Game rules

Kings Cup Rules (a.k.a. Ring of Fire)

Kings Cup, known as Ring of Fire in the UK, is the classic card-and-cup game for any group. All you need is a deck of cards and one big cup in the middle. Every card has a meaning, and the last King ends the round.

Here are the standard rules plus the variations most groups actually play.

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How to play Kings Cup

Set up

Put an empty cup in the centre. Spread the deck face-down in a ring around it.

Take turns

Going clockwise, each player draws one card and does what it means (below).

Don't break the ring

In many house rules, breaking the circle of cards costs you a sip.

End the round

Whoever draws the fourth King finishes the centre cup. Then reshuffle and go again.

Card meanings

Ace (Waterfall): everyone drinks together; you can't stop until the person before you stops.

2 (You): choose someone to take a sip.

3 (Me): you take a sip.

4 (Floor): last person to touch the floor drinks.

5 (Thumbmaster): put your thumb on the table any time; last to copy drinks.

6 (Categories): name a category; go round naming things until someone fails.

7 (Heaven): raise your hand; last one up drinks.

8 (Mate): pick a buddy who drinks whenever you do.

9 (Rhyme): say a word; go round rhyming until someone slips.

10 (Never Have I Ever): play a quick round (keep it light).

Jack (Make a rule): invent a rule everyone follows for the rest of the game.

Queen (Question Master): anyone who answers your questions drinks.

King (King's Cup): pour a little into the centre cup; the fourth King drinks it.

House rules & variations

Swap any card meaning your group prefers. Kings Cup is endlessly remixable. Popular tweaks: 4 = 'Floor', 5 = 'Guys/Gals' (or keep it inclusive with 'mates'), and a 'no first names' rule on the Jack.

Keep sips small. The cup in the middle is meant to be a fun finale, not a dare. Pour modestly and pace the night.

Good to know

What do you need to play Kings Cup?

A standard deck of cards, one large cup for the centre, and a drink each. That's it.

Is Kings Cup the same as Ring of Fire?

Yes, they're the same game. 'Ring of Fire' is the common name in the UK and Ireland; 'Kings Cup' is more common in the US and Australia.

How many people can play?

It works from about 3 upward. Bigger groups just make the ring of cards longer and the rounds livelier.

How does the game end?

When the fourth King is drawn, that player finishes the centre cup and the round is over. Reshuffle to play again.

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