Ring of Fire Rules
At Playiro, we break down the Ring of Fire drinking game rules (aka King’s Cup). From card meanings to wild house variants, here’s everything you need to play this legendary party game.
Created by Adam D Fernsby
How to Play Ring of Fire (aka King’s Cup)
Ring of Fire is a legendary drinking card game that’s fast, chaotic, and endlessly customizable. Also called King’s Cup, it’s a party staple where each card drawn triggers a rule, challenge, or group activity – and the unlucky one to draw the last King has to chug the dreaded cup.
What You Need
- Players: 3–10+
- Gear:
- Full deck of cards (no jokers)
- Drinks for everyone
- Large empty glass (the King’s Cup)
Setup
- Place the King’s Cup in the center.
- Spread the cards face-down in a circle (the “ring”).
- Players sit around, drinks in hand.
- Choose someone to start.
Gameplay
- Players take turns drawing one card at a time.
- Each card has a specific rule (see below).
- Rules are carried out immediately.
- If a player breaks the ring (creates a gap in the circle), they must drink or take a penalty (house rules decide).
Card Meanings – Standard Rules
| Card | Rule & Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ace | Waterfall | Everyone drinks; no one can stop until the player before them does. |
| 2 | You | Choose someone to drink. |
| 3 | Me | You drink. |
| 4 | Floor | Last to touch the floor drinks. |
| 5 | Guys | All men drink. |
| 6 | Chicks | All women drink. |
| 7 | Heaven | Last to raise a hand drinks. |
| 8 | Mate | Pick a mate. Whenever you drink, they drink too. |
| 9 | Rhyme | Say a word; others rhyme. First to mess up drinks. |
| 10 | Categories | Pick a category (e.g., beer brands). Players name items until someone fails. |
| Jack | Never Have I Ever | Classic mini-game: 3 fingers up, drop one if you’ve done it. First out drinks. |
| Queen | Question Master | Ask a question anytime. Whoever answers must drink. |
| King | Pour into the Cup | Add drink to the King’s Cup. The 4th King drawn must drink the whole cup. |
Winning or Ending the Game
There’s no “winner.” The game usually ends when the fourth King is drawn and someone drinks the King’s Cup.
Optionally, keep going with extra rounds or additional decks for longer play.
Popular House Rules & Variants
- Ring Break → If you break the circle of cards, you drink.
- No Names → Saying someone’s name costs you a sip.
- Silent 5s → After a 5, no one can say “drink” for one round.
- Extra Kings → Add jokers or another deck for more chaos.
Ring of Fire (UK Version)
- Uses regional slang (e.g., “pints” instead of “drinks”).
- Some cards have alternate rules (e.g., 6 = Dicks, 5 = Bitches).
- Often includes a strict no pointing rule.
Strategies & Tips
Here are some strategies you can use to win the game:
- Don’t pour too much into the King’s Cup – it might come back to you.
- Balance fun and chaos with fair house rules.
- Keep track of who the Question Master is.
- Drink water between rounds – things get messy fast.
Overview of the Rules
- Draw a card, follow the rule
- Don’t break the ring or violate house rules
- Last King = Drink the King’s Cup
- Survive the chaos, or embrace it
Ring of Fire FAQ
What are the standard Ring of Fire rules?
Each card has a drinking challenge or social rule (see list above). The game continues until all cards are drawn or the final King is pulled.
What happens if I break the ring?
House rules vary, but usually… you drink.
What’s the King's Cup?
It’s the cup in the middle. Each King drawn adds to it. The 4th King drinks it.
Is Ring of Fire the same as King's Cup?
Yep, just different names for the same chaotic card-based drinking game.