Table of Contents
Beer Pong Basics
Beer pong is a popular party game where two teams take turns throwing ping pong balls across a table, attempting to land them in the opposing team's cups. When a ball lands in a cup, the defending team must drink its contents and remove the cup from the table. The first team to eliminate all of the opposing team's cups wins the game. Planning the right amount of supplies ensures the games run smoothly.
Standard beer pong uses 10 cups per side arranged in a triangular formation (4-3-2-1), though variations with 6 cups (3-2-1) and 15 cups (5-4-3-2-1) are also common. Each cup is typically a standard 16-oz red Solo cup filled to about one-third to one-half full. The game requires a table approximately 8 feet long and 2 feet wide, though regulation tables are exactly 8 feet by 2 feet.
Supply Calculations
Always buy 20-30% extra cups to account for crushed, dirty, or lost cups. You will also need water cups for rinsing balls between throws (2 per side per game). Ping pong balls get lost easily, so plan for at least 4 per table plus extras.
Table Setup Guide
| Formation | Cups per Side | Triangle Rows | Beer per Side (half fill) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 6 | 3-2-1 | 18 oz (~1.5 beers) |
| Standard | 10 | 4-3-2-1 | 30 oz (~2.5 beers) |
| Large | 15 | 5-4-3-2-1 | 45 oz (~3.75 beers) |
Game Formats
- 1v1: Two players, one per side. Great for casual play or settling disputes.
- 2v2: The standard format. Each player on a team throws one ball per turn, alternating between teammates.
- Tournament: For larger groups, organize a single or double-elimination bracket. With 8 players (4 teams of 2), expect 3 rounds and 7 total games.
- King's Cup: A variation where one special cup in the center requires the losing team to do a challenge or drink extra.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many beers does a standard game use?
A standard 10-cup game with cups filled halfway uses about 30 oz of beer per side, or 60 oz total per game. That is roughly 5 twelve-ounce beers per game. A 5-game night would require approximately 25 beers just for the game cups, plus additional drinks for spectators and players between games.
What size table do I need?
The regulation beer pong table is 8 feet long by 2 feet wide, standing 27.5 inches off the ground. A standard folding table (6 feet) works in a pinch but gives less throwing distance. For 15-cup games, a full 8-foot table is strongly recommended. Some players use ping pong tables (9 feet by 5 feet) which provides even more playing area.
Can I play with water in the cups instead?
Yes, many modern players fill the game cups with water and drink from separate personal drinks. This is more hygienic since ping pong balls pick up dirt and germs from the floor and table. It also allows each player to choose their own beverage and pace their consumption. Simply remove the cup and take a drink from your personal cup when the opposing team scores.