The Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Football Drinking Game

Football season is upon us, and what better way to enhance the excitement of watching your favorite team than with a well-crafted drinking game? A football drinking game can transform a casual viewing into a lively party, adding an extra layer of engagement to every play. However, a successful football drinking game requires more than just beer and a TV. It needs rules that are balanced, engaging, and, most importantly, fun. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of creating the perfect football drinking game, from choosing the right rules to ensuring everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.

Planning Your Football Drinking Game

Before diving into the rules, consider these essential aspects of planning:

1. The Group and Their Tolerance

* **Know Your Audience:** Are you playing with seasoned drinkers or casual participants? Tailor the rules to match the group’s tolerance level. Heavy-handed rules can quickly lead to burnout, while overly lenient rules might not provide enough excitement.
* **Communication is Key:** Before the game begins, clearly communicate the rules and ensure everyone understands them. This prevents confusion and arguments later on.
* **Offer Alternatives:** Always provide non-alcoholic options for those who prefer not to drink or need a break. Water, soda, and juice are essential.

2. Game Selection

* **Match Importance:** Is it a casual regular-season game, a heated rivalry, or the Super Bowl? The stakes of the game can influence the intensity of your drinking game.
* **Team Allegiances:** If you have fans of both teams present, incorporate rules that acknowledge and play off the rivalry.
* **Game Length:** Consider the expected length of the game (typically 3-4 hours) and design the rules accordingly. You don’t want people to be completely incapacitated by halftime.

3. Essential Supplies

* **Drinks:** Obviously, you’ll need a variety of beverages. Beer is the classic choice, but consider offering wine, cider, or mixed drinks to cater to different preferences.
* **Snacks:** Provide plenty of snacks to help absorb the alcohol and keep everyone fueled throughout the game. Pizza, chips, dips, and wings are always a hit.
* **TV and Seating:** Ensure you have a large enough TV screen and comfortable seating for everyone. A good viewing experience is crucial.
* **Rule Sheet:** Print out a copy of the rules for everyone to refer to. This minimizes confusion and disagreements.
* **Designated Driver:** This is non-negotiable. Ensure you have a designated driver or arrange for alternative transportation.

Designing Your Football Drinking Game Rules

This is where the fun begins! Here’s a breakdown of different types of rules you can incorporate into your game:

1. Basic Gameplay Rules

These rules are triggered by common events that occur during the game.

* **First Down:** Take a sip every time a team gets a first down.
* **Touchdown:** Finish your drink when a team scores a touchdown. (Or take multiple sips if you want to be less extreme).
* **Field Goal:** Take two sips when a team kicks a field goal.
* **Interception:** The person whose team got intercepted drinks twice.
* **Fumble:** The person whose team fumbled drinks twice.
* **Penalty:** Take a sip every time a team gets penalized. Double it for a major penalty like pass interference or unsportsmanlike conduct.
* **Turnover on Downs:** Take three sips.
* **Missed Field Goal:** The team that missed the field goal drinks twice.
* **Extra Point Attempt Made:** Take one sip.
* **Two-Point Conversion:** Finish your drink if a team successfully converts a two-point attempt.

2. Player-Specific Rules

These rules are tied to the performance of specific players.

* **Quarterback Rules:**
* Every time the quarterback completes a pass, everyone takes a sip.
* Every time the quarterback gets sacked, the quarterback’s team drinks twice.
* If the quarterback throws a touchdown, the person who predicted it takes no drink for the next ten minutes.
* **Running Back Rules:**
* Every time the running back rushes for 10+ yards, everyone takes a sip.
* Every time the running back fumbles, the running back’s team drinks twice.
* **Wide Receiver Rules:**
* Every time the wide receiver makes a catch, everyone takes a sip.
* Every time the wide receiver drops a pass, the wide receiver’s team drinks once.
* **Kicker Rules:**
* Every time the kicker makes a field goal, everyone takes a sip.
* Every time the kicker misses a field goal, the kicker’s team drinks twice.

3. Commentary and Broadcast Rules

These rules are based on what the commentators say or what’s shown on the broadcast.

* **Announcer Clichés:** Take a sip every time you hear a common football cliché, such as “He’s a real student of the game,” “They need to execute,” or “It’s a game of inches.”
* **Commercial Rules:**
* Drink during every commercial break.
* Take a sip if you see a commercial featuring a celebrity.
* Take two sips if you see a commercial for beer or alcohol.
* **Instant Replay:** Take a sip during every instant replay.
* **Injury Timeout:** Take a sip during every injury timeout.
* **Challenge Flag:** Take a sip when a coach throws a challenge flag.
* **Mention of Fantasy Football:** The person with the worst fantasy team drinks twice if fantasy football is mentioned.
* **Celebrity Sighting:** If a celebrity is shown on TV, everyone takes a sip.

4. Defensive Play Rules

These rules add excitement to the often-overlooked defensive side of the game.

* **Sack:** The quarterback’s team drinks twice when the quarterback is sacked.
* **Tackle for Loss:** The offensive team drinks once.
* **Forced Fumble:** The team that forced the fumble makes the other team drink twice.
* **Interception:** The team that threw the interception drinks twice, and the team that intercepted chooses someone to finish their drink.
* **Blocked Punt/Field Goal:** Everyone finishes their drink.
* **Defensive Touchdown (Pick Six or Fumble Recovery):** The entire opposing team finishes their drinks.

5. Super Bowl Specific Rules

For the biggest game of the year, you need some extra special rules.

* **Super Bowl Commercials:** Rate each commercial on a scale of 1-5. The person who gave the lowest rating drinks the difference between their rating and 5.
* **Halftime Show:** Take a sip every time the halftime performer changes costumes or songs.
* **Coin Toss:** Whoever guesses the coin toss correctly gets to make someone else take a drink.
* **Gronk Spike (If Gronkowski is Playing):** Every time Gronkowski spikes the ball, everyone takes a sip.
* **Wardrobe Malfunction:** Everyone finishes their drink (but hopefully, this doesn’t happen!).
* **Prop Bet Wins/Losses:** Players who wager on prop bets drink a pre-determined amount based on the result of their bets.

6. Tailgate Rules (If Applicable)

If you’re tailgating before the game, incorporate these rules:

* **Team Colors:** Anyone not wearing team colors drinks twice.
* **Food Sharing:** If someone shares food, everyone cheers and takes a sip.
* **Cornhole/Tailgate Games:** Loser of a cornhole or other tailgate game drinks.
* **Someone Drops Food/Drink:** The person who dropped it finishes their drink.
* **Loudest Cheer:** The person who cheers the loudest after a touchdown gets to make someone else drink.

Example Football Drinking Game Rule Sets

Here are a few example rule sets, catering to different levels of intensity:

1. The Casual Game

* First Down: 1 sip
* Touchdown: 3 sips
* Field Goal: 2 sips
* Interception: The person whose team got intercepted drinks 2 sips
* Penalty: 1 sip
* Announcer Cliché: 1 sip

2. The Moderate Game

* First Down: 1 sip
* Touchdown: Finish your drink
* Field Goal: 3 sips
* Interception: The person whose team got intercepted finishes their drink
* Penalty: 2 sips
* Announcer Cliché: 2 sips
* Commercial Break: Drink during the break

3. The Hardcore Game

* First Down: 2 sips
* Touchdown: Finish your drink and have a shot
* Field Goal: 4 sips
* Interception: The person whose team got intercepted finishes their drink and has a shot
* Penalty: 3 sips
* Announcer Cliché: 3 sips
* Commercial Break: Drink during the break and take a sip for every commercial you don’t like
* Sack: The quarterback’s team drinks twice.
* Blocked Punt/Field Goal: Everyone finishes their drink.

Adapting the Rules

The beauty of a football drinking game is its adaptability. Don’t be afraid to tweak the rules to suit your group’s preferences and the specific game you’re watching. Here are some tips for adapting the rules:

* **Less is More:** Start with a smaller set of rules and gradually add more as the game progresses. This prevents overwhelming players early on.
* **Introduce Variability:** Change the rules each quarter or half to keep things fresh and exciting.
* **House Rules:** Create your own unique house rules based on inside jokes or recurring events that happen during your viewing parties.
* **Vote on Rule Changes:** If you’re playing with a regular group, hold a vote before each game to decide which rules to use.

## Safety First! Responsible Drinking Guidelines

While a football drinking game is meant to be fun, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and responsible drinking. Here are some essential guidelines:

### 1. Know Your Limits

Be aware of your own alcohol tolerance and don’t feel pressured to drink more than you’re comfortable with. It’s perfectly acceptable to skip a round or switch to a non-alcoholic beverage.

### 2. Pace Yourself

Avoid drinking too much too quickly. Spread your drinks out over the course of the game and alternate with water or other non-alcoholic beverages.

### 3. Eat Plenty of Food

Eating food helps to slow down the absorption of alcohol and prevents you from getting drunk too quickly. Provide a variety of snacks and encourage everyone to eat throughout the game.

### 4. Stay Hydrated

Alcohol dehydrates the body, so it’s important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Keep a water bottle handy and sip on it regularly.

### 5. Don’t Drink and Drive

This is the most important rule of all. Never drink and drive. Always have a designated driver or arrange for alternative transportation, such as a taxi or rideshare service.

### 6. Watch Out for Your Friends

Keep an eye on your friends and make sure they’re not drinking too much. If someone seems to be getting too drunk, offer them water, food, and a safe ride home.

### 7. Know the Signs of Alcohol Poisoning

Be aware of the signs of alcohol poisoning, which include:

* Confusion
* Vomiting
* Seizures
* Slow or irregular breathing
* Pale or bluish skin
* Unconsciousness

If you suspect someone has alcohol poisoning, call emergency services immediately.

## Alternatives to Alcohol

For those who don’t want to drink alcohol, there are plenty of ways to participate in the fun without getting drunk. Consider these alternatives:

* **Non-Alcoholic Beer:** There are many great-tasting non-alcoholic beers available.
* **Mocktails:** Create fun and festive non-alcoholic cocktails.
* **Soda and Juice:** Keep a variety of sodas and juices on hand.
* **Water:** Stay hydrated with plenty of water.

## Conclusion

A well-planned football drinking game can elevate your game-watching experience to a whole new level. By following these guidelines, you can create a fun, engaging, and safe environment for everyone involved. Remember to prioritize responsible drinking, tailor the rules to your group’s preferences, and most importantly, have fun! So, gather your friends, stock up on drinks and snacks, and get ready to cheer on your favorite team in style!

Now go forth and create the ultimate football drinking game experience! Just remember to drink responsibly and have a safe and enjoyable time.