Kings Cup
Every card has a task, the fourth King drains the King’s Cup: the complete Kings Cup rules.
Also known as: Sociables · Ring of Fire · Circle of Death · Waterfall
- Play online
How do you play Kings Cup?
Take turns drawing a card. Each card triggers an action:
- 2 – Category: Name a topic and something in it. Go round the circle adding more. Whoever can’t think of one or repeats drinks.
- 3 – Rhyme: Say a word, go round rhyming. Whoever runs out drinks.
- 4 – Question Master: Nobody may answer this player’s questions. Whoever does drinks. Lasts until someone draws the next 4.
- 5 – Counter: Pick a number from 3 to 9 and a word. Count around the circle; every number divisible by or containing your number is replaced by the word. Whoever slips up drinks.
- 6 – Toilet card: Only the holder may go to the toilet. Anyone who goes anyway drinks afterwards.
- 7 – Drink yourself.
- 8 – Thumb Master: You may put your thumb on the edge of the table at any time. The last to copy drinks.
- 9 – Rule: Make up a rule. Whoever breaks it drinks.
- 10 – Give out: Hand out ten sips.
- Jack: Guys drink. Queen: Girls drink.
- King – King’s Cup: The first King fills the glass in the middle a quarter full, the second half, the third three quarters. The fourth King tops it up with their own drink and empties the cup.
- Ace: Everyone drinks together.
Agree on drinks and amounts before you start. The game works just as well without alcohol.
Play it right here
Kings Cup online – card deck
What you need for Kings Cup
Missing something? Here’s matching equipment.
1× Deck of cards
Plastic cards survive spilled drinks.
Our pick: Copag 1546 Plastic Playing Cards, Poker Size, Red/Blue (Jumbo Index, 2 decks)
See a matching card deckAd – Affiliate link (advertising)Alternative: KEM Arrow Black & Gold Plastic Playing Cards, Poker Size (2 decks)* – Affiliate link (advertising)
Glasses
Sturdy glasses that survive a knock.
Our pick: Duralex Picardie Tumbler 50 cl, set of 6
See matching glassesAd – Affiliate link (advertising)Alternative: Duralex Picardie Tumbler 36 cl (12.62 oz), set of 6* – Affiliate link (advertising)
Drinking card games · optional
Ready-made card games for party groups – a fun addition to the classics.
Our pick: Do or Drink – drinking card game
See drinking card gamesAd – Affiliate link (advertising)Alternative: These Cards Will Get You Drunk* – Affiliate link (advertising)
Advertising: links marked with * or “Ad” are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The price stays the same for you. About affiliate links
Prefer a boxed version? See King’s Cup Extreme in our comparison of the best drinking games
Kings Cup: FAQ
How many players do you need for Kings Cup?
Kings Cup is played with 4–12 players.
What do you need for Kings Cup?
For Kings Cup you need: Deck of cards, Glasses, a large glass for the middle, plus drinks of your choice.
How hard are the rules of Kings Cup?
Rule difficulty: Medium. The instructions above are all you need to start.
Can you play Kings Cup without alcohol?
Yes. Kings Cup works just as well with water, soft drinks or alcohol-free beer. Agree on drinks and amounts before you start.