The High Low drinking game is a simple, fun way to test your luck and keep the party going. All you need is a deck of cards, some drinks, and a group of friends. The game’s premise is straightforward guess whether the next card will be higher or lower than the previous one.
A wrong guess means a drink, and the game continues until everyone’s had their turn. Its simplicity makes it a hit at any gathering, and it’s easy for anyone to join in, regardless of experience.
If you’re looking to add a bit more variety to your game night, try incorporating “Pick Me Up” for an added layer of excitement. It’s another card-based drinking game that mixes up the pace and keeps the fun flowing. Whether you stick to High Low or switch things up with Pick Me Up, both games are sure to create lasting memories.
What You Need to Play High Low
Before jumping into the rules, let's make sure you have everything you need to get started. Playing High Low doesn’t require a lot of materials, so it’s perfect for any occasion.
Supplies:
- A standard deck of 52 playing cards
- Drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic)
- A group of people (2 or more)
- A flat surface to lay down cards (a table works best)
The setup is simple, and you can start playing within minutes.
How to Set Up the Game
To begin, all players sit in a circle around a table or a similar surface. The dealer, who is typically the person leading the game, starts by shuffling the deck of cards. Then, they place the deck face down in the middle of the table. The dealer will start by flipping the first card and placing it face-up.
The objective is to guess whether the next card will be higher or lower than the current card. The game continues until a player guesses wrong or chooses not to play.
The Basic Rules of High Low
Once you’ve got your supplies and the game set up, here’s how the game works:
1. Flipping the First Card
The dealer flips the top card of the deck and places it face-up for everyone to see. The card can be any card from Ace to King.
2. Making the Guess
The first player must guess whether the next card will be higher or lower than the card on the table.
- Higher means they think the next card will be of a higher value than the card showing.
- Lower means they think the next card will be of a lower value than the card showing.
If the card they guess is correct, they move on to the next round and the dealer flips another card.
3. Taking a Drink
If the player guesses wrong, they must take a drink. After that, the next person takes their turn.
This continues, with each person guessing whether the next card will be higher or lower than the previous one, and taking a drink if they’re wrong.
4. Repeat the Process
The game continues until everyone has had their turn or when players decide to stop. It’s a game of luck, and the more you play, the more fun it gets!
Card Values and the Rules to Remember
It’s important to remember that cards in the deck are ranked as follows:
- 2 through 10 are valued at their face number (2 being the lowest, 10 the highest of the lower cards).
- Jacks, Queens, Kings, and Aces are valued as high cards, but remember that the Ace is both high and low.
This means if an Ace is showing, the next card can be any card, and it’s a 50/50 guess.
Why High Low is a Fun Drinking Game
One of the reasons the High Low drinking game is so popular is that it doesn’t require complicated rules or a lot of setup. It’s purely based on luck, which means everyone has an equal chance of winning.
The simplicity of the game makes it easy for anyone to join, and players don’t need to worry about remembering long lists of rules.
It’s also flexible. You can change the pace of the game depending on how you want to play. For example, you could create a “wild card” rule, where if a player draws a Jack, Queen, King, or Ace, everyone takes a drink.
Mix Things Up with “Pick Me Up”
While High Low is great on its own, you can always spice things up by adding other games to the mix. If you want to try something different, “Pick Me Up” is a fun drinking game that adds a bit more strategy.
It involves players having to pick the right cards or perform challenges based on the card drawn, making it a great follow-up after a round of High Low.
“Pick Me Up” is the perfect way to keep the energy up while offering new rules and twists. And if you're looking for more drinking game ideas, integrating a variety of games will keep everyone on their toes and make the night more interesting.
How to Keep the Game Fair and Fun
As with any drinking game, the main goal is to have fun, not to overdo it. To ensure that the game stays fun and safe for everyone:
- Set limits: Make sure to take breaks or set drink limits for each round.
- Play with friends you trust: Since High Low is a casual game, it's best to play with people you're comfortable with.
- Be mindful of the drinking pace: If someone is feeling uncomfortable or too tipsy, don’t hesitate to adjust the rules or switch to a non-alcoholic version.
The idea is to keep things light-hearted and enjoyable, so everyone can join in without feeling pressured.
Wrapping Up: Why High Low Works Every Time
High Low is one of the best drinking games for parties because it’s simple, easy to set up, and doesn’t require a lot of preparation. It’s perfect for all skill levels and can be played in any setting, whether it’s a small gathering or a large party.
If you want to make your drinking game night even better, try adding “Pick Me Up” for an exciting change of pace. Whether you’re playing High Low or mixing in other fun games, it’s all about having a good time with friends.
