Beer Pong Drinking Game – Official Rules and Tips

Beer Pong is the iconic table game where two teams try to throw a ping-pong ball into each other's cups. For 2–8 players, you need 20 cups and a ball.

Equipment:

A table (a standard table tennis table works well)
20 plastic cups (often red Solo cups)
Beer or other drink
Ping-pong balls (at least 2)

Setup:

Teams: Divide players into two teams, usually 2 players per team.
Cups: Place 10 cups in a triangle formation (4-3-2-1) at each end of the table. Fill cups with the desired amount of beer or other drink, usually one-third to half full.
Table: The teams stand on opposite sides of the table.

Rules:

Objective: Throw ping-pong balls into the opponent's cups.
Turn: Teams take turns throwing the ball. Each team gets two throws per round.
Hit cup: When a ball lands in a cup, the opposing team must drink its contents and remove the cup.
Re-Rack: Each team can ask to rearrange their cups once per game.
Bouncing: A ball that bounces before landing in a cup counts as two cups, but the opposing team can swat it away.
Endgame: The game continues until one team has removed all the opponent's cups. The losing team must drink all remaining cups on the winning side.

How to play Beer Pong

Beer Pong is set up by placing 10 cups in a triangle formation (4-3-2-1) at each end of the table. Cups are filled about one-third with beer or another drink. Teams (1–2 players per team) stand on opposite sides.

Teams take turns throwing the ping-pong ball at the opponent's cups. When the ball lands in a cup, the opposing team drinks its contents and removes the cup from the table. The goal is to eliminate all the opponent's cups before your own are gone.

The team that eliminates all the opponent's cups wins. The losing team then drinks any remaining cups on the winning side.

Beer Pong rules

Elbow rule: Your elbow must stay behind the edge of the table when throwing. If violated, the throw doesn't count.
Bounce shot: A ball that bounces on the table before landing in a cup counts as 2 cups. The opposing team can swat the ball away after the first bounce — then it only counts as normal.
Fire: If both players on a team each hit a cup in the same round, they get the balls back and throw again.
Distractions: You can distract opponents verbally and with movements, but cannot touch the ball in mid-air.
Redemption round: When the last cup is hit, the losing team gets a chance to hit all remaining cups. If they succeed, the game goes to overtime.
Re-rack: Each team can ask to reorganise the opponent's cups once at 6 cups remaining and once at 3 cups remaining. Popular formations: diamond (4), line (3), and triangle (3).

Tips to get better at Beer Pong

Aiming at the back cups is a smart tactical choice — the ball has more room to land, and you reduce the chance of it bouncing off edges. Use a consistent throwing motion; many players try to keep their wrist straight and release the ball at the same point every time.

Practise the bounce shot technique — it's risky but gives double the reward and can turn a game around quickly. Communicate with your teammate about who is aiming at which cups, and plan your re-rack timing to create difficult formations for the opponent.

Frequently asked questions about Beer Pong

How many cups are used in Beer Pong?

Standard Beer Pong uses 10 cups per team (20 total) set up in a triangle formation — 4-3-2-1. Cups are filled about one-third with beer or another drink. Some groups play with 6 cups per side for a shorter game.

What is a "bounce shot" in Beer Pong?

A bounce shot is when the ball bounces on the table before landing in a cup. It counts as 2 cups, but the opposing team can swat the ball away after the first bounce. High risk, high reward — and it's fair to try to block it.

What is "fire" in Beer Pong?

If both players on a team each hit a cup in the same round, they get the balls back and throw again. This is called "fire" or "bring it back" and can turn a game around quickly if the team is on form.

Can you play Beer Pong without beer?

Yes! Many fill the cups with water and drink from their own glasses beside the table. This is more hygienic and works just as well. You can use soda, juice or alcohol-free alternatives — the game is just as fun either way.

What is re-rack in Beer Pong?

Each team can ask to reorganise the opponent's cups once at 6 cups and once at 3 cups remaining. Popular formations are diamond (4 cups), line (3), and triangle (3). Re-rack must be requested before throwing.