Every great party needs a simple, yet hilariously unpredictable game. Enter the Pizza Box Drinking Game, where the only thing more creative than the rules is how quickly your friends will make them up. Imagine combining the excitement of a coin flip, the anticipation of new rules, and the inevitable chaos of trying to remember them all—this game guarantees a night of laughs and memorable moments. Let’s get flipping!
Table of Contents
What Is the Pizza Box Drinking Game?
The Origins of the Pizza Box Drinking Game
Like most legendary party games, the Pizza Box Drinking Game began as a humble DIY creation. While no one knows exactly who came up with it (probably someone who was very, very bored waiting for pizza delivery), it quickly spread through college dorms and house parties. Its appeal? The simplicity of using a pizza box as your playing field and the freedom to make up ridiculous rules on the fly.
Pizza Box Drinking Game and Pangea Drinking Game
The Pangea and Pizza Box drinking games are basically the same. Both games use a cardboard surface (like a pizza box) where players draw circles or write their names, and a coin is flipped to determine drinking actions based on where it lands. The name “Pangea” just adds a fun twist, symbolizing how the game brings everyone together—just like the supercontinent! The core mechanics are nearly identical—players customize the board with rules, and the randomness of the coin flip keeps things unpredictable and fun.
Why Is It So Popular?
The game’s popularity comes from its unpredictability and flexibility. First, it doesn’t require any complicated setup—just grab a pizza box, a coin, and some friends. But more than that, it’s the game’s “anything-goes” nature that keeps people coming back for more. You never know what kind of rule someone will create next. One moment you’re sipping your drink, and the next, you’re doing an embarrassing dance in the middle of the room. Everyone gets to contribute, making it personal, interactive, and always hilarious.
How to Play the Pizza Box Drinking Game: Rules and Setup
What You Need to Start
Here’s what you’ll need to get the game started:
- Pizza box (you’ve already devoured the pizza, so it’s game time)
- A coin (any coin will do, but a quarter works best)
- Marker (for creating the rules directly on the pizza box)
- Drinks (your beverage of choice)
Basic Rules of the Game
- Place the pizza box on the floor or a table where everyone can see.
- Players take turns flipping the coin onto the pizza box.
- If the coin lands on a blank spot, the player writes their name in that spot and creates a rule. For example, “Every time someone says ‘drink,’ everyone drinks.”
- If the coin lands on a space with someone’s name, that person has to follow the rule they created. If they forget, they drink!
- The game continues with each player flipping the coin, creating new rules, and trying to remember (or hilariously forget) all the existing ones.
Adding Fun House Rules
Here’s where it gets fun. After each flip, the player who lands on a blank space can create a new rule. The crazier, the better. Need some inspiration? How about these:
- Speak in an accent: Whenever someone talks, they have to use an accent.
- Thumb Master: At any point, the rule-maker can put their thumb on the table, and everyone else has to follow suit. The last person drinks.
- Switch Seats: Players have to change seats every time a specific word is said.
- Reverse Card: If someone lands on this spot, they can make another player drink their drink instead of their own. (Think of it like a reverse UNO card for drinks!)
- The Floor is Lava: At any random moment, the rule-maker can shout “The floor is lava!” and everyone has 5 seconds to get their feet off the ground. The last person to do so drinks.
- No Hands Drinking: Players must take their next drink without using their hands (cue awkward neck tilts and spills).
- Secret Word Sabotage: The rule-maker chooses a secret word (e.g., “pizza,” “game”) and writes it on the box without showing anyone. Every time someone unknowingly says the word, they drink, and the secret is revealed only at the end.
- Human Fountain: The person on this spot has to pour their drink into their own mouth from at least 10 inches away. If they miss, they drink twice!
- The Laughing Ban: For the next 5 minutes, no one is allowed to laugh. Anyone caught even giggling must take a drink.
Fun Variations of the Pizza Box Drinking Game
Large Group Version
Got a big crowd? No problem. The Pizza Box game works perfectly with large groups by adding more rules or making the pizza box even bigger (grab a couple more boxes if needed!). Just be sure to add rules that involve multiple players. Here are some suggestions:
- Team Play: Split into teams, and instead of individual rules, each team gets to create their own house rule. Whichever team breaks a rule drinks together as a group.
- Battle Royale: Every time the coin lands on someone’s name, they can challenge another player to a quick duel (think rock-paper-scissors, a thumb war, or a staring contest). The loser drinks.
- Ultimate Role Play: Everyone adopts a “role” for the night. Think pirates, robots, or whatever you can imagine. Anytime someone breaks character, they drink. You’ll be saying “Yarr” or “Beep Boop” all night long.
Quick Play Version
In a hurry? You can play a rapid version of the game by setting a timer. This adds an extra layer of pressure, and before you know it, people are scrambling to think of the next rule!
- Sudden Death: Set a timer for 10 minutes. The player with the most rule violations by the end has to chug a full drink (or perform an outrageous dare, like texting their crush “I love pizza”).
- Speed Rules: After a coin flip, the player has only 30 seconds to come up with a new rule. If they hesitate, they drink and another player gets to create the rule for them.
Themed Versions
If you’re hosting a themed party, give your Pizza Box game a twist! For example:
- Holiday Edition: Create holiday-themed rules like “Every time someone says ‘Christmas,’ take a sip.”
- Sports Night: For every touchdown or goal in the sports games, the person whose name is closest to the coin has to drink.
- Movie/TV Show Edition: Pick a theme based on a popular show or movie. For example:
- Meme Edition: Incorporate popular internet memes. Examples:
- If someone references a meme (intentionally or not), they have to drink.
- Create a “Doge” rule: Anytime someone talks, they have to say something in a “wow, much drink, very fun” style. Anyone who breaks the meme format has to drink!
Most Pizza Box Drinking Game Funny Rules
Funny Rules to Keep the Party Going
- T-Rex Arms: Players must keep their elbows glued to their sides while drinking. Anyone caught with “normal” arms has to drink.
- TikTok Dance-Off: The player who lands on this rule must attempt a popular TikTok dance (or make one up on the spot). Anyone who refuses or messes up the dance drinks.
- Body Builder Challenge: Anyone who lands on this rule must flex their muscles and hold a “pose” for a full minute while someone takes a picture. Every person who fails to take them seriously drinks.
- Giraffe Drinking: Anytime a player drinks, they must extend their neck as long as possible (like a giraffe), and drink slowly with exaggerated movements. Anyone caught breaking character drinks twice.
Rules That Everyone Can Play
- Cheers Master: One person becomes the Cheers Master, and every time they say “cheers,” everyone drinks.
- Buffalo Drinks: All drinks must be picked up and consumed with the non-dominant hand in the Buffalo drinking game rule. Right-handed sips mean extra drinks.
- Freeze: At any random point, the rule-maker can shout “Freeze!” Everyone has to stop moving. The last one to freeze drinks.
- Group Selfie Challenge: Everyone must gather for an immediate selfie, but the catch is that it must be the worst possible selfie. Whoever takes it seriously drinks.
Adding a Twist: Dares and Challenges
Want to spice things up? Add dares or challenges into the mix. Every time someone lands on a name, instead of a simple drink, they might have to:
- Do a handstand (or at least try).
- Sing the chorus of a popular song.
- Call your crush and say “I was just thinking about pizza.”
- Attempt to do the worm across the floor. If you fail, drink!
- Hold an ice cube while answering 3 questions. Hesitate or Stammer, and you drink.
Tips for a Safe and Fun Experience
Keep It Fun, Not Dangerous
While the Pizza Box drinking game is meant to be entertaining, it’s important to play responsibly. Make sure everyone’s comfortable with the rules, and encourage players to know their limits. Keep water handy and take breaks when needed—no one wants the night to end early because someone overdid it.
What to Do If You Don’t Have a Pizza Box
No pizza box? No problem! Any cardboard surface works, or you can improvise with a piece of paper taped to the table. The rules are the same, but you might need to adjust the size of the spaces depending on your surface.
Try Pizza Box Drinking Game for Your Next Home Party
The Pizza Box Drinking Game is the perfect combination of creativity, laughter, and unpredictability. Whether you’re flipping a coin, inventing crazy rules, or trying to keep track of all the chaos, this game will keep everyone entertained for hours. So next time you’re looking for a fun and easy drinking game to liven up your party, just grab a pizza box (and maybe a slice or two while you’re at it), and let the good times roll. Cheers to unforgettable nights and new rules!