1 Setup
Place a large cup (the Kings Cup) in the center of the table. Spread a standard 52-card deck face-down around it in a circle. Each player has their own drink. Choose the order of play (clockwise is standard).
2 Gameplay
Players take turns drawing one card from the circle. The card drawn determines the rule that applies. After the action is completed, the card is discarded (or placed under the Kings Cup if it's a King). Play continues to the left.
3 Standard Card Rules
Rules vary by group, these are the most common versions:
| Card | Name | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Ace | Waterfall | Everyone starts drinking; you can't stop until the person to your right stops. Left to right cascade. |
| 2 | You | Point at anyone, they drink. |
| 3 | Me | You drink. |
| 4 | Floor | Last person to touch the floor drinks. |
| 5 | Guys | All men drink. |
| 6 | Chicks | All women drink. |
| 7 | Heaven | Last person to raise their hand drinks. |
| 8 | Mate | Choose a drinking buddy, they drink whenever you drink for the rest of the game. |
| 9 | Rhyme | Say a word; players go around rhyming. First to fail or hesitate drinks. |
| 10 | Categories | Name a category (e.g., "car brands"); players name items in turn. First to fail drinks. |
| Jack | Rule | Make a rule that lasts the rest of the game (e.g., "no pointing," "drink with your left hand"). Anyone who breaks it drinks. |
| Queen | Question Master | You become Question Master. Anyone who answers a question you ask must drink. Lasts until the next Queen is drawn. |
| King | King's Cup | Pour some of your drink into the Kings Cup. The 4th King draws must drink the entire cup. |
4 The Kings Cup
The first three Kings drawn add a portion of their drink to the center cup. The player who draws the 4th King must drink the entire Kings Cup, whatever mix of drinks is in it. This is the game's most feared outcome.
5 Common Variants
Kings Cup rules vary significantly by group and region. Other common card meanings:
- 5 = Thumb Master, secretly press your thumb on the table at any time; last to notice drinks
- 6 = Dicks (all men) or Chicks (all women) depending on regional convention
- Jack = Never Have I Ever, 3 fingers up; say a "never have I ever" statement; put a finger down if you've done it; finish your drink when all 3 are down
The most important thing is to agree on all card rules before the game starts. Print or write them out so there's no dispute mid-game.
🎲 House Rules
Play Kings Cup your way?
Save your house rules and share a link or QR code — friends can pull them up at the table.