Kings (game)

Kings (also known as King's Cup, Circle of Death, or Ring of Fire) is a popular drinking game that is played with a deck of playing cards. The game is typically played by a group of people who sit in a circle, with the game aiming to entertain and often to become inebriated. The rules of Kings vary between different groups, but the core gameplay involves drawing cards from a circle (or king's cup) and performing actions based on the card drawn.

Gameplay

The game starts with a deck of cards spread around a central cup, often referred to as the King's Cup. Players take turns drawing cards, each of which requires a specific action. The actions associated with each card vary, but a common set of rules is as follows:

• 2: Two for You - The player can choose someone to take two drinks.
• 3: Three for Me - The player who drew the card takes three drinks.
• 4: Floor - Everyone tries to touch the floor last, with the last person to do so taking a drink.
• 5: Guys - All male players take a drink.
• 6: Chicks - All female players take a drink.
• 7: Heaven - All players reach for the sky, with the last person to do so taking a drink.
• 8: Mate - The player chooses another player to be their mate, and they drink together for the rest of the game.
• 9: Rhyme - The player says a word, and players go around in the circle saying words that rhyme with it until someone fails or repeats a word.
• 10: Categories - The player chooses a category, and players go around naming items that fit the category until someone fails to do so.
• Jack: Never Have I Ever - Players put up three fingers and take turns saying things they've never done. If someone has done it, they put a finger down, and the first to lose all fingers drinks.
• Queen: Question Master - The player becomes the Question Master. Anyone who answers a question they ask must drink.
• King: King's Cup - The player pours some of their drink into the King's Cup. The person who draws the fourth King must drink the entire cup.

The game continues until all cards have been drawn. The player who draws the final King and consumes the contents of the King's Cup is often considered the "loser," though in the spirit of the game, the concept of winning or losing is usually not emphasized.

Variations

There are many variations of Kings, with different groups often having their own set of rules for what each card means. Some variations include additional rules for specific cards, such as making a rule that lasts for the entire game or until another card is drawn that changes it.

Strategy

While there is little strategy involved in Kings, players often employ tactics such as choosing people strategically for certain cards (like the Mate or the Two for You) to either foster camaraderie or playfully antagonize friends.

Safety

As with any drinking game, it's important to play Kings responsibly. Participants should be aware of their limits and ensure that everyone is comfortable with the game's progression. It's also advisable to have water or non-alcoholic options available.