It goes by many different names, including the “Circle of Death” and “Kings Cup.” But we know it as the Waterfall drinking game! Like most (if not all) drinking games, it’s designed for parties and get-togethers where you want to unwind and have fun.
A drinking game isn’t like playing a game of Monopoly. It’sIt’s really more of a social experience. So, let’s now take a look at everything you need to know about this classic drinking game. Let’s start with outlining what the game is.
What is The Waterfall Drinking Game?
The Waterfall drinking game combines cards and drinking to create a fun and festive party game! To play Waterfall, you’ll need a deck of cards, an empty glass/ cup, and plenty of drink. It doesn’t matter what beverage is used in the Waterfall drinking game either.
Although we do recommend choosing a drink the majority of people will enjoy. You want the game to be fun after all! Like most drinking games, the Waterfall is best played with a group, and the more people, the better.
It can be played with fewer people, but part of the appeal of drinking games is how well-matched they are for larger groups. In this drinking game, the cards are placed out in a circle around the empty glass.
All cards should be touching; starting with the dealer, each player takes a card at random. Each card will require a different act/ instruction. You might have to take a drink, choose someone else to drink in your place, or everyone might have to take a swig.
Like many drinking games, there is no real point-scoring; it’s simply designed for fun! There are also several different rule variants, and the game even has regional differences. The waterfall drinking game history is quite shrouded, but it is likely much older than many of us think.
What You’ll Need?
To play the Waterfall drinking game, all you need is a deck of cards. Joker cards aren’t used following traditional Waterfall drinking game rules. However, you could create your own house rules by utilizing them.
Any regular playing cards will do, and they should be quite easy to find. We particularly like these waterproof playing cards, which could be helpful where a drinking game is concerned. You can even use multiple decks if you want. Although under traditional rules, only one deck is normally used.
The Playing Cards
The relaxed, casual nature of the Waterfall drinking game lends itself well to personalization in the form of house rules. However, if you are playing for the first time, then we recommend using the standard rules.
With these rules, each numbered card, the face cards, and aces all have specific instructions. It doesn’t matter what suit you pick up either. We’llWe’ll talk more about what each card does below in the gameplay section.
The Waterfall Drinking Game Rules and Gameplay
The Aim of The Game
Well, this is a drinking game, isn’t it? The game aims to have fun and get drunk or at least enjoy a drink or two. The Waterfall drinking game is ideal for parties, and it’s easy to play. So, if you are thinking of giving it a go, read on to find out exactly how to play.
Setting Up and Playing
Setting up the Waterfall drinking game is easy! Start by placing a glass or cup in the center of a table. Then take a deck of cards, shuffle them, and put them around the glass in a circle. Make sure the beverage you are using is nearby, and you have enough to last.
Then you need to choose who is going first. In some cases, the youngest or oldest player will go first. You can also go alphabetically or you can also select people at random.
Every player should only choose one card per round, though. When it’s your turn, you choose a card at random and then follow its instructions. To make this part easier, refer to the list below.
| Playing Card | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 2 | You give out two drinks. It can be to the same person or separate people. |
| 3 | You take a drink. |
| 4 | Every woman playing takes a drink. |
| 5 | Every man playing takes a drink. |
| 6 | The last player to touch the floor takes a drink. |
| 7 | The last player to raise their hand must take a drink. |
| 8 | The player who draws the card can choose one other player to be their “mate”. This player will then have to drink any time the person who chose them does. |
| 9 | If you draw card number nine, you must say a word. Going clockwise every other player will need to say a word that rhymes with it. The first player who doesn’t come up with a rhyme will need to drink. |
| 10 | The player who draws card number ten will choose a category. Players then go clockwise to name anything that falls within the chosen category. The first player who doesn’t come up with something in that category must drink. |
| Jack | You must start a game of Never Have I Ever. The first player who has done the action must take a drink. |
| Queen | You must ask another player a question. That player must answer, then ask another player a question. The first player who fails to answer a question must drink. |
| King | The player who draws a King can create any unique rule of their choosing. They can also reuse any of the instructions from the other cards. |
| Ace | This is the Waterfall card which means every player should drink. |
You should discard the chosen cards as you go. In Waterfall there is no real end, you can finish the game after everyone has chosen a card. Or if you can end the game after every card has been chosen.
The Waterfall Drinking Game – Sure To Be A Fun Time!
The Waterfall drinking game is the perfect party game! You can even customize the game with your own house rules easily. But whether you’re following the traditional rules or making your own, this game is sure to be a fun time for everyone.
