Flip cup

Flip Cup is a team-based drinking game that combines skill, coordination, and a bit of luck, making it a popular activity at parties and social gatherings. The game is also known by various other names such as Taps, Flippy Cup, or Canoe. It is widely played across college campuses in the United States and has gained popularity in other parts of the world.

Gameplay

The basic premise of Flip Cup involves two teams competing against each other, with each team standing on opposite sides of a table, typically a long, rectangular one. Each player has a plastic cup filled with a set amount of beer or another alcoholic beverage placed in front of them on the table. The game proceeds in a relay race format, with the first player of each team drinking their beverage as quickly as possible and then attempting to flip their cup from the edge of the table to land upside down on the table surface, using only their fingers. Once a player successfully flips their cup, the next player in line can start drinking and flipping. The first team to finish drinking and flipping all their cups wins the round.

Rules

While the rules of Flip Cup are generally straightforward, variations exist, and house rules may apply depending on the venue or group of players. Some common rules include:

• The cup must be placed at the edge of the table and flipped from there.
• Players can only use one hand to flip their cup.
• If a cup is knocked over or off the table during a flip attempt, the player must reset it to the original position and try again.
• The game continues in a sequential order, with no player allowed to start drinking and flipping before the previous player has successfully flipped their cup.

Variations

Several variations of Flip Cup exist to add complexity or challenge to the game:

• Survivor Flip Cup: Players who fail to flip their cup within a certain number of tries are eliminated from the game.
• Mega Flip Cup: Involves larger teams and sometimes larger cups, increasing the difficulty and duration of the game.
• Relay Flip Cup: Combines Flip Cup with a physical challenge, where players must complete a task before starting to drink and flip.

Strategy

While Flip Cup is largely a game of speed and dexterity, several strategies can help teams secure a win:

• Positioning experienced players at the beginning and end of the lineup to start strong and finish strong.
• Practicing the flip to find the most effective technique for each player.
• Encouraging team morale and communication to keep spirits high and maintain focus.

Cultural Impact

Flip Cup has become more than just a party game; it has ingrained itself into the culture of college life and beyond, fostering a sense of community and competition. It is often featured at tailgates, fraternity and sorority parties, and even dedicated Flip Cup tournaments. The game's simplicity and social nature have contributed to its widespread popularity.