Beer PongRules
All the important rules at a glance. For fair matches, more fun and a shared understanding of the game.
General rules
- ✓2 vs 2
- ✓2 balls, 2 throws per team
- ✓1 vs 1: you throw both balls (2 throws per turn)
- ✓Elbows behind the table edge
- ✓Drink first, then throw!
- ✓Always a triangle formation
Starting the game
The first throw is decided by rock, paper, scissors.
The winner starts.
Elbow rule
The throwing player's elbow must not cross the end of the table.
After repeated violations, the throw is declared invalid.
Cup setup
Each team uses 10 cups. The cups are always set up in a triangle.
The last cup is always placed in the middle at the back.
Distraction
Distraction is generally allowed.
Allowed: Talking, cheering, moving behind the table.
Not allowed: Covering the cup, touching the table, standing next to the table.
Direct throw
If the ball lands directly in a cup, it counts as 1 cup.
Once the ball has touched a cup, it may be swatted away.
Bounce shot
If the ball is deliberately bounced off the table and then lands in a cup, it counts as 2 cups.
After the ball has touched the table, it may be swatted away immediately.
Recover & trick shot
If a thrown ball comes back over your half of the table, the throwing team can get it back (a “recover”). The opposing team may swat it away! The ball must not touch the floor!
A special throw (under difficult conditions) can be counted as a trick shot – after agreeing with the referee.
Multiple hits
If both players of a team score in the same turn, the team gets 2 additional throws.
If both players hit the same cup, 1 additional cup of the throwing team's choice has to be drunk.
Swatting
After the ball has touched the table or a cup, it may be swatted away.
Swatting too early = penalty cup.
A ball may be swatted out of a cup if it is visibly spinning inside the cup. A cup only counts as hit if the ball stays in the cup.
If a ball is thrown at a cup that already contains a ball, that ball may not be swatted away.
Game end (rebuttal)
Once a team has lost all its cups, the opposing team gets the chance to throw again (rebuttal).
With 3 or more cups: Both players may throw.
With 2 or fewer cups: Only one player may throw.
After a hit, the team may keep throwing until a throw misses. If the team hits all cups, 3 new cups per team are set up. The game continues.
Fair play
Respectful behavior is mandatory.
Disputes are settled by a referee.
Unsportsmanlike behavior can be punished with penalty cups or loss of throws.