What You Need

• A standard 52-card deck (no jokers)
• A large cup or pint glass placed in the centre of the table (the King's Cup)
• 3 to 10 players, each with their own drink
• A flat surface to spread the cards on

Basic Setup

Place the King's Cup in the centre of the table. Spread the full deck of cards face down in a circle around the cup. Players sit around the table. The youngest player goes first, drawing one card per turn clockwise. Each card has a specific rule that must be followed immediately.

All 13 Card Rules

Card	Name	Rule
A	Waterfall	Everyone starts drinking at the same time. You can only stop when the person to your right stops. The card drawer goes last.
2	You	Pick any player. They drink.
3	Me	The card drawer drinks.
4	Floor	Everyone races to touch the floor. Last person to do so drinks.
5	Guys	All men drink.
6	Chicks	All women drink.
7	Heaven	Everyone races to raise their hand. Last to do so drinks.
8	Mate	Pick a drinking buddy. They must drink every time you drink for the remainder of the game (until another 8 is drawn).
9	Rhyme	Say a word. Players take turns saying words that rhyme. First person to fail, repeat, or hesitate drinks.
10	Categories	Pick a category (e.g., beer brands, football teams, capital cities). Players take turns naming items. First to fail drinks.
J	Rule	Make any rule you want. It applies for the rest of the game. Anyone who breaks it drinks double.
Q	Question Master	You are the Question Master. If any player answers a direct question you ask, they drink. Lasts until the next Queen is drawn.
K	King's Cup	Pour a portion of your drink into the King's Cup. The player who draws the fourth King must drink the entire cup.

The King's Cup Rule in Detail

The King's Cup is the centrepiece of the game. Every time a King is drawn (there are 4 Kings in the deck), that player must pour some of their drink into the cup. The amount is up to them — but tradition suggests pouring generously.

The player who draws the fourth and final King must drink whatever is in the cup. Since four different players have contributed, this can be an unpleasant mix. This is the "punishment" for drawing the last King and the dramatic conclusion everyone is building toward.

The game typically ends when the fourth King is drawn, though some groups play until all cards are used.

Popular House Rule Variations

The Card Breaking Rule

When spreading the cards in a circle around the cup, the cards should form an unbroken ring. Some groups play that if you break the ring when drawing a card, you must take a drink as a penalty.

Thumb Master (replaces or augments Queen)

Instead of Question Master, the Queen makes the card drawer the Thumb Master. At any point, they can put their thumb on the table. The last person to notice and do the same drinks. Works alongside other rules.

Social (for 10s)

Some groups replace Categories for 10s with "Social" — everyone drinks together. Simple and keeps the energy high.

Make a Rule Stacking

Every Jack drawn adds a new permanent rule. By the end of the game you might have 4 active rules running simultaneously. The most chaotic version of Kings Cup.

Tips for a Great Kings Cup Session

• Agree on card rules before you start. Different regions play Kings Cup with different rules — make sure everyone is using the same version.
• Use a non-clear cup. Half the drama of the King's Cup is not knowing exactly what's in it. Use a dark or opaque cup if you have one.
• Don't stack the deck. Keep the cards well shuffled for the best experience.
• Non-alcoholic drinks work fine. The rules and strategy are just as fun without alcohol.
• Keep the rules board visible. First-time players often forget which card does what. Write them down or keep this guide open.

How to Play Kings Cup Online (No Cards Needed)

Don't have a physical card deck? Randora's free digital Kings Cup uses a fully shuffled 52-card deck with all 13 rules built in. Each player takes a turn tapping "Draw a Card" and the rule appears instantly on screen. It also tracks how many Kings have been drawn.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many players can play Kings Cup?

Kings Cup works best with 4–8 players. It can be played with as few as 3 or as many as 12, though very large groups can slow the pace considerably.

How long does a game of Kings Cup last?

Usually 30–60 minutes depending on group size and how strictly rules are enforced. Games end when the fourth King is drawn.

What happens if you break the card circle?

In the traditional rule, you take a penalty drink. This is a house rule, not universal — agree on it before the game starts.

Can you play Kings Cup without drinking alcohol?

Absolutely. The game works just as well with soft drinks, juice, or water. The rules and social dynamic are the real entertainment.