Beer Pong Rules

How to Play Beer Pong (Party Edition)

Beer Pong is the classic party game of skill, teamwork, and drinks. Two teams face off across a long table, aiming to sink ping pong balls into the opponent’s cups. Every hit means a drink – and the last team standing wins.

What You Need

• Players: 2–8 (1v1 or 2v2 is standard)
• Equipment:
  • 1 long table (~8 feet)
  • 20 plastic cups (10 per side)
  • 2 ping pong balls
  • Beer or any beverage of choice
  • Optional: water cups for rinsing balls

Setup

1. Arrange 10 cups per side in a triangle (4-3-2-1).
2. Fill cups with beer (or another drink).
3. Teams stand at opposite ends of the table.
4. Decide who starts (coin toss or shoot-off).

Gameplay Rules

Follow these steps to play the game:

Objective:

• Sink balls into the opponent’s cups.
• Hit = they drink that cup and remove it.
• First team to clear all opponent cups wins.

Turns:

• Each team shoots 2 balls per turn (1 each in 2v2).
• If both players score in the same turn → Balls Back (shoot again).

Types of Shots:

• Standard Shot → Toss straight into a cup.
• Bounce Shot → Worth 2 cups, but can be swatted away.
• Re-rack → Once per game, rearrange remaining cups (e.g., diamond, line).

Common House Rules

• Redemption → Losing team gets one last chance to sink all cups to force overtime.
• Island Rule → Call “Island” on a lone cup. Hit it = remove 2 cups.
• Heating Up / On Fire → Two shots in a row = “Heating Up.” Three in a row = “On Fire,” keep shooting until you miss.
• Bounce Shots → Worth 2 cups but may be defended.
• No Leaning → Elbows stay behind the table edge.

Beer Pong Rules (UK Variant)

• Often fewer cups (6 or 8).
• Cider, ale, or mixed drinks instead of beer.
• Bounce shots may not count double.
• Forfeits often include dares or mini-challenges.

Winning the Game

• First team to sink all of the other side’s cups wins.
• If Redemption is successful, play Overtime (usually 3 cups each).
• First team to clear overtime cups wins.

Strategies & Tips

• Aim for front cups – easier targets and roll-ins.
• Find your arc – practice your shot style.
• Communicate with teammates for consistency.
• Drink water – Beer Pong can last longer than you think.

Overview of the Rules

• 10 cups per side in a triangle
• 2 balls per team per turn
• Hit = opponent drinks & removes cup
• House rules: re-racks, bounces, redemption
• Winner clears all 10 cups first