Beer ball is a fast table game for four or more players. Teams throw a ping pong ball at each other’s drinks, and a hit means your side gets to drink until the defenders recover the ball. Rules differ from group to group, so this guide sticks to the version most sources agree on and notes the common variations.
What beer ball is
Beer ball (sometimes called dodge beer, among other house names) is played on a flat table with a ping pong ball and one drink per player. You may also see it called “beersbee.” That name is used loosely, and some people use it for a different product, so if you bought a boxed set with that name, check the rules that came with it. This article covers the ping pong ball and cans version.
What you need
- A flat table such as a ping pong table (see games to play with a ping pong table) or a sturdy folding table
- One or two ping pong balls
- At least four cans, bottles, or cups, one for each player
- Two teams with the same number of players, most often two per side
Cold drinks are more pleasant to finish. For a sober version, use soda, water, or seltzer.
Setup
- Split into two equal teams and stand at opposite ends of the table.
- Put one drink on each corner of the table, so each player has a drink on their end. With six players, put three on each end.
- Decide who throws first with rock paper scissors or a coin flip.
Some players place the cans upside down or keep them unopened until the first hit. A common house rule is that you may not open or touch your drink until your team has hit an opposing one.
How to play
- A player throws the ball at the other team’s drinks. It can hit directly or bounce first.
- If the ball hits a drink, the thrower’s teammate starts drinking. In some versions the thrower drinks.
- The defending team retrieves the ball, touches it to the table, and calls “down” or “stop.” The drinker must stop immediately.
- If the throw misses, play passes to the other team.
- Rotate throwers so everyone throws and everyone drinks.
How to win
The first team to finish all of its drinks wins. If a team quits, the other team is generally declared the winner. If you would rather play several rounds, agree beforehand how to count finished drinks.
Common rules and penalties
- Defenders may not touch or block the ball before it strikes a drink.
- Many groups say the ball must be in a hand when it touches the table to stop the drinker.
- Knocking over a drink often means the drink is replaced or refilled.
- Interfering too aggressively with the defenders can be penalized, for example by making the thrower stand farther back for a round.
Variations
Some groups play a more formal version with larger vessels and extra scoring rules, and these differ from source to source. Some home players add “interference,” allowing one slap or block of the ball per round after a hit. Keep any rough play light, and clear the room of breakables, since people will be diving for the ball.
How long should the table be?
A standard ping pong table, which is 9 feet long, is the usual choice. If your table is longer, space the drinks about an arm’s length apart. Very short tables make hits too easy.
Play it more safely
Beer ball rewards fast drinking, which makes it easier to overdo. Use low-alcohol drinks or non-alcoholic ones, set a limit before you start, and stop anyone who looks unwell. Do not drive afterward. If you like table games with a throw, see games like beer die for similar options.
FAQ
How many beers are in a beer ball? “Beer Ball” was also the name of a plastic keg sold in the 1980s and 1990s. According to wikiHow, it held about 5 gallons, roughly 55 12-ounce beers.
Why were beer balls discontinued? We could not find a reliable explanation, so we will not guess.
How many players do you need? Four is standard, but six or eight also work with extra drinks on each side.