Waterfall Drinking Game – Rules and How to Play
Waterfall is a drinking game where everyone drinks simultaneously in a chain reaction — and nobody can stop until the person to their left stops. One of the most fun classics for 3–12 players.
How to play
A group of people stand in a circle and each person gets a number from 1 to 10 (if there are 10 players). Choose a player to start in control, usually player number 1. Everyone starts drinking at the same time. Number 2 cannot stop drinking until number 1 stops, number 3 cannot stop until number 2 stops, and so on. Each player keeps drinking until the person before them has stopped, or until they have finished their drink.
How to Play Waterfall
The Waterfall rule is usually triggered by a specific card (Ace) in card games such as Ring of Fire, but can also be played as a standalone game.
Standalone Waterfall rules:
- Everyone sits in a circle with a drink in front of them.
- One player starts drinking. Everyone else starts drinking at the same time.
- The player who started can stop whenever they want.
- The next player (to the left) CANNOT stop until the starter stops.
- The third player cannot stop until number two stops. And so on.
- The result: A chain reaction where those furthest from the starter drink the most.
As part of Ring of Fire: When an Ace is drawn, a Waterfall begins as above.
Waterfall variants
- Reverse Waterfall: The chain reaction goes to the right instead of the left.
- Double Waterfall: Two players start from opposite sides.
- Waterfall with challenges: Each player must do something (jump, sing, etc.) while drinking.
Frequently asked questions about Waterfall
What is a Waterfall in a drinking game?
Waterfall is a chain reaction where all players drink at the same time. The player who starts decides when they stop. The next in line cannot stop until the person before them stops. The result is that those last in the chain drink the longest.
What triggers Waterfall in Ring of Fire?
In Ring of Fire, Waterfall is triggered by an Ace. Whoever draws the Ace starts the drinking chain reaction that goes around the table to the left.
Can you refuse to take part in a Waterfall?
Most house rules say no — Waterfall is mandatory. If you refuse, you drink 3 sips as a penalty and the chain reaction continues without you.
How long is a typical Waterfall?
It varies completely depending on who starts. Some stop after 5 seconds, others continue for 30+. It is the pressure of knowing everyone else is waiting on you that makes it fun.
Does Waterfall go clockwise or counterclockwise?
The standard is that the chain reaction goes to the left (clockwise), but this varies by house rules. The most important thing is that everyone agrees on the direction before the game starts.