Setup
Players
- Up to 13
Materials
- Deck of 52 standard playing cards
- Beverage of choice
Objective
The goal of Irish Poker is to correctly guess the cards in your hand.
Gameplay
Each player gets four cards, which they should spread out in front of them face down. One player can act as the dealer and direct the game. Starting to the dealer’s left, players will guess whether their first card (the one farthest left) is red or black, then flip it over. If their guess was correct, they can assign 2 drinks to another player (or split it however you’d like). If they are wrong, they take 2 drinks.
Once everyone has revealed their first card, you guess whether the second card is higher or lower than the first. If the guess is right/wrong, assign/take 4 drinks. If it is the same card, it is a push and the player takes 4 drinks. Aces are high.
For the third card, everyone guesses whether it will be inside or outside the first two cards. Whether they are right or wrong, they will assign or take 6 drinks. Again, aces are high and if the third card matches one of the first two, it counts as being inside.
The fourth card, everyone guesses which suit their card will be. In the final round you will either assign or take 8 drinks.
Endgame
Once everyone’s cards are face up, the game is over!
Irish Poker Variations and Alternate Rules
Ride the Bus
In addition to dealing every player four cards, the dealer lays out eight more cards in a 1-2-2-2-1 pattern in the center of the table. Once everyone has revealed their cards, the dealer reveals the first card. If anybody has a matching card, they assign two drinks. The next card is then flipped and anyone with a match takes two drinks. The next two cards are assign/take four drinks if you have a match, then assign/take six drinks, then assign/take eight drinks.
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!
