How to Play Flip Cup

Here for a brush up on how to play Flip Cup? Welcome!

The origins of this high energy game may be unknown – likely by some college students in Baltimore or Hoboken – but it’s become an American house party rite of passage.

Flip Cup Rules

The game feels timeless for how simple it is to play and how few supplies you need to get a game going.

Setup:

Divide into two teams and position yourselves across a long table so the teams are facing each other. Each player has a plastic cup in front of them with the same small amount in it. The cup is a prop, not a serving: the standard pour is two to three ounces, about a third of the way up a red cup, and games are commonly played with water or soda. If it is beer, a 12 oz can fills four cups, and four rounds is one standard drink per player. Count rounds, because the game does not.

The Flip Cup Line:

Each player stands behind their cup, ready for the relay race. The teams should choose their starting player and go down the line for who will go next.

Game Flow:

The game proceeds as follows:

Step 1: Cheers!

Both teams’ starting players drink the contents of their cup. With a two-ounce pour that takes a second, which is the point: the race is in the flip, not the drink. Once finished, place the cup  on the edge of the table with part of the bottom hanging off.

Step 2: The Flip

Using only one hand, players must flip the cup using their fingertips from underneath the part hanging off to make it land upright on the table. Only after successfully flipping the cup can the next player proceed.

Step 3: Next Up

Once the first player successfully flips their cup, the next player on their team begins the process. The relay continues until all team members have flipped their cups.

Step 4: Victory

The first team to successfully flip all their cups wins the game and earns bragging rights as the Flip Cup champions.

Strategic Pointers:

While we can’t guarantee you’ll win Flip Cup every time, you should greatly increase your chances if you keep these tips in mind:

Technique Matters:

Focus on finding a flipping technique that works best for you. Experiment with different finger positions and flicking motions to achieve consistent flips.

Keep the Pour Small:

A big pour slows the relay and takes the game out of the flip, which is the only part that rewards skill. Two ounces is standard; competitive leagues use water. Anyone filling cups to the top has confused the prop with the point.

Teamwork and Communication:

Coordination and synchronization among team members are crucial. Encourage open communication to ensure smooth transitions and avoid unnecessary delays.

Stay Calm and Focused:

Maintain your composure under pressure. Keep a steady hand and focus on accuracy during the flipping process.

The fine print

A relay has no jigger. If beer is in the cups, one person keeps the can count for the table, and anyone who wants water gets water without comment; the flip is the same either way. What’s available depends on your address. Enter it and we’ll show you what’s in stock nearby. Delivery is $4.99, plus applicable taxes and fees, shown before you order, as fast as 25 minutes in the best case. Alcohol is 21 and up. ID at the door, every time, no exceptions and no negotiating with the driver.

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