17 Fun Drinking Games For Two: Ultimate Guide

by Ahmed Latif 46 views

Hey guys! Looking for some fun ways to spice up your next get-together with just one other person? Well, you've come to the right place! We've compiled a list of 17 awesome drinking games that are perfect for two players. Whether you're looking for a relaxed and chatty evening or a competitive and hilarious night, there's something here for everyone. So, grab your favorite drinks, invite a friend, and let the games begin!

Why Two-Player Drinking Games?

You might be thinking, "Drinking games are for parties, right?" Not necessarily! Two-player drinking games can be just as much fun, if not more so, than their large-group counterparts. Here's why:

  • More Intimate: Two-player games create a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere. You can actually have a conversation and connect with your friend while still enjoying the game.
  • Less Waiting: No more waiting around for your turn! With only two players, the action is constant, and the drinks keep flowing.
  • Easier to Coordinate: Forget the hassle of coordinating schedules and finding a venue for a big group. Two-player games can happen anytime, anywhere.
  • Perfect for a Date Night: Want to add some fun and excitement to your date night? A drinking game is a great way to break the ice and get to know each other better.
  • Competitive Fun: Even with just two players, the competitive spirit can be strong. Get ready for some laughs, some friendly rivalry, and maybe even a little bit of trash talk!

17 Drinking Games for Two Players

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Here are 17 drinking games that are perfect for two players, categorized for your convenience:

Classic Card Games with a Twist

These games take familiar card games and add a boozy twist for extra fun. Each game is a perfect blend of strategy, luck, and, of course, drinks! The addition of drinking rules adds an exciting layer to the classic card games we all know and love, making them fresh and engaging even for seasoned players. Whether you're a card shark or a casual player, these games offer a fantastic way to enjoy a relaxed yet competitive evening with a friend.

  1. Kings Cup (for Two): Kings Cup, also known as Circle of Death, is a classic party game that can easily be adapted for two players. Place a cup in the center and take turns drawing cards from a shuffled deck. Each card corresponds to a specific rule, often involving drinking. For example, drawing a "King" usually means adding some of your drink to the center cup, and the person who draws the fourth and final King has to drink the whole thing. Other cards can assign drinks to the other player, require you to take a drink, or create new rules for the game. The unpredictable nature of the card draws and the variety of rules make Kings Cup a guaranteed source of laughter and a fun way to keep the drinks flowing throughout the evening. Remember to drink responsibly and adjust the rules to suit your preferences and tolerance levels.

    How to Play:

    • Set up a communal cup in the center.
    • Shuffle a deck of cards and spread them face down around the cup.
    • Take turns drawing cards and performing the action associated with each card. (See below for common rules.)
    • The person who draws the fourth King drinks the communal cup.

    Common Card Rules:

    • Ace: Waterfall (both players start drinking, and neither can stop until the player to their right stops)
    • Two: You drink
    • Three: The other player drinks
    • Four: Everyone drinks
    • Five: Thumb master (place your thumb on the table; the other player must do the same, and the last to do so drinks)
    • Six: Guys drink
    • Seven: Girls drink
    • Eight: Pick a mate (choose someone to drink with you)
    • Nine: Rhyme (say a word, and the other player must rhyme with it; repeat until someone can't rhyme and drinks)
    • Ten: Categories (choose a category, and take turns naming things in that category; repeat until someone can't name something and drinks)
    • Jack: Make a rule
    • Queen: Question master (ask a question; if anyone answers you, they drink)
    • King: Pour some of your drink into the King's Cup. The person who draws the fourth King must drink the whole cup.

  2. War (with a Twist): War is a simple card game, but adding a drinking element makes it much more exciting. The basic premise of War involves two players splitting a deck of cards and simultaneously flipping over the top card of their respective piles. The player with the higher card wins the round and takes both cards. However, in this boozy version, the loser of each round takes a drink. When there's a tie (both players flip over cards of the same rank), it's "War!" and each player places three cards face down and then flips over a fourth card. The player with the higher fourth card wins all the cards in the pile, but the loser of the "War" takes two drinks to compensate for the increased stakes. This drinking game version of War adds a layer of risk and reward to the classic game, making each card flip a moment of anticipation and potential inebriation. It's a great way to turn a straightforward card game into a fun and engaging drinking game for two.

    How to Play:

    • Divide a deck of cards evenly between the two players.
    • Each player simultaneously flips over the top card from their pile.
    • The player with the higher card wins the round and takes both cards.
    • The player with the lower card drinks.
    • If there's a tie, it's "War!" Each player places three cards face down and then flips over a fourth card. The player with the higher fourth card wins all the cards in the pile, but the loser drinks twice.

  3. Poker (Simplified): Poker can be intimidating with a large group, but a simplified two-player version is perfect for a more intimate setting. Instead of complex betting rounds, you can focus on the basics of hand ranking and add a drinking element to the gameplay. Each player receives a hand of cards, and after assessing their hand, they can choose to discard and redraw cards to improve it. The player with the better hand at the end of the round wins, and the losing player takes a drink. To make it more interesting, you can introduce escalating drink penalties for losing with particularly bad hands or for bluffing unsuccessfully. This two-player poker variant combines the strategic elements of the classic card game with the social fun of a drinking game. It's a great option for an evening of relaxed competition and conversation.

    How to Play:

    • Deal each player five cards.
    • Players can discard and redraw up to three cards.
    • The player with the better poker hand wins the round.
    • The losing player drinks.

  4. Rummy (Boozy Rummy): Rummy is a classic card game that involves forming sets and runs of cards. To turn it into a drinking game, you can add a penalty for failing to meet the game's objectives or for losing a hand. For instance, every time a player fails to meld (create a set or run) on their turn, they have to take a drink. Similarly, the player who doesn't go out first in a round takes a drink. To increase the stakes, you can also assign drinks based on the number of points left in the losing player's hand. This boozy version of Rummy adds an element of pressure and excitement to the game, making each decision more crucial. It's a fun way to combine strategic card play with the lighthearted atmosphere of a drinking game. The need to balance strategic card play with the consequences of a misstep keeps players engaged and ensures that the drinks keep flowing throughout the evening.

    How to Play:

    • Play Rummy according to the standard rules.
    • A player takes a drink each time they fail to meld.
    • The losing player drinks at the end of each round.

Dice-Based Drinking Fun

Dice games are fantastic for drinking games because they introduce an element of chance and unpredictability, which can lead to some hilarious and unexpected moments. The simplicity of dice games also makes them easy to learn and play, meaning you can get the drinks flowing quickly without spending too much time explaining complicated rules. These games are perfect for when you want to kick back, relax, and enjoy a bit of boozy fun with a friend. The element of surprise that dice bring into the mix ensures that each roll can change the game, keeping players engaged and entertained throughout the night. Whether you're into quick-fire games or longer, more strategic dice-based challenges, there's a dice drinking game out there for every pair of players.

  1. Dice Duel: Dice Duel is a straightforward but engaging game where each player rolls a set of dice, and the lower roll drinks. The beauty of this game lies in its simplicity and speed, making it a perfect option for keeping the drinks flowing steadily. To add some variety and excitement, you can change the number of dice rolled each round or introduce different drinking penalties for specific outcomes, such as rolling certain numbers or combinations. For instance, rolling all the same number could mean the roller gets to assign a larger drink to their opponent, or a low total could mean the roller has to drink twice. Dice Duel is an excellent way to inject some competitive fun into a relaxed evening with a friend, and its adaptability means you can easily tailor the rules to suit your preferences and keep the game fresh.

    How to Play:

    • Each player rolls a set of dice (e.g., two dice).
    • The player with the lower total drinks.
    • Vary the number of dice or add special rules for different rolls.

  2. Ship, Captain, Crew (Drunk Edition): Ship, Captain, and Crew is a classic dice game with a nautical theme that becomes even more entertaining when transformed into a drinking game. The aim is to roll a 6 (the ship), a 5 (the captain), and a 4 (the crew) in that order, using three dice. Players take turns rolling the dice until they have secured their ship, captain, and crew. The catch is that any subsequent rolls don't count until you've rolled all three. The first player to get their ship, captain, and crew wins, and the other player drinks. The suspense of waiting for the right numbers to come up, combined with the competitive element, makes this game a lot of fun. You can also introduce additional drinking rules, such as taking a drink if you fail to roll any of the required numbers on a turn, to keep the pace lively. Ship, Captain, and Crew is a perfect blend of luck and strategy, offering a lighthearted and engaging way to enjoy a few drinks with a friend.

    How to Play:

    • Take turns rolling three dice.
    • You need to roll a 6 (ship), a 5 (captain), and a 4 (crew) in that order.
    • Once you have all three, the remaining dice count towards your score.
    • The player with the lower score drinks.

  3. Farkle (Boozy Farkle): Farkle is a dice game known for its risk-taking and strategic elements, which are amplified when turned into a drinking game. Players roll six dice and score points based on certain combinations, such as three of a kind, straights, or individual 1s and 5s. The challenge lies in deciding whether to keep rolling to accumulate more points or stop and secure the points you've already earned, as rolling a "Farkle" (no scoring dice) means you lose all the points for that round. In the drinking game version, players who Farkle have to take a drink, adding an extra layer of consequence to the risk. You can also introduce additional drinking rules, such as assigning drinks to your opponent for reaching certain score milestones or penalizing low-scoring rounds. Boozy Farkle is a fantastic way to combine strategic decision-making with social drinking, creating a fun and engaging experience for two players. The tension of deciding when to stop rolling, combined with the potential for a Farkle, ensures that each round is filled with excitement and laughter.

    How to Play:

    • Roll six dice and score points for certain combinations.
    • If you roll a Farkle (no scoring dice), you drink.
    • Set a target score (e.g., 10,000 points).
    • The first player to reach the target score wins, and the other player drinks.

Coin-Based Challenges

Coin games might seem simple, but they can be surprisingly engaging and competitive, especially when you add a drinking element. These games often require a mix of skill, luck, and quick reflexes, making them a fun and challenging way to enjoy a few drinks with a friend. The simplicity of the equipment needed (just a coin or two) means you can play these games virtually anywhere, making them perfect for spontaneous get-togethers or adding some excitement to a casual evening. The element of chance inherent in coin flips and tosses keeps players on their toes, while the addition of drinking penalties adds a lighthearted consequence to the competition. Whether you're aiming for accuracy, speed, or just a bit of good fortune, coin-based drinking games offer a unique and entertaining way to liven up any gathering.

  1. Quarters (Two-Player Style): Quarters is a classic bar game that can easily be adapted for two players. The goal is simple: bounce a quarter off the table and into a glass. In the two-player version, you can take turns bouncing the quarter, and the player who misses has to drink. To add some variety and increase the challenge, you can set up multiple glasses or introduce different drinking penalties for missing specific targets. For example, if you miss the main glass, you take a small drink, but if you miss all the glasses, you take a larger one. Quarters is a great way to combine hand-eye coordination with a bit of drinking fun, and the competitive element keeps players engaged and entertained. The satisfying clink of a successful bounce and the friendly banter between players make Quarters a perennial favorite for casual gatherings.

    How to Play:

    • Take turns bouncing a quarter off the table and into a glass.
    • If you miss, you drink.
    • Add multiple glasses or different penalties for added fun.

  2. Flip Cup (Head-to-Head): Flip Cup is typically played with teams, but it can be just as exciting with two players going head-to-head. Each player has a cup filled with a small amount of beer or another beverage. On the count of three, both players start drinking, and once they've finished their drink, they place the cup upside down on the edge of the table and try to flip it so it lands face down. The first player to successfully flip their cup wins, and the other player drinks the loser's penalty. Flip Cup is a fast-paced and energetic game that requires speed and dexterity. The pressure of the head-to-head competition, combined with the physical challenge of flipping the cup, makes this game a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even with just two players. It's a fantastic way to add some excitement and laughter to any gathering, and the quick rounds mean the fun never stops.

    How to Play:

    • Each player has a cup filled with a small amount of liquid.
    • On the count of three, both players start drinking.
    • Once finished, flip the cup upside down so it lands face down on the table.
    • The first player to flip their cup wins, and the other player drinks.

Word and Trivia Games

Word and trivia games are fantastic for drinking games because they challenge your mind while adding a social and fun element. These types of games encourage laughter, conversation, and friendly competition, making them perfect for a relaxed evening with a friend. The combination of mental stimulation and drinking penalties creates a unique dynamic where players need to think quickly and creatively while also managing the effects of their drinks. Whether you're a trivia buff, a wordsmith, or just enjoy a good mental challenge, word and trivia drinking games offer a diverse range of options to keep you and your friend entertained. The variety in gameplay, from quick-fire word associations to in-depth trivia questions, ensures that there's something for everyone, and the drinking element adds an extra layer of excitement and humor to the experience.

  1. Never Have I Ever (Drinking Edition): Never Have I Ever is a classic party game that can be surprisingly revealing and hilarious, especially when played as a drinking game. Players take turns making statements about things they have never done, starting with "Never have I ever...". If the other player has done the action, they take a drink. The game can range from lighthearted and funny to more personal and thought-provoking, depending on the statements made. It's a great way to learn more about your friend and share some laughs over surprising or relatable experiences. The drinking element adds a bit of playful pressure and encourages honesty, leading to some truly memorable moments. Never Have I Ever is an excellent choice for a more intimate and conversational drinking game, perfect for a relaxed evening with a close friend.

    How to Play:

    • Players take turns saying "Never have I ever..." followed by something they haven't done.
    • If the other player has done it, they drink.
    • Get creative and learn something new about each other.

  2. Most Likely To (Boozy Version): Most Likely To is a fun and engaging game that encourages players to think creatively and make lighthearted judgments about each other. Players take turns posing "Most Likely To..." questions, such as "Most likely to win the lottery and lose the ticket?" or "Most likely to start a dance-off at a wedding?" After the question is asked, both players point to the person they think is the most likely to do the action. If the players point to each other, both players drink. If they point to the same person, that person drinks. The game is a great way to spark laughter and conversation, as players justify their choices and poke fun at each other's quirks and tendencies. The drinking element adds a playful consequence to being singled out, making the game even more entertaining. Most Likely To is a fantastic choice for a lively and interactive drinking game, perfect for an evening of friendly competition and banter.

    How to Play:

    • Players take turns asking "Most Likely To..." questions.
    • Both players point to who they think is the most likely.
    • If you point at each other, both drink. If you both point at the same person, that person drinks.

  3. 20 Questions (with a Twist): 20 Questions is a classic guessing game that can be made more challenging and fun with a drinking twist. One player thinks of a person, place, or thing, and the other player has 20 questions to guess what it is. The questions must be answerable with a simple "yes" or "no." If the guesser can't figure it out within 20 questions, they take a drink. To add an extra layer of complexity, you can introduce bonus drinks for incorrect guesses or for using fewer than 20 questions to solve the puzzle. This drinking game version of 20 Questions tests your deductive skills and your ability to think creatively under pressure. The tension of trying to solve the mystery before running out of questions, combined with the potential for a drinking penalty, makes this game a stimulating and enjoyable way to spend an evening with a friend.

    How to Play:

    • One player thinks of a person, place, or thing.
    • The other player has 20 questions to guess what it is.
    • If they don't guess correctly within 20 questions, they drink.

  4. Categories (Drinking Style): Categories, also known as Scattergories, is a word game that challenges players to think quickly and creatively within specific themes. One player chooses a category, such as "Animals," "Countries," or "Things That Are Red." Then, players take turns naming items that fit the category. The catch is that you can't repeat an answer that's already been given. If a player can't think of a new item within a set time limit (e.g., 10 seconds), they have to take a drink. This drinking game version of Categories tests your vocabulary and your ability to think under pressure, making it a fun and engaging way to spend an evening with a friend. The need to come up with unique answers while racing against the clock ensures that the game is fast-paced and full of surprises. Categories is a fantastic choice for a stimulating and social drinking game, perfect for those who enjoy wordplay and mental challenges.

    How to Play:

    • One player chooses a category (e.g., "Animals").
    • Players take turns naming items in that category.
    • If you can't think of something, you drink.

TV and Movie-Themed Games

TV and movie-themed drinking games are a fantastic way to combine your love for entertainment with the fun of a drinking game. These games typically involve creating a set of rules based on recurring events, phrases, or character actions in a particular TV show or movie. Every time one of these events occurs, players take a drink. The beauty of these games is that they can be tailored to any TV show or movie, allowing you to create a unique and personalized drinking experience. Whether you're watching a classic film, a binge-worthy TV series, or a live sporting event, a TV or movie-themed drinking game can add an extra layer of excitement and engagement. These games encourage players to pay close attention to what they're watching, leading to some hilarious and memorable moments as you and your friend react to the on-screen action. The shared experience of watching and drinking together makes these games a perfect choice for a relaxed and entertaining evening.

  1. Movie Drinking Game: Choose a movie and create a set of rules based on common occurrences or phrases. For example, if you're watching a comedy, you might drink every time someone laughs on screen. If it's an action movie, you could drink every time there's an explosion. The possibilities are endless, and the rules can be tailored to the specific movie and your preferences. The key is to choose a movie you both enjoy and create rules that will keep the drinks flowing without being too overwhelming. A well-crafted movie drinking game can make even a familiar film feel fresh and exciting, adding an extra layer of fun to your viewing experience. The shared anticipation of the next rule-triggering event creates a lively and engaging atmosphere, making this game a perfect choice for a casual and entertaining night in.

    How to Play:

    • Choose a movie and create a set of rules (e.g., drink every time a character says a specific word).
    • Follow the rules and enjoy the movie (and the drinks!).

    Example Rules (for a Romantic Comedy):

    • Drink every time there's a meet-cute.
    • Drink every time someone says "I love you."
    • Take two drinks if there's a dramatic makeover scene.
    • Finish your drink if they get married in the end.

  2. TV Show Drinking Game: Similar to the movie game, but tailored to a TV show. Choose a show you both love and create rules based on recurring characters, phrases, or plotlines. For example, if you're watching a sitcom, you might drink every time there's a laugh track. For a drama, you could drink every time there's a cliffhanger. TV show drinking games are particularly well-suited for binge-watching sessions, as the recurring elements of a show can lead to plenty of drinking opportunities. The rules can also evolve as the show progresses, allowing you to keep the game fresh and engaging. A well-designed TV show drinking game can transform a regular viewing session into an interactive and hilarious event, making it a perfect way to bond with a friend over your favorite shows. The anticipation of the next rule-triggering event adds an extra layer of excitement to the viewing experience, ensuring that the drinks keep flowing and the laughter never stops.

    How to Play:

    • Choose a TV show and create a set of rules based on recurring events or characters.
    • Follow the rules while watching the show.

    Example Rules (for a Sitcom):

    • Drink every time the laugh track plays.
    • Drink every time a main character enters a room.
    • Take two drinks if there's a flashback scene.
    • Finish your drink if the episode ends on a cliffhanger.

Creative and Unique Games

Sometimes the most memorable drinking games are those that break the mold and offer a unique and creative experience. These games often involve a mix of skill, luck, and imagination, making them perfect for players who enjoy a bit of variety and spontaneity. The rules can be as simple or as complex as you like, allowing you to tailor the game to your preferences and create a truly personalized drinking experience. Creative drinking games can be a great way to spark laughter and conversation, as the unconventional gameplay often leads to unexpected and hilarious moments. Whether you're inventing your own rules, incorporating unusual props, or adding a storytelling element to the game, creative drinking games offer a refreshing departure from traditional drinking games and a fantastic way to liven up any gathering. The shared experience of trying something new and unconventional can create lasting memories and strengthen the bond between players.

  1. Medusa: Medusa is a simple yet intense staring contest drinking game. Players sit facing each other with their heads down. On the count of three, both players look up and stare directly at the other person. If you find yourself making eye contact with the other player, you have to drink. The game is a test of nerves and concentration, as you try to avoid locking eyes with your opponent. The suspense of the moment before you look up, combined with the potential for a sudden drinking penalty, makes this game surprisingly thrilling. Medusa is a great choice for a quick and easy drinking game that requires no equipment and can be played virtually anywhere. The simplicity of the rules allows players to focus on the psychological aspect of the game, leading to some intense and hilarious staring matches. The quick rounds and the immediate consequences make Medusa a perfect choice for keeping the drinks flowing and the laughter ringing throughout the evening.

    How to Play:

    • Sit facing each other with your heads down.
    • On the count of three, look up.
    • If you make eye contact, you drink.

  2. Drink or Dare (Two-Player Edition): Drink or Dare is a classic party game that can be easily adapted for two players. Players take turns either taking a drink or performing a dare. The dares can range from silly and lighthearted to more challenging and personal, depending on your preferences and the comfort level of the players. The game is a great way to inject some spontaneity and excitement into an evening, as you never know what dare you might be faced with. The drinking option provides a fallback for those who aren't feeling adventurous, but the allure of the dares often leads to some hilarious and memorable moments. Drink or Dare is a fantastic choice for a game that encourages laughter, risk-taking, and a bit of playful embarrassment. The shared experience of completing dares and the suspense of waiting for the next challenge make this game a perfect choice for a fun and interactive evening with a friend.

    How to Play:

    • Take turns choosing between a drink or a dare.
    • If you choose a dare, the other player gives you one.
    • Keep the dares fun and appropriate for the setting.

Tips for a Fun and Safe Drinking Game Night

Before you dive into these awesome drinking games, here are a few tips to ensure you have a fun and safe night:

  • Drink Responsibly: This is the most important tip! Know your limits and don't overdo it. Pace yourself and drink plenty of water between alcoholic beverages.
  • Eat Something: Drinking on an empty stomach is a recipe for disaster. Make sure you have some food in your system before you start playing.
  • Choose Your Drinks Wisely: Opt for lower-alcohol beverages like beer or wine, especially if you're planning on playing for a while.
  • Set a Limit: Decide on a stopping point before you start playing. This will help you avoid drinking too much.
  • Don't Drive Drunk: If you're planning on drinking, make sure you have a safe way to get home. Call a taxi, use a ride-sharing service, or have a designated driver.
  • Have Fun! Drinking games are meant to be enjoyed, so relax, have a laugh, and make some memories.

Conclusion

So there you have it – 17 awesome drinking games that are perfect for two players! Whether you're looking for a casual and chatty night or a competitive and hilarious evening, there's a game on this list for you. Just remember to drink responsibly, have fun, and enjoy the company of your friend. Cheers to a great night!