King’s Cup is the perfect drinking game to bring people together, with its mix of chance, fun rules, and plenty of laughs. But if there’s one thing that keeps the game exciting, it’s the categories. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a first-timer, choosing the right categories can take King’s Cup from mildly entertaining to downright hilarious. In this guide, we’ll dive into 50 category drinking game ideas for King’s Cup, so you’ll never have to reach for the same old ideas again.
Table of Contents
What is King’s Cup? The Basics of the Game
King’s Cup, also known as “Ring of Fire” or “Circle of Death,” is one of the most popular drinking games out there. Perfect for parties or casual hangouts, all you need is a deck of cards, a big cup, and your drink of choice.
The game starts by spreading the deck of cards face down in a circle around the cup in the center, known as the “King’s Cup.” Players take turns drawing cards, each of which represents a specific rule or action, like “make a rule” or “waterfall.”
Here’s where categories come into play. One of the most exciting (or nerve-wracking) cards to draw is the 10, which means Categories. The player who draws the 10 has to pick a category, and everyone takes turns naming something that fits. Repeat or hesitate, and you’ll be chugging!
Popular and Easy King’s Cup Categories
When it comes to King’s Cup, sometimes simple is best. Sticking to categories everyone can follow ensures a smooth round with fewer stumbles (and drinks). Here are some go-to categories that are easy and familiar:
1. Colors
Name any color, from red to cerulean. Simple, but as the game goes on, it gets trickier to remember those more obscure shades!
2. Animals
Dogs, cats, elephants—until someone accidentally says “T-rex” twice, and they’re sipping from the cup.
3. Fruits
Easy at first with apples and bananas, but eventually someone’s going to get stuck naming a fruit no one’s heard of (is “durian” even real?).
4. Cities
Name cities around the world! Starting with New York is easy, but things get tough when someone drops “Ouagadougou.”
5. Types of Alcohol
Vodka, tequila, whiskey… By the fifth round, it becomes a challenge to recall anything beyond “beer.”
6. Countries
Geography lovers rejoice! Every player must name a country. Don’t say “Italy” twice or you’ll be sipping on something strong.
7. TV Shows
A simple but effective category. Everyone’s seen some TV, right? From “Friends” to “Breaking Bad,” the possibilities are endless.
8. Movie Titles
Time to test your cinematic knowledge! Start with blockbusters like “Titanic” and work your way to the more obscure films like “Synecdoche, New York.”
9. Sports Teams
This works for any sports fans in the group. Name any team, from the New York Yankees to Barcelona FC.
10. Music Genres
Pop, rock, jazz—it starts out easy, but things get tough when someone throws in “ambient vaporwave.”
Fun and Unique King’s Cup Categories
Now, let’s get creative. For those times when the usual categories start to feel a bit stale, switch things up with something unique that’ll get the room laughing.
11. Types of Pizza
Pepperoni, Hawaiian, BBQ Chicken—everyone loves pizza. But how far can you go? Someone might have to stretch with “vegan gluten-free spinach” to survive.
12. Fast Food Chains
Everyone knows McDonald’s, but can you name 10 different fast food chains? Time to find out.
13. Types of Cheese
Cheddar, gouda, brie… What happens when you run out of cheeses? Time for that drink!
14. Video Games
Whether you’re into Call of Duty or Animal Crossing, this category has something for everyone. Just don’t repeat “Fortnite”!
15. Superheroes
Spider-Man, Wonder Woman, Batman. But do you know enough superheroes to stay in the game?
16. Things You Find in a Bathroom
Toothbrush, soap, shampoo—simple enough, but the more people name, the trickier this gets.
17. Fictional Characters
Harry Potter, Frodo Baggins, Pikachu. Time to dust off your knowledge of books, movies, and games!
18. Popular Snacks
Doritos, Pringles, Cheetos… But can you name that one obscure snack from your childhood?
19. Board Games
Monopoly, Clue, Scrabble. Running out of board games? Better brush up on your tabletop knowledge or drink!
20. Cartoon Characters
Spongebob, Bugs Bunny, and the rest of the animated gang are waiting for you to name them. Miss a favorite? Drink!
Challenging Categories for King’s Cup
If you’re looking to up the ante and really test your friends’ quick thinking, these challenging categories for King’s Cup will push everyone to their limits.
21. Types of Trees
Oak, maple, birch—easy, right? Until you start mixing up your trees with bushes.
22. Dog Breeds
Labrador, Poodle, Shih Tzu. There are so many dog breeds, but can you think of them all under pressure?
23. Movie Villains
Darth Vader, the Joker, Thanos… But what about those more obscure villains like Hans Gruber?
24. Books
Any book title goes, but don’t be surprised if someone throws in “The Great Gatsby” or “Moby Dick.”
25. Famous Landmarks
Eiffel Tower, Great Wall of China, Pyramids of Giza. The world is full of landmarks, but how many can you name after a few drinks?
26. Car Brands
Toyota, Ford, Tesla. After a few rounds, you’ll realize just how many car brands you know—or don’t know!
27. Celebrity Couples
Jay-Z and Beyoncé, Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis. It gets challenging when you start naming older, long-forgotten couples.
28. Astrological Signs
Aries, Libra, Sagittarius—don’t forget about that Pisces or you’re drinking!
29. Things You Do on Vacation
Sightseeing, sunbathing, scuba diving—sounds relaxing until you’re desperately trying to think of something new.
30. Modes of Transportation
Car, bus, airplane. But how many creative ways can you name before you’re stuck? Time to drink!
Hilarious and Offbeat King’s Cup Categories
Get ready for some belly laughs with these hilarious and offbeat King’s Cup categories! These quirky and unexpected themes are sure to catch everyone off guard, leading to outrageous answers and plenty of fun drinks.
31. Embarrassing Things You’ve Googled
Be prepared for confessions like “how to boil an egg” or “what is Mercury in retrograde?” Trust us, it’s worth the laugh.
32. Awkward Celebrity Names
Benedict Cumberbatch, Shia LaBeouf—try to get these tongue twisters out after a few rounds!
33. Cringy First Date Ideas
Go-kart racing, eating spaghetti (Lady and the Tramp style), or meeting the parents. It gets awkward fast, and that’s what makes it hilarious.
34. Things That Can Be Delivered
Pizza, groceries, flowers… but can you name something that’s not on your typical delivery apps?
35. Types of Sandwiches
BLT, grilled cheese, club sandwich. Your favorite sandwich can save you from taking a drink.
36. Things That Are Always in the Fridge
Milk, ketchup, cheese. What’s in your fridge? Time to share or drink!
37. Weird Phobias
Fear of spiders, fear of clowns, fear of holes. Some of these will get a good laugh.
38. Excuses for Being Late
“Traffic,” “forgot my wallet,” “my dog ate my homework”—we’ve all been there.
39. Things You’ll Find Under the Couch
Coins, dust bunnies, lost socks. How far can you dig into your memory for this one?
40. Things You Shouldn’t Do While Drunk
Text your ex, drive, cook—you know the drill. The worse the idea, the funnier it gets.
Extreme King’s Cup Categories
For those who’ve mastered the basics and are ready for a real challenge, these extreme King’s Cup categories will push your creativity and knowledge to the next level. Only the most seasoned players will survive without a drink in these tougher, brain-teasing rounds!
41. Mythical Creatures
Unicorns, dragons, and phoenixes. Are you a fantasy buff or will you be stuck after “mermaid”?
42. Types of Clouds
Cumulus, stratus, cirrus—it’s time to channel your inner weather nerd.
43. Ways to Say Hello
Hi, hola, bonjour—name any greeting from around the world. Repeat and you drink!
44. Famous Authors
J.K. Rowling, George Orwell, Stephen King. Can you name enough literary legends?
45. Winter Activities
Skiing, ice skating, building snowmen—how many more can you name before the timer runs out?
46. Famous Paintings
Mona Lisa, The Starry Night, The Scream. Can you recall your art history lessons after a few drinks?
47. Sea Creatures
Sharks, jellyfish, and octopuses, oh my! It gets tough when you run out of obvious ocean dwellers.
48. Types of Tea
Earl Grey, green tea, oolong. Herbal or caffeinated, can you name enough before you’re out?
49. Favorite Childhood Toys
Action figures, Barbie dolls, LEGO. What toys did you play with as a kid?
50. Things You Lose Often
Keys, wallet, remote control. It’s a reminder of how forgetful we all are!
How to Keep the Game Fresh: Categories Drinking Game Ideas
Combining Categories for Extra Challenge
For those seeking a higher level of difficulty (and drinks), why not combine categories? This adds an extra layer of complexity, especially when everyone’s already a few rounds in.
- Combine Movie Titles and Actors: Instead of just naming a movie, players have to name both a movie and an actor from it—“Leonardo DiCaprio in Titanic” or “Keanu Reeves in The Matrix.”
- Mix Music Genres with Songs: Say a genre like “rock,” and the next person has to sing a rock song. Don’t know the lyrics? You know what to do—drink!
Adapting Categories Based on Your Group
The best part about King’s Cup is that it can be adapted for any crowd. If you’re playing with close friends, throw in inside jokes and personal references. With a group of strangers, stick to universally known topics.
- For close friends, try “Inside Jokes”—you’ll crack up as only insiders will understand the references.
- For larger, unfamiliar groups, use broad topics like “Types of Alcohol” or “Common Sports.”
How to Choose Categories That Suit the Mood
Choosing the right category can make or break a round of King’s Cup. If the vibe is relaxed, stick to light-hearted topics like colors, animals, or favorite TV shows. If the party’s getting wilder, go for something outrageous like “Worst Texts You’ve Ever Sent.”
Avoiding Repetitive or Boring Categories
One of the biggest pitfalls is falling into repetitive categories. No one wants to name animals in every round, so try to keep things fresh by introducing themes or ideas from current events, movies, or trending pop culture topics.
Best Practices for Hosting An Unforgettable Kings Cup Party
Hosting a King’s Cup party is all about creating a fun, engaging, and memorable experience for everyone involved. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned host, here are some key tips to make your party one to remember!
1. Set the Mood with Music and Lighting
- Playlist: Choose an upbeat party playlist that everyone will enjoy. Keep the vibe energetic with popular tunes or themed music that matches the mood of the night.
- Lighting: Opt for fun, colorful lighting like string lights or LED strips. Avoid bright overhead lights and go for a cozy, festive atmosphere.
2. Prepare a Perfect Playing Space
- Table Setup: Make sure there’s a spacious table where everyone can gather comfortably around the King’s Cup.
- Deck of Cards: Use a sturdy deck of cards that’s easy to shuffle and spread in a circle around the cup.
- Cup in the Center: Place a large, sturdy cup in the middle of the table for the King’s Cup—something big enough to hold multiple drinks.
3. Set Clear Rules (And Print Them Out)
- House Rules: Decide on your specific rules ahead of time, and consider using a printable cheat sheet for the King’s Cup rules. This ensures everyone knows the basics, and there’s no confusion during the game.
- Clarify Variations: Some groups have different rules for certain cards (like “Hit the Floor” vs. “Four is Whores”), so make sure everyone is on the same page before the game starts.
4. Stock Up on Drinks (And Alternatives)
- Variety: Provide a range of drinks—beer, cider, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options. King’s Cup is about having fun, not about forcing anyone to drink more than they’re comfortable with.
- Alternative Options: Always offer alternatives for non-drinkers, like flavored soda, mocktails, or sparkling water, so everyone can join the game and have fun without pressure.
5. Encourage Creative, Fun Categories
- Prepare Ahead: If the group is struggling with coming up with creative categories, have a list of fun and unique categories on hand, like “types of candy,” “fictional characters,” or “weird phobias.”
- Use Custom Rules: Allow players to introduce fun custom rules like “Buffalo” (drink with your left hand only) or “Teeth” (you can’t show your teeth while laughing).
6. Monitor the King’s Cup Mix
- Beware the Concoction: The King’s Cup is known for its wild mix of drinks. Encourage players to add reasonable amounts to the cup and avoid overly harsh or disgusting combinations (no one enjoys a cocktail of beer, wine, and whiskey).
- Use a Clear Cup: A clear King’s Cup adds suspense as the concoction changes color with every pour—this keeps the anticipation high for the unlucky fourth King.
7. Pace the Game
- Start Slow: Avoid encouraging heavy drinking early in the game. Pace the rounds so that everyone can stay in the game longer without getting too tipsy too soon.
- Take Breaks: Add breaks between rounds for snacks, bathroom runs, and casual conversation. This keeps the energy fun and relaxed, without overwhelming anyone.
8. Provide Snacks and Hydration
- Finger Foods: Keep the energy up with a selection of easy-to-eat snacks like chips, popcorn, or pizza. Avoid anything too messy or that requires utensils.
- Water: Make sure there’s plenty of water available. Encourage players to stay hydrated, especially during longer game sessions.
9. Encourage Participation, Not Pressure
- Keep it Fun: The goal of King’s Cup is to have fun, not to pressure anyone into drinking more than they’re comfortable with. Remind everyone that it’s okay to sit out a round or opt for a non-alcoholic drink.
- Include Everyone: In mixed groups of friends or newcomers, use icebreaker categories or rules to make everyone feel included and part of the fun.
10. End with a Bang
- Final Round Fun: As the game winds down, end the night on a high note with a fun, creative final rule or a group toast.
- After Party Plan: Once King’s Cup is over, have a plan for the after-party vibe—whether it’s playing more games, watching a movie, or dancing to the playlist you set up earlier.
Resources for Kings Cup Rules
Need quick King’s Cup resources? From a list of King’s Cup Card Rules that’s perfect for mobile viewing, to a fun King’s Cup Song that makes the rules easy to remember, you’ll have everything you need to keep the game flowing smoothly.
King’s Cup Rules List
- Ace (Waterfall): Start a waterfall; everyone drinks in sequence, stopping only when the player before them stops.
- 2 (You): Choose someone else to drink.
- 3 (Me): The person who draws the card drinks.
- 4 (Hit the Floor): The last person to touch the floor with their hand(s) must take a drink.
- 5 (Thumb Master): Thumb Master can put their thumb on the table anytime; last person to follow drinks.
- 6 (Dicks/Guys): All men (or a modified group) drink.
- 7 (Heaven): Everyone points to the ceiling; the last person to do so drinks.
- 8 (Mate): Pick a drinking partner; both drink whenever the other does.
- 9 (Rhyme): Start a word rhyme; the first to fail or repeat drinks.
- 10 (Categories): Choose a category; everyone must name something within that category. Fail or repeat, and you drink.
- Jack (Never Have I Ever): Start a game of “Never Have I Ever”; the first to lose all fingers drinks.
- Queen (Question Master): Become the Question Master; anyone who answers a question must drink.
- King (King’s Cup): Pour into the King’s Cup; the fourth King drawn drinks everything in the cup.
King’s Cup Rules Song
Here’s a fun rhyme song to help you remember all the King’s Cup card rules! You can sing it to the tune of a nursery rhyme like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” or “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” for easy memorization:
Ace is Waterfall, everyone drinks,
Start with the left, see who blinks.
Two is You, give out a pair,
Make them drink, if you dare!
Three is Me, take a sip,
Raise your glass, take a trip.
Four, Hit the Floor real quick,
Last to touch has to drink!
Five is Thumb, master of stealth,
Put it down, or hurt your health!
Six is Dicks, for all the guys,
Drink it up, no surprise!
Seven to Heaven, raise your hand,
Slow to reach, you’ll drink as planned.
Eight is Mate, find a friend,
Whenever you sip, they must attend.
Nine is Rhyme, time to play,
Find a word that rhymes today.
Ten is Categories, name your pick,
Whoever repeats, drinks real quick!
Jack, make a rule, all must obey,
Break it, and drink right away!
Queen is Questions, keep it fast,
Answer wrong, and drink at last.
King’s Cup grows, with every round,
Fourth King drinks, don’t make a sound!
With these best practices, you’re sure to host a King’s Cup party that’s filled with laughter, creativity, and good times. Just remember to keep it light, let the fun flow, and ensure everyone leaves with great memories.