Kings is a classic drinking game, perfect for parties and gatherings. It's simple to learn, but offers plenty of opportunities for hilarious moments and friendly competition. This guide will walk you to play Kings, including variations and tips for a fun and safe experience.
What You'll Need to Play Kings
Before you start, gather these essentials:
- A deck of cards: A standard 52-card deck is all you need.
- Drinks: Choose your beverages wisely! Beer, wine, mixed drinks – whatever your group prefers. Ensure everyone has access to water, too.
- Players: Kings is best played with at least 3 players, but more is always better for increased chaotic fun!
- A flat surface: A table is ideal for laying out the cards.
How to Play Kings: The Basic Rules
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Deal the Cards: Shuffle the deck thoroughly and deal out all the cards face down, one at a time, in a circle. Each player gets a pile of cards.
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The King's Rule: The player who picks up the card with the King on it makes up a rule that everyone else in the game must follow for the rest of the game. This could be anything from singing a song every time you take a drink to having to answer questions with a specific phrase! Be creative and fun here!
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The Card Values and Their Actions: Once a King card is picked, the game proceeds normally following these rules. Each card value usually dictates an action:
- Ace: Waterfall – Everyone starts drinking simultaneously. The first person to finish their drink stops, then the next, and so on, until everyone stops.
- Two: You choose someone to drink.
- Three: Me – You drink.
- Four: Floor – Everyone touches the floor, and the last person to do so drinks.
- Five: Guys – All the male players drink.
- Six: Chicks – All the female players drink.
- Seven: Heaven – Point to the sky, the last person to do so drinks.
- Eight: Mate – Choose a drinking buddy who drinks with you.
- Nine: Rhyme – The person picking the card says a word and the next person must say a word that rhymes. This continues around the circle until someone can't think of a rhyme. They drink!
- Ten: Categories – The player picks a category (e.g., animals, countries), and everyone takes turns naming something from that category. The person who can’t think of something drinks.
- Jack: Make a rule – Invent a rule that everyone must follow for the rest of the game. This can be very entertaining!
- Queen: Question Master – You ask questions and anyone who answers must drink.
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Taking Turns: Each player takes a turn picking the top card from their pile. The person follows the action associated with the card value. This continues until all cards are gone.
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Winning the Game: There isn't a winner in the classic version of Kings; the objective is to have fun and enjoy the game with friends. The game ends when all cards are played.
Kings Variations and House Rules
The beauty of Kings is its adaptability. You can add your own house rules or modify existing ones to personalize the game! Here are some popular variations:
- Double Kings: If you draw two Kings in a row, you can double the penalty for the King's rule.
- Custom Card Values: Get creative and assign your own unique actions to each card value.
- Theme Nights: Add a theme to make the game even more exciting, like a specific decade or movie genre.
- Penalties: Instead of drinking, consider creative alternatives like doing a dare or singing a song.
Tips for a Safe and Fun Game
- Pace Yourself: Remember to drink responsibly. Keep hydrated and know your limits.
- Consent is Key: Always ensure everyone is comfortable with the rules and penalties. No one should be pressured to do anything they don't want to.
- Adapt to Your Group: Adjust the rules and penalties to fit the preferences and comfort levels of your players.
- Keep it Lighthearted: The goal is to have fun! Don’t take the game too seriously.
Kings is a fun and versatile drinking game with endless possibilities. So gather your friends, grab a deck of cards, and get ready for a night of laughter and good times! Remember to always drink responsibly and have fun!
