The Best Kings Cup Rules You Need for an Epic Party

Looking for kings cup rules to play with your friends? I’m guessing you already know what king’s cup is however, I’ll fill you in, just in case. Kings cup also goes by the name ring of fire and circle of death depending on what part of the world you’re in. They have slightly different rules, but, in the end, they’re all fun and hilarious.

Kings cup is basically a drinking game that you can play at parties or before going out or with your friends at home. It’s such a great game because it always feels different no matter how many times you play it. This means that it never gets old and is probably why it’s so popular.

I also love that this game can be played with any drink, whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic. That means everyone can participate, regardless of drinking preferences.

Please remember to always drink responsibly. Never drink more than you can handle, and always stay safe while under the influence of alcohol. Excessive drinking can lead to illness or injury. This game is just as fun with soft drinks, and it means you can have a productive day the next day too. Winning!

The kings cup rules, ring of fire rules, and circle of death rules vary slightly. However, this kings cup game (in my humble opinion) is the most fun!

What you Need in Addition to the Kings Cup Rules

All you need to play this drinking game is a deck of cards, a plastic cup (aka the kings cup), and an awesome bunch of people. It’s ideal with between 5-15 players, but you do you! 

How to Play Kings Cup 

• Before starting the game, set some ground rules to ensure everyone is comfortable and knows what to expect. This includes drinking responsibly, knowing when to stop, and not pressuring others to drink.

• Gather your friends in a circle and place the Kings Cup in the center. Spread out the playing cards (face down) around the cup to form a ring. 

• The oldest player goes first and draws a card. Go around the circle to your left, taking turns picking a card. Use the kings cup rules to find out the action of each card.

• If you draw a King you must pour some of your drink into the Kings Cup. Whoever draws the fourth and final King must drink the concoction of liquid in the cup.  

Kings Cup Rules 

Ace: Waterfall: Everyone starts drinking. When the card puller stops drinking, the person to the right can stop drinking and so on until everyone has stopped.

Two: To You. Give two sips to another player.

Three: To Me. Take three sips.

Four: Thumb Master: Until another four is drawn, you are thumb master. Subtly place your thumb wherever you like at any time, e.g., your forehead, the table, on another player. The other players must do the same. The last player to realize drinks. 

Five: Guys. All guys drink.

Six: Chicks. All ladies drink.

Seven: Heaven. Point upward to the ceiling/sky. The other players must do the same suit. The last player to realize drinks.

Eight: Mates. Pick a mate to be your drinking partner. Whenever they drink, so do you and vice versa.

Nine: Bust a Rhyme. Say any word, and going around to the left, everyone must say a word that rhymes with it. If anyone repeats a word or doesn’t answer within 3 seconds, they drink.

Ten: Categories. Pick a category – e.g., Star Wars characters. Go around the circle to the left as each player says something that fits into the category. Whoever can’t think of one drinks.

Jack: Make a Rule. Come up with a rule that everyone must abide by, e.g., no pointing, no first names, no swearing, ban a word, the floor is lava, posh accents, etc. 

Queen: Question Master. Until another Queen is drawn, you are question master. You have the power to make others drink if they answer any of your questions. You may ask, “What day is it?” if anyone answers, they drink.

King: Pour some of your drink into the cup. Then, everyone must take turns saying, Never Have I Ever. If you’ve done it, you drink. Whoever draws the fourth and final King must drink the cup.

Get your free printable Kings Cup rules below!

Kings Cup Rules Extra Rules and Ideas for “Make a Rule”

If you want to add a bit of extra fun, you can add the following kings cup rules:

• If someone breaks the circle of cards when they draw a card, they must drink. 

• If someone is wrongly accused of having to drink, the accuser must drink.

• Everyone must start their sentences with “www” and end them with “dot.com.” If you forget, you drink.

• Everyone must drink with their left hand.

• Everyone must pretend they have an invisible seat belt on. You must take off and put it back on when you get up and sit down.

• No one is allowed to show their teeth when they talk. 

Kings Cup Rules Summary

There you have it, your kings cup rules for a drinking game that can be used on any occasion!

Please remember to always drink responsibly. Never drink more than you can handle, and always stay safe while under the influence of alcohol. Excessive drinking can lead to illness or injury.

Are you the type of person that can never find where you last left your deck of cards? I am 🙋‍♀️ and after I’ve played the *if I were a deck of cards where would I be* game for about 30 minutes I’m usually ready to give up. That’s why I’ve created printable playing cards so if you can’t find your cards, you’ve got a backup option.

You can buy them for a few dollars over on my Etsy store here. You’ll then be able to print them straight away. I recommend laminating them to protect them from getting wet but if you don’t have time, you can just cut them out and play straight away. Enjoy!

P.S. If you enjoy these kings cup rules/ring of fire rules, then you’ll LOVE this drunk Jenga game. 

P.P.S. You’ll also LOVE this drunk Tic Tac Toe Game.

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