How to play the beer dice game? 9 practical tips and complete dice game rules

What is the beer dice game?

Summer is here, are you ready to party, barbecue and play games with friends? Beer dice is a simple and fun dice game that is very suitable for summer parties. Players score by throwing six-sided dice (D6 dice). It combines dice throwing and beer interaction, which can quickly liven up the atmosphere and make the party atmosphere high!

Whether it is a campus event, a barbecue party with friends, camping or a family party, this game can bring unlimited joy. Below, we will introduce the rules, gameplay, precautions and practical game skills of this game in detail, so that you can easily become a master of beer dice.

Four people stand at the four corners of a rectangular table and throw D6 dice to play a beer dice game

What do you need to prepare to play beer dice?

1. Number of players
Beer dice is usually played in the form of 2-on-2 battles, and can also be played in 1-on-1 mode. Players stand at opposite ends of the table (similar to the standing position of beer ping-pong).

2. Die game table
A suitable table is very important for playing beer dice. The following are common die table dimensions:

• Length: about 2.4 meters (8 feet)
• Width: about 1.2 meters (4 feet)
• Height: standard table height of about 0.75 meters

There needs to be a vertical dividing line in the middle of the table. We can draw a line with chalk, place a rope, or use sand or bottle caps to draw a line in the middle of the table. If there is no standard table, you can use a folding table at home, a camping table, or two similar tables together, but the distance between the two sides must be at least 1.8 meters.

3. Cups
A cup should be placed in front of each player, and four cups should be placed at the four corners of the table or slightly inward near the edge. The most common is a 16-ounce red Solo cup or disposable plastic cup. Place a cup on the table for each player. The cup is placed 8 inches (200 mm) from the back of the table and 5 inches (130 mm) from the side (it can be understood as measuring with your hand from the back and measuring with your fist from the side).

4. Dice
The standard gameplay uses a 6 sided dice. It is recommended to buy a 16mm or 19mm dice. If it is too small, it is easy to lose, and if it is too large, it is inconvenient to bounce (you can prepare 2 dice for use in turns, or throw them at the same time in fast-paced mode.)

A fun beer dice game using the bright yellow beer D6 dice

The yellow beer D6 dice is particularly bright in color, and the trajectory is clear at a glance when throwing, which is convenient for everyone to catch the ball and judge the landing point. Moreover, this light beer style design is particularly suitable for the atmosphere of drinking beer and playing dice, adding a lot of fun.

5. Beverage preparation
Traditionally, beer dice is a drinking game, and beer is recommended, but if you don’t drink or there are minors, water, beverages, etc. can also be used instead. Just add a small amount of wine or beverage to each cup (about 1/2 cup), and it does not need to be filled.

6. Game location
The ideal game location is a place with a certain degree of openness and where things are not easy to knock over. You can make room in the middle of your living room, or you can play the game on an outdoor terrace, courtyard, basement or empty garage.

How to play beer dice?

Step 1: Determine the game goal rules

• Winning the game: Before the game starts, all players need to agree on the winning score of the game, such as 5 points, 7 points, 11 points or 12 points (some rules require winning by 2 points to win, and the upper limit of the score is 7 points, that is, if both sides reach 6 points, one side needs to win by 2 points and reach 8 points to win).

• Dice throwing height: Each dice must be thrown above the player's head. It is helpful to use a mark or object to measure the distance of each throw. For example, if playing indoors, you can use the ceiling as a reference to ensure that the dice can be close to the ceiling height when throwing. In the yard, you can use common facilities such as street lamp poles and clothes drying poles as height references. The minimum height can also be agreed to be the height of the tallest player.

• Forbidden number rule: During the entire process of playing beer dice game, you cannot say the numbers 5 and 7. They are called "bizz" and "buzz" respectively. If the opponent finds out that you have said a forbidden number, you will have to drink a glass immediately as punishment. Even if you are reporting scores, chatting, or counting dice points, you must be careful to avoid it! For example, if you want to say "7 points", you have to say "6+1" or "One more point and we win". This rule often makes people laugh and greatly increases the chaotic fun of the game.

Step 2: Determine the order of the teams

Each team sends a player to roll the dice, and the other team guesses whether the dice points are big or small (1, 2, 3 are small; 4, 5, 6 are big). The team that guesses correctly starts rolling the dice first. Or it is also a good way to decide directly with rock-paper-scissors.

Step 3: Start throwing

The team player who has the right to throw the first time holds a durable and eye-catching D6 dice in his hand. When starting to throw, he needs to tap the dice to indicate and say "dye up", and throw the dice from bottom to top with his palm facing up. Make sure that the dice must reach the specified height and bounce within the opponent's table range.

Step 4: The defender catches the dice

The defender must try to catch the dice with one hand before it leaves the table, but cannot touch the table or cup, otherwise it will be considered a foul. You cannot reach out in advance to interfere with the landing point of the dice.

Step 5: Determine the score

According to the dice result and whether the defender catches it, the score or drink is determined:

Situation Description	Scoring	Drinking
The dice is thrown from above the head, lands on the opponent's table and bounces, and the opponent does not catch it	The thrower gets 1 point	No
The dice hits the opponent's cup (does not fall into the cup), regardless of whether it is caught	The thrower gets 1 point	Defender takes a sip
The dice falls into the opponent's cup (commonly known as "plop" or "sink")	The thrower gets 2 points or wins outright (depending on the agreement)	Defender drinks a cup
The dice falls into your own cup	No score	Thrower drinks a cup
The dice does not touch the table and goes out of bounds	No score	No
The dice is not above the head (throw violation)	No score	Minor penalty: take a sip (optional)
The dice is caught	No score	No
The dice hits the table but does not bounce	No score	No
The dice hits the lamp, wall or other obstacles and falls to the ground	No score	No
Drops when rolling the dice	No score	Thrower drinks a cup

Step 6: Alternate throwing

Each team has two players throw once per round, and the oldest player on the same team starts throwing first, and then it's his teammates' turn. After each round, it's the other team's turn to throw until one team reaches the predetermined score and wins.

At any time during the game, you can request a so-called "cup check" between rounds. This means that you and your opponent make sure that the cups are still in the right place, because they may move during the game.

Playing beer dice: Notes on throwing and catching dice

Note when throwing:

1. The throwing height must be above the head to ensure that the dice can bounce. Throwing too low will be judged invalid.

2. The movements should be smooth and coherent. Do not pause or fake when throwing to avoid being judged as a foul.

3. Keep a steady grip on the dice, and hold it easily between your thumb and index finger for an accurate throw.

4. Immediately leave the throwing area after throwing, giving the defense enough space to catch the ball.

Note when catching the dice:

1. The defense can only catch the dice with one hand. Catching the dice with both hands or holding the dice is considered a foul.

2. Do not touch the dice with other parts of the body, such as legs, chest, head, etc., and the catch must be clean and neat.

3. Catch the ball with one hand steadily and gently to prevent the dice from bouncing or falling.

4. Stand flexibly, be ready to move at any time to catch the ball, and keep your eyes on the flying dice.

Other disputes: If a dispute arises during the game, a "referee" (called a "god" referee) can be appointed to make the final decision.

🍺 Practical skills for beginners playing beer dice

• Throw steadily, don't throw too hard

Many beginners will throw hard at the beginning, resulting in the dice flying off the table or falling. In fact, throw it easily and keep it above your head so that the dice bounces better and is more accurately controlled.

• Aim at the edge of the opponent's cup before throwing

Don't aim at the center of the cup. It's easier to hit the cup or bounce the dice by aiming at the edge of the cup, which increases the chance of scoring.

• Catch the ball with one hand and relax your posture

The defender only catches the ball with one hand. Don't be nervous. Open your palm and stay relaxed. This will increase the success rate of catching the ball.

• Stand firm and stare at the dice

Don't move in a hurry when catching the ball. Stand steadily first, then stare at the trajectory of the dice, judge the landing point in advance and prepare to catch the ball.

• Stay patient and don't rush to drink

Winning and losing is normal. Don't let drinking affect your feel and judgment. Keep a relaxed mentality and have fun.

• Practice controlling the throwing height

Use the ceiling or door frame as a reference, practice throwing from a similar height every time, and the winning rate will naturally increase after the throwing is stable.

• React quickly and be ready to catch the ball

The dice may fly very fast. Don't stare at the dice until the last moment. Learn to judge in advance and react faster.

• Teamwork is crucial

Communicate more with teammates, adjust positions and division of labor for catching the ball, and have a tacit understanding, which will increase your chances of winning.

• Use the right dice

It is recommended to use a 6-sided dice with better material and durability, which has good bounce, good feel, and is easier to throw.

Questions you may want to know

Interested in other dice games? Check out our ultimate dice game list.