Categories Drinking Game Rules
Categories is the easiest game on this list: no cards, no props, just quick thinking. One person names a category, and everyone takes turns naming something that fits until someone repeats, blanks, or hesitates too long.
It's a perfect filler between bigger games and works anywhere.
How to play Categories
Pick a category
The starting player names one, such as 'cocktails', 'football clubs', or 'pizza toppings'.
Go round
Clockwise, each player names something that fits. No repeats.
Drink on a fail
If you repeat, can't think of one, or take too long, you take a sip.
Next category
The player who failed picks the next category, and you go again.
Good category ideas
House rules
Add a beat: clap or tap the table on each turn, and you must answer in rhythm. Miss the beat, take a sip.
Keep sips small and rounds snappy. Categories is at its best as a fast palate-cleanser between the bigger games.
Good to know
How many people do you need?
Three or more is ideal, but it works with any size group. The bigger the group, the harder it gets to find a fresh answer.
Do you need anything to play?
Nothing at all: no cards, no props. Just your group and a drink each.
How do you make it harder?
Add a rhythm/beat rule, shorten the answer time, or pick tighter categories like 'IPAs' instead of 'drinks'.
Track the night while you play
Categories moves fast. Let drinkcounter keep the count so you can focus on thinking up answers.