Get ready to step into the world of Kings of the Circle, a wildly entertaining card drinking game that is guaranteed to liven up any gathering. With a combination of luck, strategy, and a whole lot of laughs, this game has become a staple amongst party-goers everywhere. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, Kings of the Circle offers endless entertainment as you try to outwit your opponents and avoid being crowned the King. So gather your friends, grab a deck of cards, and get ready to embark on a memorable journey filled with twists and turns that will leave everyone wanting more.
What is Kings (Circle of Death) Card Drinking Game?
The Kings Card Drinking Game, also known as Circle of Death, is a popular drinking game that combines elements of cards and social interaction. It is usually played in groups and involves a deck of cards, as well as a variety of drinking rules and penalties. The game is known for its unpredictability and the fun it brings to gatherings and parties.
Overview of the game
In the Kings Card Drinking Game, a circle is formed with each player taking turns drawing cards from the deck. Each card has a specific meaning and leads to a variety of actions, such as drinking, posing challenges, or setting rules. The game continues until all the cards have been drawn, with players following the instructions on each card.
Number of players
The game can be played with a minimum of three players, but it is more enjoyable with larger groups. The more players there are, the more dynamic and engaging the game becomes. It is important to have enough participants to ensure an active and lively atmosphere.
Necessary supplies
To play the game, you will need a standard deck of playing cards. It is recommended to use a dedicated deck solely for the Kings Card Drinking Game to prevent wear and tear on your regular playing cards. Additionally, it is advisable to have an ample supply of your chosen beverages on hand to accommodate the drinking aspects of the game.
Rules of the game
The rules of the Kings Card Drinking Game can vary depending on the group playing, but here are some common rules:
- Ace: The player who draws an Ace gets to make a rule that must be followed for the rest of the game. This rule could be anything from requiring players to drink with their non-dominant hand to prohibiting certain words from being spoken.
- Two: The player who draws a Two gets to choose another player to take a drink.
- Three: The player who draws a Three takes a drink.
- Four: The player who draws a Four starts a waterfall, where everyone begins drinking and cannot stop until the player who drew the Four stops drinking.
- Five: The player who draws a Five assigns someone to drink.
- Six: The player who draws a Six starts a round of thumb master. Whenever the player places his or her thumb on the table, the rest of the players must follow suit. The last player to do so has to drink.
- Seven: The player who draws a Seven starts a round of Heaven, where everyone points their fingers towards the sky. The last player to do so drinks.
- Eight: The player who draws an Eight picks a mate, and whenever one of them drinks, the other must also drink.
- Nine: The player who draws a Nine starts a rhyme and everyone else has to continue rhyming until someone messes up. The player who messes up drinks.
- Ten: The player who draws a Ten makes a social rule that everyone must follow, such as clapping before drinking or saying “cheers” before each drink.
- Jack: The player who draws a Jack becomes the “Thumb Master” and at any time during the game, they can place their thumb on the table, and everyone else must do the same. The last person to do so has to drink.
- Queen: The player who draws a Queen has the power to make a rule that everyone must follow until the next Queen is drawn. This rule can be anything from requiring players to drink with their pinkies up to wearing a goofy hat during the game.
- King: The player who draws a King must pour a portion of their drink into the “King’s Cup” placed in the center of the circle. The person who draws the fourth King has to drink the contents of the cup, which often contains a mixture of all the poured drinks.
Setting Up the Game
Arranging the cards
Before starting the game, shuffle the deck of cards thoroughly to ensure randomness. Once shuffled, place the deck face-down in the center of the playing area.
Placing the ‘King’ cards
Designate a cup as the “King’s Cup” and place it in the center of the circle where all players can reach it easily. As each player draws a King card, they must pour a portion of their chosen drink into the King’s Cup.
Other preparations
Make sure to have enough seating and surface area for all players to be comfortable during the game. Prepare a variety of beverages to accommodate different preferences. It is also important to establish any house rules or additional guidelines before starting the game to avoid any confusion or disputes.
Playing the Game
Understanding the card meanings
Before starting the game, familiarize yourself with the meanings of each card in the deck. While some variations may have different rules, the commonly accepted meanings for each card are as follows:
- Ace: Make a rule
- Two: Choose someone to drink
- Three: Take a drink
- Four: Start a waterfall
- Five: Assign someone to drink
- Six: Start a thumb master round
- Seven: Start a round of Heaven
- Eight: Pick a mate
- Nine: Start a rhyme
- Ten: Make a social rule
- Jack: Become the Thumb Master
- Queen: Make a rule until next Queen
- King: Pour a portion of your drink into the King’s Cup
Starting the game
To start the game, gather all the players into a circle around the playing area. The first player will draw a card from the deck and follow the instructions on the card. The next player in the circle will then draw a card and so on, continuing in a clockwise direction.
Going in a circle
As the game progresses, players will take turns drawing cards and following the instructions on them. It is important to maintain the order of the circle to ensure fairness and consistency in gameplay.
Following the card instructions
Each card has a specific instruction or action attached to it. Players must follow these instructions, which can range from assigning drinks to other players, making rules, or participating in various challenges. The game can become progressively more intense and hilarious as the consumption of alcohol increases.
Penalties for mistakes
In the Kings Card Drinking Game, mistakes or violations of the rules often come with penalties. The most common penalty is taking a drink, but the group may introduce their own additional penalties or consequences for mistakes made during gameplay. These penalties add an extra level of excitement and encourage players to be attentive and focused.
Strategies to win
The Kings Card Drinking Game is primarily a social and entertainment activity rather than a competitive game. While there are no specific strategies to win, players can enhance their experience by fully embracing the spirit of the game and engaging in the various challenges and interactions. The ultimate goal is to have fun and create memorable moments with friends.
Fun Variations
Queen’s Rule
In the Queen’s Rule variation, each Queen card drawn allows the player to create a rule that everyone must follow until the next Queen is drawn. These rules can range from requiring players to speak in rhyme, drink with their opposite hand, or only communicate through gestures. The creativity of the rules adds an extra layer of fun and complexity to the game.
Two to the Zoo
Two to the Zoo is a variation of the Kings Card Drinking Game where every time a player draws a Two, they must imitate an animal of their choice until the next Two card is drawn. The imitations can range from roaring like a lion to hopping like a kangaroo. This variation adds a touch of hilarity and silliness to the game.
Infinite Kings
Infinite Kings is a variation of the game where drawing a King does not result in a drink being poured into the central King’s Cup. Instead, the person who draws the King still has to follow the rules attached to that card but does not contribute to the “punishment” aspect of the game. This variation allows for a longer playing experience without the potential for excessive alcohol consumption.
No Mercy
No Mercy is a variation that introduces additional harsh penalties for breaking the rules. For example, if a player fails to follow a rule or instructions on a card, they may have to drink double the amount or perform an embarrassing dare suggested by other players. This variation adds an exciting twist and encourages players to be more cautious and attentive during gameplay.
Etiquette and Safety
Drinking responsibly
While the Kings Card Drinking Game involves alcohol consumption, it is important to emphasize responsible drinking. Encourage players to drink at their own pace and recognize their limits. It is crucial to prioritize the well-being and safety of all participants, ensuring that no one becomes overly intoxicated or uncomfortable.
Setting limits
Before starting the game, it is important to establish limits and boundaries. Discuss and agree upon the maximum number of drinks a player should consume during the game. This helps prevent excessive alcohol consumption and ensures that everyone can enjoy the game in a healthy and controlled manner.
Respecting players’ boundaries
As with any group activity, it is essential to respect the boundaries and comfort levels of all participants. Not everyone may be comfortable with certain challenges or dares. Encourage open communication among players and create an environment where everyone feels safe and included.
Benefits of Kings Card Drinking Game
Icebreaker and socialization
The Kings Card Drinking Game serves as an excellent icebreaker in social settings. It encourages conversation, laughter, and creates opportunities for players to bond and get to know each other better. The game provides a relaxed and fun atmosphere, making it easier for people to engage and interact.
Enhances card-playing skills
Playing the Kings Card Drinking Game often involves quick thinking, strategy, and memory skills. As players navigate through the deck and follow the instructions, they develop their card-playing abilities, such as memorizing the meanings of different cards and retaining information in a fast-paced environment.
Boosts creativity and spontaneity
The creative and spontaneous nature of the Kings Card Drinking Game allows players to think outside the box and come up with innovative rules, challenges, or actions. It encourages players to tap into their imagination, fostering a sense of creativity and spontaneity.
Popular Kings Drinking Game Variations
Ring of Fire
Ring of Fire, also known as Kings Cup or Waterfall, is a popular variation of the Kings Card Drinking Game. It involves arranging the cards in a circle and assigning different actions or rules to each card. Players take turns drawing cards and must follow the corresponding action or rule. The game continues until all the cards have been drawn or when someone breaks the circle.
Asshole
Asshole, also known as President or Scum, is a strategic and competitive card drinking game. It involves players taking turns playing cards and attempting to get rid of all their cards as quickly as possible. The first person to get rid of all their cards becomes the President, and the last person becomes the Asshole. The President gets to establish rules, while the Asshole has duties and disadvantages throughout the game.
Fingers
Fingers is a fast-paced card drinking game that involves players placing fingers on the table, with each finger representing a life or chance. Players take turns drawing cards and must follow the instructions on the card. Failing to do so results in losing a life. The game continues until only one player remains with fingers on the table.
Tips for Hosting a Kings Game Night
Choosing the right venue
Select a venue that can comfortably accommodate all the players and provide an appropriate atmosphere for the game. Ensure there is enough seating and space for the circle formation. Consider hosting the game night at your home, a friend’s place, or even an outdoor area, depending on the weather and preferences of the group.
Providing various beverages
As people have different beverage preferences, make sure to offer a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. This ensures that everyone can participate in the game regardless of their choice to consume alcohol or not. Offer a variety of beers, spirits, mixers, and non-alcoholic alternatives such as soda, juice, or water.
Creating a comfortable atmosphere
To ensure a successful game night, create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Set up comfortable seating arrangements, dim the lights, and play some background music to enhance the ambiance. Providing snacks or finger foods can also add to the overall enjoyment of the evening.
Having backup cards
Accidents happen, and cards can easily get damaged or lost during gameplay. Have a spare deck or two available to avoid interruptions or delays due to card issues. Additionally, having a set of printed rules or instructions can serve as a handy reference for the players.
Other Card Drinking Games to Explore
Beer Pong
Beer Pong is a classic drinking game that requires tossing a ping pong ball across a table in an attempt to land it in one of several cups of beer. If successful, the opposing team must drink the contents of the cup. The game continues until one team eliminates all the opposing team’s cups.
Flip Cup
Flip Cup is a team-based drinking game involving plastic cups and teamwork. Each player consumes the beverage in their cup and then attempts to flip the cup upside down by flicking the rim with their fingers. The team that successfully flips all their cups first wins the game.
Quarters
Quarters is a simple yet challenging drinking game that involves bouncing a quarter off a table in an attempt to have it land inside a cup of alcohol. Successfully landing the quarter inside the cup allows the player to choose someone to drink. The game continues until all players have had a turn.
Never Have I Ever
Never Have I Ever is a revealing and hilarious drinking game that involves players making statements starting with “Never have I ever…” Anyone who has done the action described in the statement must drink. The game stimulates conversation and often leads to interesting and surprising revelations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Kings suitable for all age groups?
The Kings Card Drinking Game is typically played by adults of legal drinking age. The consumption of alcohol is an integral part of the game, so it is not suitable for underage players or those who choose not to drink.
What if someone doesn’t want to drink alcohol?
While the Kings Card Drinking Game revolves around alcohol consumption, there are alternative options available for non-drinkers. They can opt to drink non-alcoholic beverages or participate in the game without consuming any alcohol. It is important to respect everyone’s choices and ensure that everyone can fully participate and enjoy the game.
Can you play Kings with a regular deck of cards?
Yes, the Kings Card Drinking Game can be played with a regular deck of playing cards. However, it is advisable to use a dedicated deck for the game to prevent damage to your regular playing cards. This also allows for the inclusion of unique rules and markings specific to the Kings Card Drinking Game deck.
