Information and How to Play Popular College/Party Beer Drinking Games: Beer Ball

Drinking games are becoming more creative and more complex as they increase in popular. Once thought to be only for college kids, these new drinking games are appealing to people of every age due to their addictive fun.

Please note: The people participating in consuming alcohol in drinking games should be of age in order to drink (21+ in the United States).

I'll admit, I'm a fanatic when it comes to Beer Pong, and I was very skeptical to try any other beer drinking game since I thought it was untopable. Although Beer Ball may not "top" Beer Pong, it's definitely a viable game to play - especially when balls and cups are not available.

*Pro Tip: Beer Ball, unlike Beer Pong, should definitely be played outside, as open quarters are needed (well, at least highly suggested) for this game. Also, wear something comfortable and wear an attire in which you're not afraid to get dirty in any fashion.

The setup: In order to play Beer Ball you need seven things: a table, four beers, and two ping pong balls. In order to successfully setup for this game you need to put each beer on each corner of the table (four corners - one for each beer), and crack them slightly to let the air out. Do not open the beers all of the way so that the tab is completely open.

The Directions: There are two teams of two (like in Beer Pong), and each of these teams stands at either side of the table (also, like in Beer Pong). Each person has a designated beer in which they will drink.

Each team member on one team will use their turn, and then the other two team members will use their turns. This cycle continues until the game is over. For example, team AB contains players A and B, while team CD consists of players C and D. Team AB has possession of the balls, so A (or B) goes. Once A is done with their turn B (or A - depending on who went first on their team) goes. Once team AB has exhausted their throws then team CD does the same thing.

The object of the game is for you, the player, to throw the ping pong ball at the opposing teams beer (generally cans are used [bottles have too high of a ricochet]). Once you successfully connect the ball with their can you can start drinking (the faster the better) your beer. Your team wants to finish their beers before the other team does.

While your ball had hit their beer can it will generally ricochet off of the can into an unknown direction. The enemy team (either player on their team can do this) must retrieve the ball and touch it to the table. The moment the ball is touched on the table upon retrieval you must stop drinking. Then your teammate goes and does the same thing. If you miss their beer can with the ball then you drink nothing - the point is to make contact. And yes, contact can be made even if the ball bounces first.

When the enemy team is throwing the ball it's the same thing - but now if they connect you must get the ball and touch it to the table. Some players use excessive force (this generally lowers accuracy), but if it connects then the ball will usually ricochet farther, giving the player who hit the beer can more ample time to drink their beer.

The twist: There is one more twist to this game - the ability to swat a ball. For example, if you OR your partner throws the ball and it connects with the opposing teams beer and rolls back, you or your team mate can then swat the ball increasing the distance in which the other team has to get the ball. This means more time for you to drink your beer.

One Team Member Finishes: If one of the team members on a team finishes then they can no longer throw the ball anymore. However, they can play defensively by retrieving the ball and offensively by aiding in potential swats for when their team mate throws the ball, connects with the enemies beer can, and it rolls back.

When a team member finishes then their current team mate who hasn't finished yet must reposition their beer can to the middle of their side of the table.

When Success Is Reached: Once you AND your team member have finished your beers then you have won. There is no redemption shots like in beer pong. However, once you finish your beer you must crumple it and turn it upside down - no beer should come out (however, foam is viable to come out).

Ending Note: Know your limits when it comes to drinking, and only people of age should be consuming alcoholic beverages. Drink responsibly and don't ever drive drunk.