Best Shot Games For Parties

Discover the ultimate collection of shot games to elevate your next party! Our comprehensive guide explains the rules of the most popular and exciting shot games, ensuring endless fun and laughter. From classics like Kings Cup and Shot Roulette to unique challenges like Bingo Shot and Shot Chess, we've got it all. Whether you're planning a small gathering or a big bash, these shot games will keep the energy high and the good times rolling. Learn how to play Sixes, Medusa, The Imposter and many more, with detailed instructions and tips for each game. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration, these shot games are sure to make your party unforgettable!

1. Kings Cup

Kings Cup, also known as Circle of Death or Ring of Fire, is a classic drinking game perfect for any party. It combines strategy, luck, and plenty of laughs to create an unforgettable experience. The game is simple to set up and play: place a large cup in the center of the table and spread a deck of cards face down around it. Players take turns drawing cards and performing the actions associated with each card. The highlight of the game is the Kings—each time a player draws a King, they must pour a portion of their drink into the central cup. The suspense builds as players avoid the dreaded fourth King, knowing that whoever draws it must drink the entire contents of the central cup. With a variety of rules and challenges for each card, Kings Cup keeps the excitement high and the drinks flowing.

Rules:

1. Setup: Place a large cup in the center of the table. Spread a deck of cards face down around the cup in a circle.
2. Gameplay: Players take turns drawing cards and performing the action associated with each card (refer to standard Kings Cup card rules).
3. Kings: Every time a player draws a King, they must pour a portion of an alcoholic shot into the central cup.
4. Last King: The player who draws the fourth and final King must drink the entire contents of the central cup.

Kings Cup Card Rules:

• Ace: Waterfall - Everyone starts drinking at the same time as the player who drew the card. Players can only stop when the person to their right stops.
• 2: You - The player who drew the card chooses someone to take a drink.
• 3: Me - The player who drew the card drinks.
• 4: Floor - Everyone must touch the floor. The last person to do so drinks.
• 5: Guys - All male players drink.
• 6: Chicks - All female players drink.
• 7: Heaven - Everyone must raise their hand. The last person to do so drinks.
• 8: Mate - The player who drew the card picks a "mate" who must drink whenever they drink for the rest of the game.
• 9: Rhyme - The player who drew the card says a word, and players take turns saying words that rhyme with it. The first person to fail drinks.
• 10: Categories - The player who drew the card picks a category (e.g., types of beer). Players take turns naming something in that category. The first person to fail drinks.
• Jack: Make a Rule - The player who drew the card makes a new rule that everyone must follow. Anyone who breaks the rule drinks.
• Queen: Question Master - The player who drew the card becomes the Question Master. Anyone who answers a question posed by the Question Master drinks. This continues until another Queen is drawn.
• King: King’s Cup - Pour a portion of your drink into the central cup. The player who draws the fourth King must drink the entire cup.

If you've worn out the standard rules of this game and are itching for some fresh excitement, be sure to explore our free "Spicy Circle of Death" variant with rules like "Body Shots" and "Spin the Bottle".

2. Spin the Bottle

Spin the Bottle with Different Shots is an exciting twist on the classic Spin the Bottle game, perfect for adding some variety and fun to your party. This version involves using various types of alcoholic shots to keep everyone on their toes and ensure a lively time.

To get started, arrange your group in a circle around a flat surface, such as a table or the floor, and place an empty bottle in the center of the circle. Prepare a variety of shots in shot glasses and place them around the bottle. Players take turns spinning the bottle, and when the bottle stops, the player it points to must take the shot closest to the bottle's neck. After taking the shot, the player who drank spins the bottle for the next turn. The game continues until all the shots are consumed or players decide to stop.

3. Shot Roulette Casino

4. Shot Bingo

Bingo with Shots is a lively and spirited twist on the classic bingo game, adding an exciting element of surprise and fun to any party. This version combines the traditional bingo setup with the thrill of taking shots, making it perfect for a night of entertainment and camaraderie.

To play, you'll need standard bingo cards, a set of bingo balls or a random number generator, and an assortment of alcoholic shots. Each player receives a bingo card and a few shot glasses filled with different types of alcohol. As the game progresses, the caller draws numbers and announces them, just like in a regular bingo game. Players mark their cards by taking a shot and placing their empty shot glass on the number. When a player completes a row, column, or diagonal (achieves bingo), they get to select another player to take a shot.

For added fun, you can introduce special rules such as "shot rounds" where everyone has to take a drink whenever a certain number is called (e.g., multiples of 5). Another option is to have themed shot rounds where specific types of shots correspond to particular bingo patterns or milestones. The game can continue with multiple rounds, ensuring everyone has plenty of chances to win and partake in the fun.

Bingo with Shots adds an exciting and social element to any gathering, blending the familiar fun of bingo with the lively atmosphere of a drinking game. 

5. Shot Chess

Shot Chess is an exhilarating and spirited twist on the classic game of chess, perfect for adding a fun and competitive edge to your party. This version keeps the strategic elements of chess while introducing a drinking challenge that brings an extra layer of excitement to the game.

To play Shot Chess, you'll need a standard chessboard, chess pieces, and shot glasses. Each player sets up their pieces as usual, but with a twist: replace each pawn with a shot glass filled with your choice of alcohol. The remaining pieces can be regular chess pieces or you can use themed shot glasses for added fun.

The game proceeds with standard chess rules, with players taking turns moving their pieces strategically across the board. However, whenever a pawn is captured, the player who loses the pawn must drink the shot from the corresponding shot glass. For added challenge, you can assign different types of alcohol to different pawns, making each capture a unique experience.

For more excitement, consider adding special rules for capturing higher-value pieces such as knights, bishops, rooks, and queens. For example, capturing a knight might require the player to take a double shot, while losing a queen could mean finishing a mixed drink. Alternatively, you can keep the focus on pawns to maintain a steady pace of drinking throughout the game.

Shot Chess blends the strategic depth of traditional chess with the social and lively atmosphere of a drinking game, making it perfect for a game night or a casual gathering with friends. With Shot Chess, you're sure to have an entertaining and memorable time that combines skill, strategy, and fun!

6. Never Have I Ever

Never Have I Ever is a popular party game that gets a fun and spirited twist with the shot version. This game is perfect for breaking the ice, sharing laughs, and learning more about your friends—all while enjoying a few drinks.

To play Never Have I Ever: Shot Version, you'll need a group of friends and an assortment of shots. Everyone sits in a circle, and the game begins with one player making a statement starting with "Never have I ever..." followed by something they have never done (e.g., "Never have I ever gone skydiving").

If any of the other players have done the activity mentioned, they must take a shot. If no one has done it, the person who made the statement takes a shot. After the shot is taken, the next player in the circle makes their "Never have I ever..." statement, and the game continues in this fashion.

Never Have I Ever is a fantastic way to get to know your friends better, share some laughs, and enjoy a fun, relaxed atmosphere. With this shot version of Never Have I Ever, you're guaranteed to have an entertaining and memorable time!

7. Sixes

Sixes is a fun and straightforward drinking game that uses dice to determine who drinks. It's perfect for adding a random and exciting element to your party, ensuring everyone stays involved and entertained.

How to Play:

1. Gather your group of friends and some drinks. Sit in a circle or around a table.
2. Take turns rolling a single die and perform actions based on the outcome of the roll.
3. Each number on the die corresponds to a specific action:
   • 1: For All - Everyone in the group takes a drink.
   • 2: For You - The player who rolled the die chooses someone to take a drink.
   • 3: For Me - The player who rolled the die takes a drink.
   • 4: Your Choice - The player who rolled the die can choose anyone to take a drink.
   • 5: To the Left - The person sitting immediately to the left of the player who rolled the die takes a drink.
   • 6: To the Right - The person sitting immediately to the right of the player who rolled the die takes a drink.

8. Battle Shot

Battle Shots is an entertaining and creative drinking game inspired by the classic game of Battleship. It's perfect for parties and gatherings, offering a fun and competitive way to enjoy drinks with friends. The best part is, you can easily make your own Battle Shots game using pizza boxes and some basic supplies.

How to Make DIY Battle Shots:

1. Gather Materials:

   • Two empty pizza boxes
   • A marker or pen
   • A ruler
   • Shot glasses
   • Drinks of your choice

2. Prepare the Game Boards:

   • Open the pizza boxes and use the marker and ruler to draw a grid inside each box, just like a Battleship board. Typically, a 7x7 or 8x8 grid works well.
   • Label the columns with letters (A, B, C, etc.) and the rows with numbers (1, 2, 3, etc.) to create a coordinate system.

3. Set Up the Ships:

   • Instead of ships, use shot glasses as your vessels. Each player will have a set of shot glasses to place on their grid.
   • Decide on the number and types of "ships" (e.g., one 3-shot ship, two 2-shot ships, and three 1-shot ships). Each ship is represented by a line of consecutive shot glasses.
   • Place the shot glasses on your grid in secret, making sure your opponent cannot see their locations.

How to Play Battle Shots:

1. Players take turns calling out coordinates (e.g., "B4") to guess where the opponent's shot glasses (ships) are located.
2. If a player calls out a coordinate where there is a shot glass, the opponent must say "hit" and take the shot from that glass. If there is no shot glass at the coordinate, the opponent says "miss".
3. Mark hits and misses on your grid to keep track of your guesses.
4. The game continues until all of one player's shot glasses have been hit and taken.

Additional Tips:

• You can customize the game by using different types of shots or drinks for each "ship".
• For a longer game, use more shot glasses or a larger grid.

Battle Shots is a fantastic way to mix creativity, competition, and social drinking into one fun-filled activity. By using pizza boxes, you can easily create a DIY version that adds a unique twist to your party.

9. Truth or Drink / Dare or Drink

Truth or Drink and Dare or Drink with Shots is an exciting and lively variation of the traditional Truth or Dare game, perfect for adding some fun and excitement to any gathering. This version incorporates shots into the mix, making it a memorable and spirited experience for all players.

How to Play:

1. Setup: Gather your friends in a circle and place a variety of shots within reach. Each player should have their own shot glass.

2. Truth or Drink: Players take turns choosing between answering a truth question or taking a shot. If a player chooses truth, they must answer honestly. If they refuse to answer or lie, they must take a shot.

3. Dare or Drink: Similar to Truth or Drink, players take turns choosing between performing a dare or taking a shot. If a player chooses a dare, they must complete the challenge. If they refuse or fail the dare, they must take a shot.

Truth or Drink and Dare or Drink with Shots is a fantastic way to break the ice, create unforgettable memories, and share lots of laughter with friends. So gather your friends, grab some shots, and get ready for an unforgettable night of fun and excitement!

10. Most Likely To

"Most Likely To" is a popular party game where players predict which among them is most likely to do a particular action or experience a certain scenario. In the shot version of this game, participants take turns posing questions starting with "Who's most likely to..." and everyone points at the person they believe fits the description best. The person with the most fingers pointing at them has to take a shot as a penalty. This version of "Most Likely To" not only reveals interesting insights about the group's dynamics but also adds an element of excitement and camaraderie as players engage in lighthearted banter and laughter. It's a fantastic way to break the ice and create memorable moments at any gathering or party.

11. Medusa

In the game "Medusa," players engage in a thrilling test of focus and speed. Participants form a circle and, on a count, simultaneously make eye contact with another player. The objective is to find a matching pair of eyes without being caught by your opponent.

Once a matching pair is discovered, both players shout "Medusa!" and take a shot together. The game continues with new pairs forming until everyone has found a match.

"Medusa" is a fast-paced and exciting game that requires quick reflexes and keen observation. It's perfect for energizing a party or gathering and creating unforgettable moments of laughter and camaraderie among friends.

12. Don't Sink or Drink

In "Don't Sink or drink," players gather around a table with a shot glass placed in a cup filled with juice. The objective is to pour a bit of alcohol into the shot glass without causing it to sink.

Players take turns pouring the liquid, carefully monitoring the shot glass's buoyancy. If the shot glass sinks after a player pours their liquid, they must drink the entire contents of the cup as a penalty.

The game combines strategy, precision, and a bit of luck, creating an entertaining and suspenseful experience for all participants. Don't Sink or Drink is sure to add excitement and laughter to any party or gathering.

13. Drinko

Overall, Drinko is a lighthearted and fun-filled drinking game that can add an extra element of enjoyment to any social gathering. Whether you're a seasoned partygoer or just looking for a new way to spice up your next get-together, Drinko is sure to provide hours of entertainment and laughter.

14. The Imposter

In "Imposter," players gather around a table with shot glasses, one of which is filled with alcohol while the rest contain water.

The objective of the game is to correctly identify which shot glass contains the alcohol. Players take turns selecting a shot glass and drinking its contents. When a player selects a shot glass containing alcohol, the challenge doesn't end with the drink. After all the shots have been consumed, the fun continues as players attempt to maintain their composure. The twist? Each player must then guess who imbibed the alcoholic shot. Guessing incorrectly comes with a price: another shot (with alcohol this time) for the mistaken guesser, adding an extra layer of excitement to the game. However, the player who originally chose the alcoholic shot is exempt from this penalty, heightening the suspense and keeping everyone engaged until the very end.

"Imposter Shots" is a game of risk, strategy, and a bit of luck, making it a fun and suspenseful addition to any party or gathering.

15. Mushroom Cup Madness

In "Mushroom Cup Madness," players sit around a table with a cup containing a shot of alcohol.

The game begins with the first player placing a playing card on top of the cup. Each subsequent player must then add another card to the stack, ensuring that their card touches only two corners of the card below it. The goal is to create a precarious tower of cards balanced on top of the cup.

As the tower grows taller, the tension increases. Players must carefully place their cards to avoid causing the tower to collapse. If a player's card causes the tower to fall, they must drink the shot from the cup as a penalty.

"Mushroom Cup Madness" requires a steady hand, precision, and a bit of luck. It's a thrilling and suspenseful game that adds excitement to any gathering or party.

16. Up/Down The River

"Up Down the River" is a classic drinking card game that promises laughter and friendly competition. Players sit in a circle and take turns drawing cards from a shuffled deck. With its simple setup and unpredictable twists, "Up Down the River" is the perfect addition to any social gathering or party.

Setup:

1. Players sit around a table or in a circle.
2. One player is designated as the dealer.
3. The dealer shuffles the deck and deals four cards face up in front of each player.

Gameplay:

1. The game consists of two phases: "Up the River" and "Down the River."

Phase 1: Up the River

• The dealer flips over one card at a time from the remaining deck and calls out its rank and suit.
• If a player has a card matching the rank of the flipped card, they must take a drink for each matching card (e.g., if a 7 is flipped and a player has two 7s, they take two drinks).
• This continues until four cards have been flipped. Each successive card requires an increasing number of drinks:

• • 1st card: 1 drink for each match
  • 2nd card: 2 drinks for each match
  • 3rd card: 3 drinks for each match
  • 4th card: 4 drinks for each match

Phase 2: Down the River

• After the four "Up the River" cards are flipped, the game moves to "Down the River," where players give drinks.
• The dealer flips another four cards from the deck, one at a time, just like in "Up the River."
• If a player's card matches the rank of the flipped card, they can assign drinks to other players:

• • 1st card: Assign 1 drink for each match
  • 2nd card: Assign 2 drinks for each match
  • 3rd card: Assign 3 drinks for each match
  • 4th card: Assign 4 drinks for each match

• Players can split the drinks among multiple people or assign all to one person.

17. Drunk Simon Says

Drunk Simon Says adds an intoxicating twist to the classic game of Simon Says. Participants gather in a circle and take turns being the designated "Simon." Just like in the traditional game, Simon issues commands to the group. In this version of Simon Says, the stakes are higher than ever. Every time a player makes a misstep, there's a consequence: they have to take a shot. So, not only do participants have to follow Simon's commands with precision, but they also have to do it while keeping their wits about them. With each mistake comes the added challenge of trying to stay focused amidst the growing influence of the shots. With laughter and camaraderie fueling the fun, "Drunk Simon Says with Shots" promises an unforgettable experience for all involved.

18. Ring Toss

19. Musical Shots

Get ready for a high-energy game that's sure to kick your party into high gear – it's "Musical Shots"! Form a circle with your friends, crank up the tunes, and start passing around shots as the music plays. Feel the excitement mount with each round as the shots make their way around the circle, and the anticipation builds for who will be left holding the shot when the music suddenly stops. As the beats drop, the pressure is on – the unlucky soul who finds themselves with the shot in hand must quickly down it before the next track begins. It's a fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping game that adds an unforgettable twist to any gathering, keeping the energy flowing and the laughter rolling all night long!

20. Cup Twister

21. Drunk Uno

"Drunk Uno" puts a spirited twist on the classic card game loved by many. In this version, the familiar Uno rules are infused with a shot of excitement, making every draw and play a thrilling moment.

The rules are simple yet intoxicating: when a player is hit with a "Draw 2," "Skip," or "Reverse" card, they must take one shot. If a daring soul is dealt the formidable "Draw 4" card, they're in for a double dose, downing two shots in one go. But the true test of victory lies in the hands of the winner, who holds the power to nominate a fellow player to take three shots, ensuring that the celebration continues long after the game ends.

If you have blank Uno cards where you can get creative, be sure to check out our drinking challenge ideas to write on Uno cards. Adding these challenges to your Uno cards will take your sips to the next level!

22. Fuzzy Duck

"Fuzzy Duck" is a classic verbal drinking game that adds an extra layer of fun when shots are involved. Here's how it works:

Players sit in a circle, and the game begins with one person saying "Fuzzy Duck" to the player on their left. That player must respond by saying "Fuzzy Duck" as well. The phrase continues around the circle in this manner.

However, at any point, a player can decide to switch things up by saying "Does he?" instead of "Fuzzy Duck" when it's their turn. This changes the direction of the game, and now players must respond with "Ducky Fuzz" instead of "Fuzzy Duck." The game continues in this reversed direction until someone decides to switch it back by saying "Fuzzy Duck" again.

Now, where shots come into play is by taking a shot every time someone messes up the pattern or says the wrong phrase. Others may involve taking a shot when the direction of the game changes. Adding shots to Fuzzy Duck can ramp up the excitement and add a bit of a challenge to the game. 

23. Candle Blowout Challenge

In the "Candle Blowout Challenge," players line up candles in a row with a shot placed at the same height as each candle. The objective is simple: stand behind the row of candles and blow out the candles with as much force as possible. However, here's the twist: you must drink from the shots that still have candles burning beside them.

"Candle Blowout Challenge" is a game that combines skill, speed, and a bit of luck. It's guaranteed to bring laughter and excitement to any gathering as players compete to blow out candles and face the challenge of drinking from the remaining shots. 

24. Flip Cup Frenzy Pong

You can either create a board like the one in the picture yourself or purchase it directly from Amazon.

As the night unfolds and laughter fills the air, these best shot games for parties promise to elevate any gathering into an unforgettable experience. Whether it's testing your aim, challenging your coordination, or simply enjoying the thrill of friendly competition, these games bring people together in the spirit of fun and celebration. So, gather your friends, pour your favorite libations, and let the games begin! Cheers to memories made and friendships strengthened with every shot.

Ready to Play?

Still on the hunt for the perfect drinking game? Explore our selection of pre-made drinking games!