Beer ball: rules and a points version

Beer ball setup

• Teams: two teams with the same number of players, 2 to 4 each, at opposite ends of a table.
• Cans: one can per player, standing at the edge of the table in front of them. Unopened cans are the traditional way; opened cans with a little drink in them work for the points version.
• Ball: a ping-pong ball, plus spares.
• Table: any long table; a beer pong table is perfect.

How to play beer ball (points version)

1. Throw

   Teams take turns throwing the ball at the other team’s cans from behind their own end of the table.

2. Hit

   The ball hits a can: 1 point to the throwers, and the can’s owner takes a sip.

3. Knock it over

   The ball knocks a can over: 2 points and 2 sips. Stand it back up.

4. Swat and catch

   Defenders can swat a ball away before it hits a can, but not block it with their hands on the table.

5. Win

   First team to 11 wins. Losers take a sip each and shake hands.

The traditional race rules

In the original game, when the ball hits a can, the thrower’s team may open and drink their own drinks until the other team fetches the ball and touches it back on the table. The first team to finish all their drinks wins. It’s fun to watch but it’s a speed-drinking race, which is why we score it with points instead.

If your group plays the race version, make it gentle: small cans or half-full cups, “drinking” means sipping, and anyone can switch to water.

Beer ball vs paddle pong and beer pong

Beer ball is sometimes confused with paddle beer pong (the original Dartmouth-style game played with ping-pong paddles) and with beer pong, where you throw into cups. If you have cups and a long table, beer pong is the better game for 2 vs 2; beer ball shines with bigger teams and louder rooms. More ideas are on our beer games page.

Beer Ball variations

Bounce bonus

A ball that bounces on the table before hitting a can scores double.

Water ball

Cans or cups of water: every hit is a point and nothing else.

Two balls

With 4 players a side, each team throws two balls per turn.

Tips for a good game

• Keep a towel close: cans do fall over.
• Stand the cans on a line of tape so everyone’s can starts in the same place.
• Rotate throwers so everyone gets a go.

Beer Ball: FAQ