Setup
Players
- 4 (two teams of two)
Materials
- Table
- Four unopened cans of beer or another beverage
- One or two ping-pong balls
Setup
- Place one can at each corner of the table
- Teams stand together at opposite ends of the table
Additional Setup Notes
- Who goes first can be decided in any way. When in doubt, oldest goes first.
- Best played in an open space without obstacles, but they can add some challenge too!
Objective
The objective of beer ball is for you and your teammate to finish your drinks before the opposing team.
Gameplay
When a team takes their turn, each person on the team will throw a ping-pong ball towards the cans at the opposing team’s end of the table. If the ball misses either of the cans, that player’s turn is over. If the ball strikes either of the cans, the teammate of the person who threw the ball should open their can and begin to drink from it. As soon as the other team recovers the ball and touches it to the top of the table, the person drinking must stop. The next person on the team will then go. Once they have gone, it is the other team’s turn.
You can also play an alternating order where players take their turn, alternating between teams (i.e. player one of team one, then player one of team two, etc.). This is especially helpful when playing with only one ping pong ball.
The only rule about retrieving the ball is that it must be in someone’s hand when it touches the table. You can throw it to a teammate who puts it back on the table, but you can’t throw the ball itself at the table.
If a shot knocks an open can off the table, the owner of that must finish what is left, then get a new, unopened can. Finishing a drink only counts if the person consumes all of it.
If one teammate finishes their drink before the other, they are still in the game and need to shoot so that their teammate can finish.
Endgame
The first team to finish both of their drinks wins.
FAQs
Can the audience participate?
Sure! Whether it’s cheering on the team that’s winning or helping to retrieve stray balls, make sure the players agree on what spectators are allowed to do to help teams during the game.
What if the ball rolls somewhere that it can’t be reached?
That is also up to the players’ discretion. The best suggestion is to scope out where you are playing and determine if there are any “ground rule double” areas where it would be unfair for a ball to roll.
Disclaimer
The Game Farm does not encourage or promote alcohol consumption of any kind. We do not take responsibility for any injuries, damages, or other consequences that may arise from the consumption of alcohol while playing our games.
It is the responsibility of each individual player to drink responsibly and know their limits. We recommend that players drink plenty of water and take breaks throughout the night to avoid becoming intoxicated.
If you are underage, please do not drink alcohol. Drinking alcohol underage is illegal and can have serious health consequences.
We hope you have fun playing our drinking games responsibly!
