Regulate
Beer Pong rules are a highly controversial topic. Everyone has their own house rules, and minor arguments are not uncommon. To ensure your future Beer Pong evenings are harmonious and peaceful, you can download our official BeerBaller rules as a PDF here.
Feel free to print them out, hang them on the wall, or rub them in your gaming partners' faces during arguments.
Preparing the Beer Pong Match
Form two teams of two players. Each team receives two balls and ten beer-filled cups (two beer bottles are usually enough for ten cups, depending on the number of players). There is also a water-filled cup for cleaning the balls during the game.
At the beginning, a game of rock, paper, scissors determines which team throws first. Each team then takes turns throwing, with each team member getting one throw. If a player hits the ball, the opposing team must drink the cup and put it away.
Throwing rules and types of throws
Elbow
Throw however you like, but the important thing is: ELBOWS BEHIND THE TABLE! Make sure you're not standing too close to the table, so your elbow doesn't stick out over the edge when you throw. This will invalidate your throw!
The ball hits the table
You can also throw the ball so that it hits the board once and only then (in the best case scenario) lands in the cup. But be careful! There are special rules here!
Defense : Once the ball has landed on the court, the opposing team has the opportunity to clear the ball. This allows them to defend their cups.
Gentlemen : No fingering or blowing! If the ball is in the cup, no defense is possible!
Bouncer
If the ball bounces on the table and the opponents have not managed to defend their cups, they have to drink an additional cup!
2 Pointer: Players both hit a cup - Balls Back!
If the two players hit two different cups, both must be drunk by the opposing team. In addition, the players get their two balls back and are both allowed to throw again.
3 Pointer: Two hits in the same cup
If both players hit the same cup, a total of three cups must be drunk. The team that hit the cup can decide which additional cup must be drunk. In this case, both players also get their balls back!
Specials
Heating up: If a player hits twice in a row, he is heating up!
On fire: If a player hits three times in a row, they're on fire. They can continue throwing until they miss again.
Iceland: If a cup is standing alone with no neighboring cups, "Iceland" may be said. However, each player may only say this once during the entire game. If the standing cup is hit after the announcement, the opposing team must drink an extra cup. However, if the player hits one of the other cups, the hit does not count.
Trick Shot: If the ball returns to your half of the table after your throw, you may throw again. It's important that you grab it quickly so you can play again, because if your opponent gets it, you lose your chance for an extra throw. Now it has to be a trick shot! You have to perform a trick while throwing, for example, with your back to the table or by throwing it under your leg. If you need inspiration, you can read our blog about unusual trick shots.
End of the game
Once all of a team's cups have been hit, the game is over. But fair play! Even the losers get another chance!
Redemption: If the last cup is hit, the losing team gets another shot. Two shots, one per player.
Overtime: If the redemption is successful, the cards are reshuffled! Two pyramids of three are placed next to each other in the middle of the table. Be careful! You can easily hit your own cups here!
Sudden Death: If a cup is not completely emptied during the game and is hit by an opponent, the entire game is lost.
Social Distance Beer Pong Rules
- The first team throws once. After that, each team has two throws, one per thrower.
- “Rock, paper, scissors” decides which team goes first.
- Over-leaning is permitted subject to the following: - Under no circumstances may a player throw with any part of his body on (against) the table. - Hands may not touch the table during the throw. - Cups may not be moved to gain an advantage by over-leaning. Moved cups must be returned to their original position; all cups knocked over are considered hits.
- Defensiveness is, logically, not possible online; trash talk is allowed.
- Bouncing is allowed. If a hit is made, only one cup is removed due to the lack of defense.
- As soon as a cup is hit, it is removed.
- Cups are arranged into a pyramid at 6, 3 and 1 cups.
- If both throwers hit in the same round, they get an extra rollback throw, the only exception being during re-throws.
- Special case of re-throw: The team that did not start the match may throw the next cup. - If there is more than one cup left, the next team may throw as many cups as there are balls on the side. If a throw is missed, the game is over. The next throwers must alternate. - If only one cup remains, the rule is "as many throws as there are balls on the side." For example: If the opposing team misses the first throw, they do not get a second throw. - If the opposing team hits the last two or three cups, they get a re-throw chance.
- Special case: Overtime: The second team has a chance to win overtime by hitting all remaining cups: - 3 cups in a pyramid shape. - The dominant team starts with 2 throws. - Same rules as for re-throws and rollbacks.
