The Categories Drinking Game is a popular party game, where players use their wits to name the items that fall into certain categories. In this game, players come up with a playing order, choose someone to start, and then that person determines the first category. The easiest way to play is to have everyone sit in a circle.
Categories Drinking Game Rules
The Categories drinking game is a popular party game that is easy to learn and can be played with a group of friends.
Gather players
Assemble a group of friends who are interested in playing. There’s no maximum number of players, but a group of three to eight adults might be ideal for quick turns.
Prepare drinks
Prepare the alcoholic drinks for each person in the game, and make sure each player has a drink at hand. This drink is typically an alcoholic drink but can be any beverage.
Form a circle
Those taking part should form a circle, sit in a line, or just be aware of the order of turns.
Pick a category
Then, a person starts by naming a broad category like ‘colors’, ‘car brands’, or movie titles’.
Take turns
Now, each player in order must name something that fits within the specified category.
No repeats or hesitation
In the play, when someone repeats an answer or can’t come up with one quickly, they must take a drink.
Rotate the starting position
The game continues with players taking turns to start with new categories. There are a few additional rules that can be added to the game to make it more interesting. For instance, players can challenge the answers given by other players. If a player gives an answer that seems questionable, other players can challenge them. The challenged player must then explain or justify their answer. If they can’t, they take an extra drink.
How to Play Categories Drinking Game
To start, the first player announces a category that can include things like ‘types of fruit’ to ‘European countries’ ‘car brands’, or any idea players might prefer. The important thing is to pick something broad enough that players have options, but not so broad that the game becomes too easy.
The sequence of game proceeds in a clockwise direction, with each player taking turns to identify an item that falls within the designated category. For example, if the category is ‘fruit’, they might say ‘apple’. Participants are expected to provide an honest response and are not allowed to repeat a previously provided response.
Whenever a player takes too long, repeats an answer, or says something that doesn’t fit the category, they must take a drink. The game can be played with any beverage, but typically it’s an alcoholic drink. However, the game can also be played with non-alcoholic drinks for those who don’t drink alcohol or for a more inclusive environment.
The categories drinking game is a great way to play as a standalone activity or as a part of a larger drinking game like Ring of Fire or King’s Cup, where drawing a card sets up a round of categories. It’s also a common consequence in other drinking games and can be found in various drinking game apps.
This drinking game lacks a formal finish; therefore, it can continue for as long as the players desire or until everyone has reached an agreement to end. Some groups play until they’ve gone through a certain number of categories or until the drinks run out. Another variant of the game is the Speed Round, where a timer is set for each turn, and if a player doesn’t answer before the time runs out, they drink.
Disclaimer: Further, it is important to keep in mind the safety of all participants and to never force anyone to drink more than they’re comfortable with. The point of the game is to have fun, not to drink excessively. Therefore, it’s essential to respect all members capabilities and boundaries.
