Cutthroat Billiards Drinking Game: Best Beer Pong Game for Small Groups

Are you tired of playing the same old Beer Pong at every party? If you’re looking for a fresh, engaging, and competitive twist for your next gathering, then the Cutthroat Billiards Drinking Game (also known as Cupthroat) is the perfect alternative! 

In this guide, we’ll break down the rules, setup, and tips for mastering Cupthroat—the drinking game that’s sure to elevate your party game night beyond the usual routines.

What is the Cutthroat Billiards (Cupthroat) Drinking Game?

The Cutthroat Billiards Drinking Game, often referred to as Cupthroat, is a hybrid of Cutthroat Pool and Beer Pong. It combines the skill of sinking balls into cups (like Beer Pong) with the strategic elimination of opponents’ cups (much like the cutthroat variant of billiards). 

Unlike traditional Beer Pong, where teams aim to sink all of the opponent’s cups, in Cupthroat, each player or team is assigned a set of cups, and the objective is to be the last player standing with any cups left in play.

The name “Cutthroat” suits the game perfectly—it’s all about strategically eliminating your opponents’ cups while protecting your own. The game is competitive, high-energy, and perfect for small group gatherings where you want a bit more edge than Beer Pong can offer.

Why Cutthroat Billiards is Perfect for Small Groups

Cutthroat Billiards stands out among drinking games because it’s engaging, competitive, and perfect for small groups. Unlike large-scale games like Flip Cup or Kings Cup, Cupthroat keeps every player involved throughout the entire game. Players must constantly make strategic decisions, and there’s rarely a dull moment.

This game is ideal for gatherings of 3-6 players, where everyone can stay engaged without waiting too long between turns. Plus, the mix of strategy and drinking makes it a perfect balance of fun and competitiveness.

How to Set Up the Cutthroat Billiards Drinking Game

Setting up Cupthroat is simple, but requires precision and a bit of strategy. Here’s how to get started:

1. Equipment Needed:
   • Three sets of five plastic cups (each set needs to be distinct; for example, different colors or marked with tape).
   • Two ping pong balls.
   • A table, preferably around 3 feet high and 4-8 feet long (any flat surface works, but a Beer Pong table is ideal).
2. Table and Cup Setup:
   • Arrange the cups at one end of the table in a triangle formation, similar to how you set up Beer Pong. Each player or team should have their cups distinctly marked or colored.
   • No two cups from the same set should touch each other. This layout creates a sense of strategy from the beginning, as players must plan their shots wisely.
3. Filling the Cups:
   • Fill each cup about a third of the way with beer (or water for a non-alcoholic version). If you opt for water, players will drink from their own bottles when required to drink during the game.

By following these simple setup rules, your game is ready to start!

Cutthroat Billiards Game Rules 

The rules of Cupthroat are easy to follow but packed with opportunities for strategy and competitive fun. Here’s how to play:

1. Game Objective: The goal is to be the last player (or team) with any cups left on the table. Players take turns attempting to sink a ping pong ball into the other players’ cups. Once a cup is sunk, it is removed from play, and the player whose cup was sunk must drink.
2. Turn Order:
   • Decide the first player or team by flipping a coin or drawing straws.
   • Each player or team gets two shots per turn to try to sink balls into their opponents’ cups from a distance of 6-8 feet.
3. Drinking Rules:
   • Every time one of your cups is eliminated, you must drink the contents of the cup.
   • If a player accidentally sinks their own cup, they must drink it, and their opponents may return one of their eliminated cups back into play.
4. Winning the Game:
   • The game continues until only one player or team has any cups remaining. The last player with cups on the table wins.
5. Situational Rules:
   • If a player sinks both of their shots in a single turn, they get an additional turn.
   • Players can create house rules to add trick shots, re-racks, or bonus penalties for missed shots, adding an extra layer of fun and unpredictability.

Popular Cupthroat House Rules

To keep Cupthroat fresh and exciting, consider adding some popular house rules or variations, commonly discussed in forums like Reddit and Quora:

1. Double Sinks: If a player sinks both balls in one turn, they get to select any player to drink one extra cup.
2. Stacked Cups: When a player eliminates two cups in a single turn, they can “stack” the cups, forcing the player to drink both before they can continue playing.
3. Resurrection: In a more competitive version, when a player is down to their last cup, they can make a trick shot to bring one cup back into play.

These variations make the game more unpredictable and competitive, and they’re often debated and shared in online forums as ways to make Cutthroat more intense.

Strategies to Win Cutthroat Billiards Drinking Game

Success in Cutthroat is about more than just sinking balls into cups; you’ll need to think strategically. Here are some winning tips:

1. Target Your Opponents’ Weaknesses:
   • Pay attention to which players are losing cups quickly and focus on eliminating them early. It’s better to knock out weaker opponents and leave the stronger players for the endgame.
2. Defensive Play:
   • Aim to eliminate cups closest to your set first, reducing the chances of your opponents making easy shots into your cups.
3. Trick Shots:
   • Practice creative shots and house rules, such as bounce shots or bank shots, to keep your opponents off-balance and on the defensive.

Responsible Drinking and Game Safety Tips

While Cupthroat is a fun and competitive drinking game, it’s important to play responsibly. Here are some tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:

1. Pace Yourself: With multiple rounds and fast-paced drinking, be mindful of how much you’re consuming.
2. Know Your Limits: Stop playing if anyone is feeling too intoxicated, and ensure everyone has water breaks.
3. Plan for Safe Rides Home: Make sure no one drives after the game—use a rideshare service or assign a designated driver.

Whether you call it Cutthroat Billiards or Cupthroat, this drinking game is the perfect way to add a competitive edge to your next gathering. Its combination of strategy, skill, and fun makes it an excellent choice for small groups looking to shake things up beyond traditional Beer Pong. So grab your cups, set up the table, and let the games begin!

FAQs about Cutthroat Billiards Drinking Game