How to Play Ride the Bus Drinking Game: Rules and Tips

What You Need to Play

• A standard deck of 52 cards
• 2-8 players
• Drinks of your choice
• A flat surface for the cards
• A fun, relaxed atmosphere to keep the game light-hearted

Game Setup

1. Select a Dealer: Choose someone to shuffle the deck and manage the game. The dealer will guide the gameplay and ensure rules are followed.
2. Distribute Cards: Each player gets four cards down.
3. Pyramid Layout: Arrange a pyramid of cards face down: five at the base, then four, three, two, and one at the top.

Phase 1: Individual Rounds

1. Red or Black? The dealer flips a card and asks each player to guess whether their card is red or black. Correct guesses result in no action; incorrect guesses require a drink. This phase warms players up for the next rounds.
2. Higher or Lower? Players guess if the next card will be higher or lower than their first card. Incorrect guesses mean a drink. Keeping an eye on the cards already dealt can give you a better idea of what might come next, making your guesses more strategic.
3. Inside or Outside? Players guess if the card will fall inside or outside the range of their first two cards.
4. Guess the Suit: Players guess the suit of the card. Correct guesses allow assigning drinks to others; incorrect guesses result in a drink.

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Phase 2: Building the Pyramid

• The dealer first lays out the pyramid: five cards in the bottom row, then four, three, two, and finally one card at the top. Once the pyramid is complete, the dealer flips over cards starting at the base.
• Players match cards from their hand to the pyramid. Matches allow players to assign drinks based on the pyramid row (e.g., bottom row = 1 drink, top card = 5 drinks).
• Players aim to discard all cards to avoid "riding the bus." Using your cards at the right moment can make all the difference and decide the outcome.

Phase 3: Riding the Bus

• The player with the most cards must ride the bus.
• The dealer lays down 10 cards face down. The player must then guess red or black for each card. Incorrect guesses result in drinks, and the player has to start over from the beginning.

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Tips and strategies

• Familiarize yourself with the card hierarchy (Ace is high). This knowledge helps make more informed guesses.
• Start with lighter drinks if you’re new to drinking games.
• Stay hydrated and take breaks if needed. The game’s focus is to have fun.

Variations of Ride the Bus

• Reduce the pyramid size to make the game faster. This variation is perfect for short breaks during a party.
• Correct guesses allow assigning drinks, while incorrect guesses mean taking drinks yourself. This twist adds an extra layer of strategy to the game.

FAQs

Can you play without alcohol?

Yes! Replace drinks with challenges or dares to make the game suitable for all ages. For instance, incorrect guesses could lead to funny tasks or lighthearted penalties.

What if there’s a tie?

In case of a tie for "riding the bus," the player with the highest-value card loses.

Is there a limit to how long the game lasts?

While the game typically lasts 10-15 minutes, it's flexible. Adjust the pyramid size or rounds to match your group's preferences.