What Is Kings Cup?
The rules for Kings Cup game are simple: players sit in a circle, spread a deck of cards face-down around a central "Kings Cup," and take turns drawing cards. Each card has a rule attached to it — draw a card, follow the rule. The player who draws the 4th King must drink the entire Kings Cup.
Also known as Ring of Fire, Circle of Death, and Waterfall, Kings Cup is one of the most popular drinking card games in the world. It works with 3–10 players and any beverages you like (alcoholic or not).
💡 Tip: You can play the complete Kings Cup game for free in your browser — no download or signup needed. Try it now →
Setup: How to Start a Game
- Gather 3–10 players and sit in a circle.
- Place an empty cup (the Kings Cup) in the center of the table.
- Spread a standard 52-card deck face-down in a ring around the cup.
- Decide who goes first — youngest player, or whoever loses a quick round of rock-paper-scissors.
- Players take turns drawing one card at a time, clockwise.
The Rules for Kings Cup — Every Card Explained
Here are the standard rules for Kings Cup game. Some groups swap out individual card rules — that's perfectly fine, house rules are part of the fun.
Ace — Waterfall
Everyone starts drinking at the same time. No one can stop until the person to their right stops. The drawer goes first.
Two — You
The drawer points to any player, who must drink.
Three — Me
The drawer must drink.
Four — Floor
Everyone slaps the floor (or table). Last person to slap drinks.
Five — Guys
All male-identifying players drink.
Six — Chicks
All female-identifying players drink.
Seven — Heaven
Everyone points up. Last person to point drinks.
Eight — Mate
Choose a drinking buddy. Whenever you drink, they drink too — and vice versa — until the next 8 is drawn.
Nine — Rhyme
Say a word. Players go around rhyming with it. First person who can't think of a rhyme (or repeats one) drinks.
Ten — Categories
Pick a category (e.g. "car brands"). Players name one each in turn. First person who can't think of one drinks.
Jack — Make a Rule
Make any rule that applies for the rest of the game (e.g. "no pointing," "drink with your left hand"). Breaking the rule means drinking.
Queen — Question Master
You become the Question Master. Anyone who answers a question you ask must drink. Lasts until another Queen is drawn.
King — Kings Cup
Pour some of your drink into the Kings Cup. The player who draws the 4th King must drink the entire cup.
🃏 Jokers (optional): If you play with Jokers, common rules include "everyone drinks" or the drawer must make up a wild new rule on the spot.
How to Win Kings Cup
There is no traditional "winner" in Kings Cup — the game ends when all cards are drawn (or when the 4th King is drawn and someone drinks the Kings Cup). The real goal is a fun, memorable game night.
That said, many groups declare the last person still keeping composure the unofficial winner.
Variations of the Rules for Kings Cup Game
House rules are a huge part of Kings Cup culture. Here are popular alternatives:
- Two — New Rule instead of "You" — the drawer invents a new rule.
- Seven — Seven, Seven, Snake Eyes — more complex dice-inspired variants.
- Jack — Never Have I Ever — players reveal something they've never done.
- Bus Driver — add an end-of-game mini-game where the loser does extra challenges.
Our online game includes 5 full versions: Classic, Funny, College, Couples, and Family — each with a unique set of card rules.
Tips for Hosting Kings Cup
- Use a large central cup — it fills up fast once Kings start appearing.
- Keep a printed rule sheet handy for new players (or use our online version which shows rules on every card).
- Non-alcoholic play works great — use juice, soda, or sparkling water.
- Agree on house rules before you start to avoid arguments mid-game.
- Play with 4–8 players for the best experience — big enough to be chaotic, small enough to stay fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cards do you need for Kings Cup?
A standard 52-card deck is all you need. Some groups add Jokers for extra wild rules — that's optional.
How many players can play Kings Cup?
Kings Cup works best with 3–10 players. More than 10 and the game slows down too much between turns.
Can you play Kings Cup without alcohol?
Absolutely. Any beverage works — water, juice, soda, or tea. Our Family version replaces drinks with physical challenges entirely.
What happens if you break the circle of cards?
By tradition, the player who breaks the ring of cards must drink. This rule keeps everyone careful when drawing.
What is Ring of Fire vs Kings Cup?
They're the same game with different names. Ring of Fire is the common UK name; Kings Cup is most used in the US. Circle of Death is another popular name for identical gameplay.