Section 1: Introduction
Beer pong, also known as Beirut, is the staple game of US college parties. It has evolved into a competitive sport with its own world series, combining skill, strategy, and social elements.
Section 2: Equipment
- Ping pong balls (typically 1-2 per team)
- 6-10 cups per side (standard size: 16oz/473ml)
- Standard table (8ft/2.4m long recommended)
- Beverages of choice (traditionally beer, but can be substituted)
Section 3: Playing Area
The game is played on a flat rectangular table, typically 8 feet (2.4m) long. Cups are arranged in a triangle formation at each end of the table, with the point of the triangle facing the opposing team.
Standard setup includes:
- 10 cups arranged in a 4-3-2-1 triangle formation
- Cups placed approximately 1-2 inches (2.5-5cm) apart
- Each team positioned at opposite ends of the table
Section 4: Players/Officials
Beer Pong is typically played with:
- 2-4 players per team (2 is standard for competitive play)
- No official referees required, though tournaments may have judges
Player roles:
- All players take turns throwing
- In 4-player games, players alternate positions after each round
Section 5: Rules of Play
Basic Gameplay
- Teams take turns throwing ping pong balls into the opponents' cups
- When a ball lands in a cup, that cup is removed from the table
- The team that eliminates all of the opponent's cups first wins
Starting the Game
- Teams decide who goes first through a "eyes" challenge where one player from each team attempts to make eye contact while simultaneously throwing their ball into a cup
- The team that makes the shot first gets the first turn
Turn Sequence
- Each player gets one throw per turn
- In 2-player teams, both players throw in the same turn
- If both players make their shots, the balls are returned and they get to throw again
Section 6: Scoring
Scoring in Beer Pong is straightforward:
- Each cup successfully hit counts as one point
- The first team to eliminate all opponent's cups wins
- In tournament play, matches may be best of three or best of five games
Section 7: Violations/Penalties
Common Violations
- Elbow Rule: A player's elbow must not cross the edge of the table during a throw
- Interference: Distracting a player during their throw
- Ball Retrieval: Touching opponent's cups when retrieving a ball
Penalties
- Elbow violation: Shot doesn't count
- Interference: Offended team gets an extra throw
- Cup touching: Offended team may rearrange their cups
Section 8: Safety Considerations
- Always drink responsibly and know your limits
- Water can be substituted for alcohol for non-drinking participants
- Ensure the playing area is clear of hazards
- Clean ping pong balls regularly to maintain hygiene
- Never pressure anyone to consume alcohol
