Beer die is a team table game built around tossing a die, scoring, and drinking. If you like it, you probably enjoy fast turns, a bit of skill, and a game that fits around a table. This guide looks at similar games and what each one asks of you. Rules for these games vary widely from group to group, so agree on house rules before you start.
What beer die is, briefly
Beer die is generally played by two teams of two around a table, with players tossing a die and drinks placed on the table. The exact scoring and drinking rules differ between groups and regions, so if you want a precise version, settle it with your group first. The games below share its mix of aim, teamwork and quick turns.
What to look for in a similar game
- Team format. Do you want partners, or everyone for themselves?
- Space. A table game needs a table; a circle game does not.
- Skill versus luck. Tossing games reward practice; card or rule games depend more on chance.
- Waiting time. Some games leave most people watching.
Table games with a toss
Beer pong. The best-known option: teams throw a ball at cups arranged on opposite sides of a table. If you own a ping pong table, games to play with a ping pong table has more ideas. A common complaint is that it leaves bystanders waiting, which is why people look for alternatives.
Rage Cage. A larger-group game. Cups sit clustered in the middle of the table, players race to drink a cup and then bounce a ping pong ball into it, and the cups are stacked and passed around the table. Rules vary by source. It suits a big table and a lot of people.
Beer ball. Two teams of two throw a ping pong ball at the other team’s drinks, and a hit lets your side drink until the ball comes back. See our beer ball rules. Some sources describe a similar game under the name Deathball.
Dirty blonde pong. We could not verify a standard definition of this one, so we leave it out. If you hear about it, ask the host to explain the rules.
Group games
Flip cup. Two teams race to drink and flip a cup in sequence. It handles a big group and needs little setup.
Thunderstruck. A music-based circle game. Everyone holds a drink, and each time the song’s “thunder” lyric plays, the drinker rotates to the next person.
King’s Cup. A card game with a rule for each card and a central cup. It is flexible, but you will need a deck.
Lower-key choices
Quarters. Bounce a coin off the table into a cup. It works for two to many players and needs only a coin. See drinking games for two people without cards for how it plays.
Not drinking? Swap the drink
Almost every game here works with soda, juice, or water in place of alcohol. Replace “drink” with a point, or a small forfeit, and you have a game that works for mixed groups. For games that suit a bar crowd, see happy hour games.
Quick comparison
| Game | Players | Needs a table | Main skill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beer pong | 4 | Yes | Aim |
| Rage Cage | 6 or more | Yes | Aim, bounce |
| Beer ball | 4 or more | Yes | Aim, speed |
| Flip cup | 6 or more | Yes | Speed |
| Quarters | 2 or more | Yes | Bounce |
| Thunderstruck | 4 or more | No | Attention |
FAQ
What are some alternative games to beer pong? Rage Cage, beer ball and flip cup are all common choices.
What are the top 10 best drinking games? There is no single agreed list. Pick by group size, space and how much waiting you will tolerate.
What is the die drinking game? Beer die, described above. Rules vary by group.
If you want a non-drinking alternative with a similar toss, try washer toss.