time.
Remember to drink responsibly, stay hydrated, and most importantly, have fun!
FAQs About How to Play Kings Cup
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How many players can play Kings Cup?
Kings Cup can be played with 3 or more players, but it works best with 4-6 players. -
How do I win Kings Cup?
There’s no clear winner in Kings Cup—it's all about having fun and surviving the game. The main goal is to avoid being the one who has to drink the Kings Cup at the end! -
Can I play Kings Cup without alcohol?
Yes, Kings Cup can be played with any beverages. Use non-alcoholic drinks or water if you prefer. -
What if someone refuses to drink?
If someone refuses to drink, they may be asked to leave the game or face a penalty (such as losing a turn or drawing an extra card). -
What happens if a player breaks a rule in Kings Cup?
If a player breaks a rule (such as speaking out of turn or forgetting to drink), they usually have to take a drink as a penalty.
