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Download on Google Play- 3-10 players with a standard 52-card deck.
- Spread cards face-down in a pile. Place a large empty cup in the center.
- Draw one card from the pile.
- Follow the rule for that rank (Ace=Waterfall, 2=You, 3=Me, etc.).
- Kings: pour your drink into the center cup.
- Fourth King: drink the entire King's cup.
- No scoring. Game ends when the fourth King is drawn or all cards are gone.
Rules
Kings is one of the most popular drinking card games worldwide. Cards are spread in a pile or ring and players draw one at a time, with each rank triggering a unique rule such as Waterfall, Categories, or Make a Rule. The game builds layers of active rules and culminates when the last King is drawn.
Objective
Draw cards and follow the associated rules. Avoid breaking any active rules, which results in drinking. The player who draws the fourth King drinks the King's cup.
Setup
- Players: 3 to 10 players.
- Deck: Standard 52-card deck.
- Layout: Shuffle the deck and spread all cards face-down in a pile in the center of the table. Place a large empty cup (the King's cup) in the center or nearby. Each player has their own drink.
Card Rules
- Ace - Waterfall: The drawer starts drinking. Going clockwise, each player starts drinking and cannot stop until the person before them stops.
- 2 - You: Point at someone. They drink.
- 3 - Me: The drawer drinks.
- 4 - Give 2, Take 2: Give out 2 drinks and take 2 drinks (or 'Floor' - last to touch the floor drinks).
- 5 - Guys: All male-identifying players drink.
- 6 - Chicks: All female-identifying players drink.
- 7 - Heaven: Last player to raise their hand drinks.
- 8 - Mate: Pick a drinking mate. They drink whenever you do for the rest of the game.
- 9 - Bust a Rhyme: Say a word. Go around rhyming. First to fail drinks.
- 10 - Categories: Pick a category. Go around naming items. First to fail drinks.
- Jack - Make a Rule: Create a new rule that lasts the whole game. Breaking it = drink.
- Queen - Question Master: Become the Question Master. Anyone who answers your questions must drink until the next Queen.
- King - King's Cup: Pour some of your drink into the King's cup. The 4th King drawer drinks the entire cup.
End of Game
- Fourth King: The game typically ends when the fourth King is drawn and the King's cup is consumed.
- All cards drawn: Alternatively, play continues until all 52 cards have been drawn.
Variations
- Alternative card rules: Groups commonly swap rules for specific ranks. Common alternatives include 'Never Have I Ever' for a 10, 'Thumb Master' for a Queen, and 'Snake Eyes' for a 4.
- Ring of Fire style: Spread the cards in a ring around the cup. If you break the ring, you drink.
- Social: Some groups assign 'Social' (everyone drinks) to a specific rank.
Tips and Strategies
- Keep track of all active Jack rules to avoid accidental violations.
- As Question Master, ask casual-sounding questions to catch people off guard.
- Choose interesting and creative categories for 10s to make the game more fun.
Tips & Strategy
Remember all active Jack rules and watch for the Question Master. Pick creative categories and memorable rules to keep the game lively.
Kings is almost entirely luck and social play. The only 'strategy' is crafting clever Jack rules and being a devious Question Master.
Trivia & Fun Facts
Kings is known by over a dozen names worldwide, including King's Cup, Circle of Death, Ring of Fire, and Sociables. Every group claims their rules are the 'official' ones.
What card makes you the Question Master in Kings?
History & Culture
Kings has been played in various forms since the 1970s and 1980s in North American college culture. It is closely related to Ring of Fire, with overlapping but distinct rule sets depending on the region.
Kings is arguably the most widely played drinking card game in the English-speaking world, serving as a universal social icebreaker at parties, gatherings, and college events.
Variations & House Rules
Card rules are the most variable element. Some groups play with entirely different rule assignments for each rank, and house rules are considered sacred tradition in many friend groups.
Write out or agree on card rules before starting. Swap any rule you do not like for a group favorite. The game is meant to be customized.
