Beer Olympics: Competitive Drinking Games Explained

The Beer Olympics is a drinking game that combines the competitive nature of intramural sports with enough beer to drown a small village. Teams are made up of no more than six participants and no fewer than four, with an equal number of players on each team. There is no maximum number of teams, but there should be a minimum of four. Teams are usually given names of colours, rather than countries, to avoid geopolitical tensions! Each team member will need a large number of drinks – usually cans of beer – with some sources recommending 15-20 cans per person. The games begin with an opening ceremony, including a round of trash-talking and, optionally, a ceremonial shotgun. The events then follow, with each team competing in every event. The games vary but usually include some form of drinking race, either individually or as a team, and often with a forfeit for the losing team, such as drinking a 'mystery' shot.

Beer Pong

The most common formation is an equilateral triangle with either 6 or 10 cups. The formation is assembled on each side of the table. Each cup is partially filled with beer. Traditionally, two 12oz beers are used to fill all ten cups, but this amount can vary depending on how much you want to drink.

The two players on each team are given a ping pong ball to shoot and may do so simultaneously. Both players from each team must shoot before the other team can shoot. The standard shot is when the player tosses the ball across the table and into an opponent's cup. The bounce shot is when the player bounces the ball off the table and into the opponent's cup. This shot is worth two cups and can be swatted away by the opponent's hand.

If a team lands a ball in a cup, the opposing team must drink the contents of that cup and remove it from the table. The first team to land the ball in each of their opponent's cups wins.

There are many variations of Beer Pong, so it is important to agree on the rules before starting the game.

Flip Cup

Each player needs a plastic cup and a beer. The players line up on either side of a long table, with each player facing their opponent from the other team. The game starts with the players at one end chugging their beers, then placing their cups upright on the rim of the table. The aim is to then flip the cup upside down on the table by flicking it from the bottom edge. Once a player successfully flips their cup, the teammate next to them chugs their beer and attempts to flip their cup. The first team to drink and flip all their cups wins the round.

In the Beerlympics, Flip Cup is usually played as a best-of-seven series, with each team needing to win a certain number of rounds to claim victory. It's important to note that all the beer in the cup must be drunk before flipping, and spilling or not finishing your beer can result in a loss for that round. Players are also not allowed to use their hands to assist the cup in landing or settling.

To add a twist to the game, you can play the 4x4 Flip Cup Relay version. In this variation, each player has four cups in front of them, each filled with a quarter of a beer. The game starts with the first player emptying one cup and flipping it over before the next player can go. The relay continues in a snake pattern up and down the line, with the first player also being the last. Penalties, such as false starts or excessive spillage, will result in time penalties being added to the final score.

Dizzy Bat

"Dizzy Bat", also known as "Louisville Chugger", "D-Bat", or "The Spins", is a drinking game that combines drinking with dizziness and chugging. It is often played at parties, colleges, universities, bars, tailgates, and other drinking festivities.

To play the game, you will need a wiffle ball bat, some cans of beer, and a stopwatch for timing. The bottom of the bat's handle should be cut off to create an opening for drinking. Additionally, a hole can be drilled into the side of the bat to create airflow, similar to a beer bong.

• The player fills the bat with beer or has a friend pour a beer into the bat through the modified handle.
• The player then chugs the beer from the handle of the bat.
• Once the chugging is completed, the player puts their forehead on the handle of the bat, touches the bat to the ground, and spins around it a certain number of times (usually 5 or 10).
• After the spins, the player attempts to stand up and steady themselves.
• A friend or teammate then tosses an empty beer can, and the player tries to hit it with the bat.
• If the player misses the can, they must spin again (usually 3 additional spins) and then try to hit the can again.
• The time taken to complete the entire process is recorded, and the fastest player is crowned the Dizzy Bat champion.

Civil War

Points are based on how many cups the winning team has remaining at the end of each round. In the event of a tie, there is to be a case race. However many teams are tied, two representatives are sent up (unless four or more teams are tied, then one each). A 30-rack is placed in the middle of them. On "go", they have to drink as many beers as they can. When the case is done, or when all sides have decided they can't drink anymore, whichever team has the most empty beer cans on their side is declared the winner.

Case Race

Here's how to play:

• Each team should have four players.
• Give each team a case of 24 light beers.
• Count down from three and then begin.
• The first team to finish all 24 beers wins.

Variations

There are many ways to change up the standard rules of Case Race:

• Make it against the rules to throw up.
• Switch up the number of players or the size of the case.
• Specify how players have to drink their beers (e.g. cups, shotgunning, beer bongs, etc.).
• Have players add money to a pot for the winning team.
• Add extra challenges or games for players to complete during the race.

Frequently asked questions