Beer ball is an exciting and underrated game that’s perfect for parties everywhere. It’s very fast-paced, super easy to learn, and unlike other drinking games like beer pong, it requires minimal setup and equipment. As an added bonus, you win by drinking more beer! If you’ve never played before or wish to freshen up on the rules, this guide will show you how exactly to play beer ball so you can get started today!
What is Beer Ball, and is it Worth Playing?
Beer ball is a fast-paced and endlessly fun drinking game that’s perfect for parties and events. It can be played indoors or outdoors, and all it requires is a table, some cans of tasty beer, and one ping pong ball. While the standard rules call for teams of at least two people per team, it can also be played with just two people with one person per team.
You win beer ball by finishing your can or cans of beer before your opponents, and you can drink each time you hit your opponents’ beer can with a ping pong ball. However, once they pick up the loose ping pong ball and tap it on the table, you must stop drinking immediately. Players and teams alternate between throwing the ball until one side has finished all their cans and won. It’s that simple!
One of the most unique aspects of the beer ball game is that whoever drinks the most wins. This separates it from other drinking games like beer pong where the loser has to drink, and it’s one of the things that makes beer ball such a great time. It can be played in a kitchen, garage, backyard, or anywhere you have room for a table and some open space to chase the ball. Regardless of where you play it, you’re guaranteed to have a memorable evening!
Learn How to Quickly Play Beer Ball
It’s worth learning the beer ball rules in advance so you can let loose and have fun come game time. To start, you’ll need the following:
• At least two people for a 1-on-1 game, or evenly divided teams such as 2-on-2, 3-on-3, etc.
• One table (rectangular and long for the best results)
• One ping pong ball
• A space where you can chase the ball (a garage or outdoor area is ideal)
• At least one can of unopened beer per player
Now that you know what’s needed to play, let’s look at the beer ball rules more closely:
1. To start, divide players into equal teams. Teams can consist of one, two, or up to three players each.
2. Each player gets one full beer can to finish. If you’re playing with four people in total (two on each team,) you will need four cans of beer. Each player will set their can in front of them on the table close to the edge. The beer cans should be lined the same way on both ends as well to keep the game fair.
3. Decide which team starts by playing rock-paper-scissors or with a coin toss.
4. Next, one player will throw a ping pong ball aiming for their opponents’ beer can at the end of the table. If the ball hits the can, the player that threw the ball can open their beer and begin to drink. The player can drink until the opposing team retrieves the ping pong ball and taps the top of the table with it. Once this is done, all drinking must stop immediately. If, however, the ball misses the can on the throw, no one can drink and the opposing team will begin their turn.
Repeat the above steps until one team wins by finishing all of their beer!
Beer Ball vs Dodge Beer: Similarities and Differences
Beer ball and dodge beer are both very similar games, but there are a few differences that can add to the fun. While the game mechanics are nearly equal in that you throw a ping pong ball towards your opponents’ cans and try to drink all of your beers to win, one major difference is that you must place the ball on top of your beer can to stop their drinking, and not on top of the table as in beer ball.
Dodge beer also has some slight variations, such as the rule where if you knock your opponent’s empty beer can off the table, they have to replace it with a full one. This rule can be countered by catching the falling beer can before it hits the ground and placing it back on the table to avoid the penalty. The game also has a rule where if you catch the ping pong ball after it hits your beer can but before it hits the floor, you can drink from your can until your opponent physically tags you.
One of the best things about beer games is that you can mix and match the rules to your liking, and this helps to keep games fresh and exciting all throughout the night. Whether you choose beer ball or dodge beer, or a mix of both, you’ll never run out of good times with these classic drinking games!
Watch Beer Ball in Action, and See Other Variations
Before playing, it’s worth watching a quick video to see exactly how it’s done. This will help clear up any confusion and ensure you have the best booze-soaked time at your next party!
For the most standard (fraternity) version of beer ball, check out this video where you can see the game demonstrated in action.
If you want to see a more formal presentation, along with some unique twists added by the creator, these guys have done a great job of making a video as well.
Whether you play the most common version or add your own unique rules, make sure to try the beer ball drinking game at your next event! It’s a staple in most Beer Olympics events.