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Drinking games are the soul of a good party. They break the ice, spark laughter, and often create the kinds of stories that start with, “Remember when…?” Whether you’re sipping casually or committing to chaos, a well-designed drinking game can turn a boring night into a memory factory.
Drinking games aren’t new either. They’ve been a part of social gatherings for thousands of years. Ancient Greeks played kottabos — a game where players would fling wine lees (the dregs) from their cups at targets while reclining at a symposium. The Romans had their own versions, often combining riddles and drinking forfeits. Even in the Middle Ages, monks reportedly played drinking games in cloisters during feast days (though probably not officially sanctioned).
By the 1800s, the popularity of tavern games like “caps” — flipping bottle tops into cups — and other pub-based contests gave rise to what we now think of as classic beer games. Fast forward to the 20th century, and college campuses invented their own catalogue of iconic activities: Flip Cup, Kings, Quarters, and of course, Beer Pong.
But here’s the problem: most drinking games out there are either too complicated, too tame, or too repetitive. That’s where JackFlap comes in.
What Is JackFlap?
JackFlap is a blog and creative hub dedicated to drinking games, party antics, and rule-making chaos. We create original games from scratch, remix classic ones to make them fun again, and — most importantly — solidify rules so there’s no debate once the drinks start flowing.
No more arguing about how many sips you take when you lose a round. No more half-baked explanations. Just clear, hilarious, well-thought-out drinking games that anyone can pick up and play. Whether you’re hosting a house party, planning a pub crawl, or just drinking with friends in the garden, JackFlap games are built to entertain and escalate.
What Makes JackFlap Drinking Games Different?
We Build the Rules Like a Real Game Designer Would
Every game we create follows core principles: accessibility, replayability, fairness, and absolute madness. We don’t throw a rule in just for chaos — we test it. We make sure it adds to the fun and the flow of the game.
We Remix the Old Stuff With a New Spin
Sure, you’ve played Beer Pong. But have you played Vietnam War (Viet Pong), where Team Vietnam can move their cups freely and Team USA drinks full cups every time they land one?
Ever tried Follow the Cult, our memory-loop drinking game where you act out weird rituals like it’s Bop-It meets a low-budget Midsommar?
We take the games you know and love, and twist them into something unpredictable — because drinking games should never feel stale.
We Write Clear, No-Nonsense Instructions
Nothing kills the vibe more than spending 30 minutes trying to understand the rules. Every JackFlap game comes with:
- A clear setup
- Step-by-step rules
- Examples in action
- Optional variations
- Fail and penalty systems
We also avoid using formatting gimmicks that clutter the instructions, so it’s readable and easy to follow — even after a few drinks.
We Design Games for Any Group Size
From two-person drinking challenges to 20-player party mayhem, our game library scales. Some games are best with 4–8 people (like Slap Slap Clap), others go wild with bigger groups (like Cult Rule Generator or Garden Battle).
Our Most Popular JackFlap Originals Drinking Games
Follow the Cult
You sit in a circle. One person (the Cult Leader) starts a ritual — maybe a hand wave and a frog noise. It passes around the circle. The leader starts another. Now you’re juggling three rituals while trying to remember the order.
If you mess up, the group shouts “Burn the Heretic!” and you drink. Pure memory-based chaos with a rhythmic twist. Think Bop-It meets Wicker Man.
Vietnam War (Viet Pong)
A twist on Beer Pong. Team Vietnam has full cups and can move them anywhere. Team USA has standard triangle cups. Vietnam refills cups if hit.
Rules:
- Every Team USA hit = Vietnam downs full beer
- Every Vietnam hit = USA drinks and refills that cup
- Ball must bounce once
- Game ends when USA clears all cups or surrenders
It’s all about strategy, chaos, and a race to stay upright.
Slap Slap Clap
Everyone sits in a circle with their own gesture (devil horns, arm raise, finger wand). You keep a beat: Slap Slap Clap. Then perform a gesture instead of a clap. The person whose gesture was used continues.
Mess up the rhythm? Drink. Gesture to the wrong person? Drink. Try to mess with people by looking at one person while doing another’s gesture.
Garden Battle
Perfect for outdoor parties. Teams race to the bottom of the garden, drink a pre-placed cup, and sprint back to tag the next player. Cups can include a “shitmix” chosen by the other team.
Safety tip: Play on grass, not gravel. Don’t trip over the lawnmower. Bring trainers — and a competitive streak.
How to Make Your Own Drinking Game Like JackFlap
Start With a Core Mechanic
Do you want your drinking game to be about memory, speed, dares, rhythm, deception? Pick one. Focus it around a clear player action.
Add Risk and Reward
Every drinking game is better with consequence. If you get it right, you pass. If you mess up, you drink. If you win a round, maybe you assign a punishment. If you’re a wildcard, introduce a “reverse” move.
Keep It Simple at First
Don’t overload your mates. Start with one idea and expand after a round or two. Too many rules at the beginning can tank a party’s momentum.
Include Chaos Elements
Spinners. Blindfolds. Dice. Secret cards. Shitmixes. Anything that adds unexpected variety to a standard mechanic will heighten the fun.
Write Rules People Can Understand While Tipsy
This is our bread and butter. Your drinking game should be readable, playable, and scalable. Use clear steps, avoid jargon, and always include a fail state. Because if no one knows what happens when someone messes up, the game dies.
Why Do We Love Drinking Games So Much?
Let’s be honest — drinking games aren’t really about drinking. Not at their core. They’re about:
- Breaking the ice
- Creating shared rituals
- Making people laugh
- Introducing stakes to the evening
- Turning a regular night into something memorable
A game like Flip Cup or Kings forces people into interaction, especially in groups where not everyone knows each other. It levels the playing field, generates shared language (“remember when you chugged that cider like a Viking?”), and invites mischief in a way that regular conversation doesn’t always manage.
The Pros of Drinking Games
1. They Spark Social Interaction
Drinking games provide structure for otherwise awkward social environments. Not everyone is a natural conversationalist — games allow shy people to get involved without having to be the centre of attention.
2. They Make Boring Drinks More Exciting
You don’t need expensive cocktails or mixologist-level drinks. A few cans of lager, a pack of cards, and a table can turn into 3 hours of belly laughs.
3. They’re Creative and Customisable
Games like those from JackFlap prove you can invent your own rules, remix classics, or turn anything into a challenge. Got a spoon and a pint glass? That’s a game waiting to happen.
4. They Build Stories
The best nights out are made of the things people remember (or piece together the next morning). Drinking games add unexpected turns. “How did we end up doing interpretive dance in the garden?” — probably because someone lost Body Shot Roulette.
5. They Loosen People Up (Within Reason)
Alcohol in moderation reduces inhibition and can help people feel more open, especially if they’re in a new setting. Games accelerate that process.
The Cons of Drinking Games
1. They Can Encourage Excess
Some games go hard, fast. Power Hour, Century Club, or even an aggressive round of Rage Cage can get people drunk too quickly, leading to vomiting, blackouts, or dangerous behaviour.
2. Peer Pressure Gets Amplified
If someone doesn’t want to drink, a game with rigid penalties can make them feel left out or pressured. That’s not fun — it’s coercion.
3. They Can Lead to Injury
Games involving movement (Garden Battle, floor-based games, outdoor relays) carry risks, especially when alcohol is involved. Trips, sprains, or minor accidents are common if people aren’t careful.
4. Consent Must Be Crystal Clear
Games that involve physical interaction — like Body Shot Roulette or anything remotely NSFW — must be based on clear and enthusiastic consent. No one should feel pressured to participate.
5. They Can Escalate Quickly
A game that starts playful can turn sour if people are misjudging their limits. Things like shouting matches, fights, or emotional blowups can and do happen if people go too far.
How to Stay Safe While Still Having Fun
Here’s how to enjoy drinking games without things turning into a disaster:
1. Know Your Limits (And Respect Others’)
This is the golden rule. No game is worth making yourself ill or miserable. Set a drink limit for yourself, or switch to water or soft drinks every other round. If someone says “no,” respect it.
2. Design Games That Include Non-Drinkers
At JackFlap, many of our games can be played with forfeit flexibility. Instead of a shot, do a dare. Instead of beer, drink juice. As long as the spirit of the game is alive, you’re doing it right.
3. Hydrate and Snack
Water breaks. Crisps. Pizza. These things aren’t just great party additions — they help regulate how fast alcohol hits you. Eat throughout the evening.
4. Use Safer Settings for Active Games
If you’re doing relay races, crawling challenges, or any game involving movement, avoid concrete, furniture, or anything you could trip on. Grass or padded flooring is ideal. Make sure there’s nothing sharp nearby. Watch out for garden tools.
5. Keep Consent Central
For games involving body contact, get explicit permission. This isn’t just a “don’t be creepy” thing — it’s a legal and ethical necessity. Make consent part of the game setup.
6. Designate a Game Master (Or Enforcer)
Someone sober (or at least less drunk) can help keep things on track. They call out rule violations, help new players understand the game, and shut things down if someone’s heading toward a bad time.
7. Have a Stop Mechanism
Any player should be able to opt out at any time. Have a house rule that says “waterfall” or “parlay” if someone needs a timeout. Don’t treat that as weakness — treat it as smart.
Drinking Games and Party Culture: A Balancing Act
The reality is this: drinking games are fun. Wildly fun. But like all things with risk, they require a little thought. You can still be spontaneous, ridiculous, and loud while also being smart.
Modern party culture — especially among younger adults — is actually shifting toward more mindful play. People still love games, but there’s a growing trend for moderation, creativity, and inclusive setups. Drinking games are adapting.
At JackFlap, we lean into this. We build games for people who want to have fun, not fall down. Games that let you laugh more than you sip. Games where you can substitute challenges and feel part of the group no matter what you’re drinking.
Drinking Game Essentials
Here’s your go-to checklist for hosting an epic drinking game night:
Get yourself on Amazon and buy the following:
The Basics
- Red plastic cups (a drinking game icon)
- Ping pong balls (you need at least 2)
- A standard deck of cards
- Dice (1 or 2 is enough)
- Coin(s) for bounce games
Nice to Have
- Shot glasses
- Whiteboard or pad for scorekeeping
- Bluetooth speaker (for atmosphere or rhythm-based games)
- Antibacterial wipes (for any game involving body contact)
- Torch or garden lights (if you’re playing outdoors)
JackFlap-Specific Tools
- A phone for the JackFlap Reverse App
- Rule printouts or cheat sheets
- Pre-made ritual cards or variations (for cult-style games)
Don’t overthink it — the game is what you make it. Even paper and pen can be turned into a night of fun with the right crowd.
Drinking Game Archetypes: Know Your Poison
Not all drinking games are created equal. Some are designed to challenge your skill, while others test your memory, endurance, or social cunning. Here are the common archetypes:
1. Skill-Based Games These involve coordination, timing, or physical precision. Think Beer Pong, Flip Cup, or Quarters. Great for competitive types.
2. Luck-Based Games It’s all about chance. Draw a card, roll a die, or spin a bottle. Kings, Ride the Bus, and Circle of Death fall into this category.
3. Endurance Games For those brave (or foolish) enough to try. These games ramp up alcohol intake steadily. Power Hour, Century Club, or Even Paranoia when played aggressively.
4. Memory and Pattern Games Keep a beat, remember a move, or copy a sound. These games start easy and quickly descend into chaos. Follow the Cult or Slap Slap Clap are great examples.
5. Social Games and NSFW Games These are less about winning and more about shocking, revealing, or bonding. Never Have I Ever, Body Shot Roulette, and Truth or Dare.
6. Outdoor / Physical Games Big groups? Big space? Go physical. Garden Battle, Glug of War, or obstacle-based relay races bring festival energy to your backyard.
Each archetype serves a different kind of party. Choose wisely based on group size, energy level, and comfort zone.
Drinking Game Myths Debunked
Let’s bust a few common myths that get thrown around:
“You have to get drunk to have fun in drinking games.” Nope. Many games can be played with soft drinks, dares, or light sips. It’s the interaction that matters.
“Drinking games are just for uni students.” Absolutely not. People in their 30s, 40s, and even retirees enjoy them. They adapt with age — just maybe go easier on the tequila.
“You need loads of props to play.” Wrong again. Some of the best games need nothing but your hands, your mates, and a bit of imagination.
“Everyone knows the rules.” False. Even Kings has 100 different house rules. That’s why at JackFlap, we write them down properly.
What to Drink (and What Not To)
Choosing the right drinks for a party game night is crucial. It’s easy to go overboard if you’re pouring triple shots of 70% absinthe — and that’s how nights get ruined fast. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Start light. Don’t use high-alcohol spirits like absinthe, overproof rum, or strong whiskey in games where you might take ten or more shots over an evening. These should be special-case drinks — for example, a single shot of absinthe as the ‘punishment drink’ no one wants to get.
Use low-alcohol shots. Apple sours, peach schnapps, Baileys, or even flavoured vodka at low ABV levels are better options. You want to keep the pace up, not flatten people after round one.
Beer sips or “two fingers.” If your game calls for drinking a portion of your beer, “two fingers” refers to drinking down the glass to the width of two fingers held horizontally. It’s a standard party measure. Alternatively, make beer or cider the default drink — much safer than spirits.
Have water and soft drinks ready. Especially for longer games, include water, fizzy drinks, or mocktails so people can sub out alcohol without feeling excluded.
Common Terms in Drinking Games
“Two Fingers” – A way to measure how much to drink. You hold two fingers horizontally against your glass, and drink down to that point. Great for keeping rounds manageable.
“Forfeit” – The consequence of losing, breaking a rule, or failing a challenge. Could be a shot, a dare, or something silly.
“House Rules” – Custom modifications that vary from group to group. These are the tweaks that give classic games their personal flavour.
“Waterfall” – A common rule where everyone drinks in sequence, one after another, as long as the person before them keeps drinking. Often used in Kings.
“Shitmix” – A truly vile drink made by combining leftover booze in a single cup. Used as a punishment in many JackFlap games. Proceed with caution.
“Enforcer” – A designated player who watches for rule breaks, enforces penalties, and helps manage the game flow. Think of them as the referee — but usually drunker.
“Sip vs Shot” – A choice between a small drink or a full shot — useful to let people control their pace without opting out entirely.
FAQ: What to Do When Someone Breaks the Rules
Q: What happens if someone breaks the rules in a drinking game?
A: That depends on the game you’re playing. Most drinking games include a built-in forfeit for breaking the rules — usually taking a drink, completing a silly dare, or facing some group-determined consequence. The key is to keep it playful, not punitive.
Q: What if someone is breaking rules repeatedly or intentionally?
A: If someone is clearly not respecting the spirit of the game or is being disruptive, it may be time to pause and reset expectations. Assign an Enforcer (a designated player or rotating role) to monitor fair play. If it continues, it’s okay to sit them out for a round or switch games entirely.
Q: What if the person who broke the rule refuses to do the forfeit?
A: Nobody should ever be pressured to drink or perform something they’re uncomfortable with. If someone opts out, let them. Modify the penalty (e.g., a sip of water, a funny action, or trivia challenge) so everyone stays engaged safely.
Q: Can someone else report rule-breaking to the group?
A: Some JackFlap games (like Cult Rule Generator) intentionally make this a trap — if you snitch, you drink. That adds tension and strategy. But in general, yes, it’s fine to point out a missed rule, especially if it’s accidental or affecting game flow.
Q: Is there a good default response to broken rules?
A: Yes. Pick a catchphrase like “Burn the Heretic,” “House Forfeit,” or “Spin Again” and decide on a light penalty. Keep it consistent and fun.
Q: What if it leads to arguments?
A: Shut it down. No game is worth wrecking the vibe. Take a break, get some food, or move to a new game. The host or game master should step in if things get heated.
Bottom line: rules exist to guide the fun — not stifle it. Keep things fair, flexible, and fun, and your drinking games will stay golden.
Final Thoughts
Drinking games aren’t just about getting drunk. They’re about interacting, performing, competing, laughing, and turning the night into a story people want to retell. JackFlap was born out of that exact energy — that moment when someone says, “Let’s play a game,” and someone else says, “Only if we make it weird.”
At JackFlap, we’re not just listing rules — we’re building drinking games that deserve to exist. From memory-based chaos to outdoor relay races to psychological deception, there’s something here for every type of player and every kind of party.
And let’s be honest: the drinking game is one of the oldest traditions in the world. Whether it’s ancient Greeks flinging wine or modern mates flipping coins in a pub, the goal has always been the same — fun, connection, and a little bit of glorious unpredictability.
So next time you need a drinking game that works, that entertains, and that might lead to someone dancing on a garden table — check JackFlap first.
New games are dropping all the time. Rituals are evolving. Heretics are burning. And the party is only just beginning.
