The Circle of Death Card Game, also known as the King’s Cup or Ring of Fire, is a popular drinking game. The game can be played with any number of players, 4 and10, but it is believed to be more enjoyable with a larger group. To play this game, mix up the cards, and all players sit in a circle with them in the center of the table. The first player selects a card and follows the activity related to the matching card. This means that every card has a specific rule or action associated with the one it represents.
This circle of death card game is performed just like many ring games, however I discover this to be an enjoyable game with hilarious results after a few drinks have gone down the hatch. Additionally, be sure to play with a typical fifty-two card deck of playing cards.
What You Need
To get started, you’ll need a few basic items:
Standard Deck of Playing Cards: A regular 52-card deck is perfect. You can use jokers if you want to add extra rules, but it’s not necessary.
-->A Large Cup or Glass: This is the “Circle of Death.” It will be placed in the center of the playing area and filled with drinks
Drinks: These can be anything—alcoholic refreshments like beer or mixed drinks, or non-alcoholic options like soda or water. It’s important to just make sure everyone has something they are able to enjoy drinking.
Group of Friends: The ideal number of players is usually between 4 and 10. More players make the game more dynamic and enjoyable to play.
Setting Up The Game
Setting up the game is quick and easy to understand:
Creating the Circle: Place your large cup in the center of your group. This cup will be the focal point of the game.
Arranging the Cards: Shuffle the deck and lay the cards face down in a circle around the cup. Make sure that there is some space for players to reach the cards easily.
Rules for Circle of Death Card Game
When starting the game, the person in the role of death moves the cards clockwise and face-up, starting with the player on their left. On each player’s turn, they must play at least two cards, but they can play more if they wish. After their turn, players are pushed back up to their starting hand size.
When the draw box is empty, players continue playing with the cards in their hands, but only need to play one card per turn. If a player runs out of cards, the other players continue playing without them, but they still share in the success or the loss. The game depends on various activities that come with different cards, like when a player draws an Ace, they start drinking, and everyone in the circle follows suit, but the person to their left or right can’t stop drinking until the person before them is finished.
How To Play
Now that you have everything set up, let’s go over how to actually play the game.
Taking Turns
Players take turns drawing cards from the circle. Usually, the game goes clockwise, starting from a player chosen randomly or designated as the first player.
Understanding Card Meanings
Each card drawn comes with its own set of rules. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what each card means:
- Ace (Waterfall): When Ace is picked up, everyone starts drinking, and no one can stop until the person to their right has stopped.
- 2 (You): The player who picked up the card will select someone to take a drink.
- 3 (Me): The player who has drawn the card is forced to take a drink.
- 4 (Floor): All players must touch the floor, and the last one to do so gets a drink.
- 5 (Guys): All the men take a drink.
- 6 (Chicks): All the ladies take a drink.
- 7 (Heaven): This card is just like thumb energy, besides you use your finger instead and point to heaven.
- 8 (Mate): The player picks a mate who must drink every time they drink, and vice versa.
- 9 (Rhyme): The player speaks a word, and everyone else must say words that rhyme.
- 10 (Categories): The player picks a category, and everyone must name something that fits into the chosen category.
- Jack (Thumb Master): The player who plays Jack becomes the Thumb Master. They can place their thumb on the table at any time, and the last person to place their thumb must drink.
- Queen (Question Master): The player who plays Queen becomes the Question Master. Ask a question to someone, and they must respond with a question to someone else, and the first person to fail drinks.
- King (Make a Rule): Pour your drink into the cup in the center, and the player who draws the fourth king must drink the entire cup.
Categories
Additionally, the game includes categories where the player who draws a specific card must start a category, and players take turns naming things that fit into that category. During a match, if a player fails to name a subject or repeats a word that has already been said, they must drink. The game continues until all cards have been drawn, and the last person to draw a card must finish their drink, signifying the end of the game.
Winning
The winner of the game is often determined by the completion of the circle of cards, and the player who draws the final card is typically required to finish their drink. Players can establish house rules and variations to customize the game according to their preferences and play style.
Tips for a Great Time
Drink Responsibly: Make sure everyone knows their limits. It’s all about fun, not overdoing it.
Have Non-Alcoholic Options: Always provide drinks for those who may not want to drink alcohol.
Customize Rules: Don’t hesitate to change up the card meanings or add your own twists to the game.
Keep It Light: Encourage laughter and stories. The more engaged everyone is, the better the game will be.
Comfortable Space: Play in an area where spills won’t be a big deal.
Take Breaks: If the game is going on for a while, consider short breaks for everyone to hydrate and relax a bit.
Conclusion
The Circle of Death Drinking Game is a fantastic way to bring together friends and family for an evening of fun and laughter. With simple rules and lots of potential variations, everyone can find something they enjoy about the game. Remember to drink responsibly, set clear limits on how much you’re going to drink, and make sure that no one is driving if they’ve had too much to drink.
