Horserace Drinking Game: Rules, Setup, and Fun Variations

Boomit: The Party Game to play with your friends!

What You Need

To get started, here’s what you’ll need:

• A standard deck of 52 cards (no Jokers).
• A flat surface like a table.
• Drinks for everyone playing.
• At least 3 players (but the more, the merrier).
• A designated "announcer" to keep the game lively.

Setting Up the Game

1. Create the Racing Track:
   • Remove the four Aces from the deck. These will be your “horses” (one for each suit: Hearts, Diamonds, Spades, Clubs).
   • Line up the Aces face-up at one end of the table to form the starting gate.
   • Shuffle the remaining cards and place 6-8 cards face-down in a straight column starting to the side of the Aces. This column creates the racing track that the horses must travel to cross the finish line.
2. Choose the Announcer:
   • One player acts as the announcer, flipping cards, narrating the race, and keeping the energy high.
3. Place Bets:
   • Each player bets drinks on the Ace they think will win. Bets can be simple (e.g., “3 sips on Hearts”) or more complex, like trifectas or exactas, for an added challenge.

How to Play

1. Start the Race:
   • The announcer flips the top card of the remaining deck. The Ace corresponding to the card’s suit moves forward one space along the racing track.
2. Keep Racing:
   • The announcer continues flipping cards, and the corresponding Aces move forward. For example, if someone flips a card from the Hearts suit, the Hearts Ace advances one step. Players cheer for their “horse” and drink if their Ace doesn’t match the suit of the flipped card.
3. Cross the Finish Line:
   • The first Ace to move past the last card on the racing track wins the race. This is the moment when the horse wins, and the bettors settle their bets.
4. Payouts:
   • If your bet wins, you assign drinks equal to your wager to other players.
   • If your bet loses, you drink the amount you bet.

Boomit: The Party Game to play with your friends!

Fun Variations

Want to spice things up? Try these twists:

1. Faltering Horses:
   • When an Ace reaches a new space for the first time, flip the corresponding link card. If its suit matches the suit of the Ace, the horse stumbles and moves back one space.
2. Stumbling Jokers:
   • Add Jokers to the deck. If a Joker is flipped, all horses except the leader move forward one space.
3. Side Bets:
   • Allow side bets, like which horse will leave the gates first or place second. Winners assign penalty drinks to the losers.
4. Sudden Death:
   • Midway through the race, the announcer can call “Sprint!” All players must finish their drinks before the race resumes.
5. Longer Racing Tracks:
   • Extend the racing track with 9 or 10 cards instead of the standard 6-8, creating a more intense game with additional drinking penalties.

Why It’s Popular

The Horserace Drinking Game combines strategy, unpredictability, and a touch of drama. Its versatility—perfect for small or large groups—keeps it a go-to for game nights and parties. The element of luck means everyone has a chance to win, and the hilarious commentary from the announcer ensures the game never gets dull. Plus, since it uses a standard deck of cards, setup is quick and easy, making it an ideal last-minute game choice.

Pro Tips

• Be the Announcer: Add energy to the game with enthusiastic narration. Think “Kentucky Derby commentator” vibes.
• Set Limits: For a longer party, consider capping the number of races to avoid overdrinking.
• Get Creative: Name your horses and cheer them on with ridiculous slogans.

Final Thoughts

The Horserace Drinking Game is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to set up and endlessly entertaining. With a standard deck of cards, some drinks, and a lively announcer, this game transforms a simple gathering into a race to remember. Watch as players bet on their favorite horse, cheer it on as it crosses the finish line, and celebrate as their chosen horse wins.

Ready to take your party to the next level? Saddle up and dive into the ultimate drinking game experience!