Stump Drinking Game: Rules, Wild Twists & Epic Wins

Imagine this: a group of rowdy friends, a tree stump, a hammer, some long nails, and an unreasonable amount of alcohol. What could possibly go wrong? Welcome to the Stump drinking game—where hand-eye coordination and drink-fueled bravery collide in a battle of hammer flips, nail strikes, and wild party antics.

Originally a lumberjack pastime (or so the legends say), Stump has grown into a tailgate and backyard classic. It’s chaotic, competitive, and sometimes a little dangerous—but that’s what makes it so fun!

What is the Stump Drinking Game?

At its core, Stump is a test of precision, drinking endurance, and just the right amount of recklessness. The goal? Be the last player standing with an upright nail while eliminating your opponents one swing at a time.

The game involves flipping a hammer, catching it smoothly, and taking a swing at someone else’s nail. Miss? You drink. Fail the flip? You drink. Lose completely? You chug the rest of your drink.

Why is it so popular?

• Tailgates & House Parties – Nothing livens up a party like hammers and drinks.
• Camping & Bonfires – Perfect for the outdoors (just don’t set the stump on fire).
• A Tournament Fun – You think you’re good at it… until you face to the real competition.

How to Play Stump Drinking Game (Step-by-Step Guide)

What You Need to Play Stump

Before you start swinging, gather the essentials:
✅ A tree stump – The centerpiece of the game (about knee-height is ideal).
✅ A hammer – Preferably with a rubber grip for better flipping control.
✅ Long nails (4-5 inches) – Each player gets one nail to start.
✅ drink (or drinks of choice) – The fuel that makes the game fun.

Setting Up the Game

1. Find a stable stump – A wobbly one just adds unnecessary danger.
2. Give each player a nail – Hammer them in lightly so they stand upright.
3. Decide the order – Go clockwise, or use a round of rock-paper-scissors.
4. Set house rules – Some variations make the game even wilder (we’ll get to those later).

Official Stump Drinking Game Rules

1. Flip the hammer – Before taking a swing, you must flip the hammer in the air and catch it by the handle.
2. Earn your swings –
   • Basic flip = 1 swing.
   • Under-the-leg flip = 2 swings.
   • Behind-the-back flip = 3 swings.
   • Over-the-head flip = 4 swings (for pros only).
3. Swing with confidence – The hammer must move in one smooth motion from below your waist, over your head, and down onto a nail.
4. Miss your nail? Drink.
5. Hit someone else’s nail? They drink.
6. Last nail standing wins!

👉 Pro Tip: Don’t hesitate! Overthinking the swing is the easiest way to embarrass yourself.

Stump Drinking Game Variations & House Rules

Once you’ve mastered the basics, try these fun twists (maybe a bit wild!)

1. The Lightning Round

Fast-paced chaos for those who hate waiting:

• Instead of taking turns, every player flips and swings at the same time in a rapid-fire round.
• Players keep swinging until someone drives a nail completely in—everyone else must finish their drink.
• If two people hit nails simultaneously, they must face off in a one-swing sudden death!

2. Spin & Swing

For the truly fearless!

• Before taking a turn, the player must spin around five times before flipping the hammer.
• If they fail the flip, they drink twice.
• If they miss the nail, they drink three times.
• If they hit someone else’s foot, they have to finish their drink and sit out a round!

3. Blindfolded Stump

For those who trust their drunk instincts!

• The player must put on a blindfold before flipping and swinging.
• Teammates verbally guide them to aim correctly.
• If they completely miss the stump, they drink AND must play the next round wearing the blindfold again!

4. Zombie Stump

Because getting eliminated is boring…

• In this version, eliminated players become “zombies.”
• Zombies must continue drinking and heckling the remaining players.
• Once per game, a zombie may sneak in a hammer flip and take a swing. If they hit a nail, they are revived and rejoin the game!
• If they fail? They must drink and sit out for the rest of the game.

5. Stump Pong

Beer pong meets Stump:

• Each player places a cup of drink on the stump next to their nail.
• If your nail gets hit, you must finish the drink in your cup.
• If you knock over your own cup, you must refill it and chug!
• The last player with an untouched cup wins and gets to give out five drinks.

6. The Wildcard Flip

Random chaos added to the mix:

• Before flipping the hammer, the player must draw a card from a pre-made deck with crazy challenges.
• Examples:
  • Left Hand Only – Must flip and swing with their non-dominant hand.
  • Spin & Swing – Spin around three times before flipping.
  • Silent Swing – Must stay completely silent; if they talk, they drink.
  • Double Trouble – They get two swings in a row, but if they miss both, they finish their drink.

7. The Ghost Swing

Mess with your opponents’ minds!

• Every player gets one free “ghost swing” per game, which they can fake at any time.
• If they successfully make another player flinch or react, that player must drink.
• However, if a player “ghost swings” twice in a row, they must drink.

8. The Ultimate Flip Challenge

For the skilled (or cocky) players:

• Players can attempt trick flips to earn extra swings.
• If they call their flip and land it, they get the corresponding number of swings:
  • Behind-the-Back Flip – Earns 3 swings
  • Under-the-Leg Flip – Earns 2 swings
  • 360 Spin Flip – Earns 5 swings
• However, if they fail the flip, they must drink the number of swings they attempted!

Stump Drinking Game Championships

Think you and your friends are Stump gods? Prove it. A Stump tournament is the ultimate way to settle rivalries, showcase your hammer-flipping skills, and turn a simple drinking game into an all-night event.

How to Set Up a Stump Tournament

1. Decide on the format:
   • Single elimination (once you’re out, you’re out)
   • Double elimination (losers get a second chance)
   • Round-robin (everyone plays against everyone)
2. Create a bracket: Use a chalkboard, whiteboard, or online tournament generator.
3. Add bonus challenges:
   • “MVP Round”: Best hammer flip wins a free pass.
   • “Under-the-Leg Challenge”: Extra points for trick shots.
   • “Sudden Death Mode”: Last two players go head-to-head with one swing each.

Titles & Prizes for the Winners

🏅 Stump King/Queen – For the last nail standing.
🔨 Hammer Master – Best hammer flipping skills.
🍺 Most Hammered Player – …you can guess what this means.

Punishments for the Losers

• The Last Nail Rule – The first person eliminated has to serve drinks for the rest of the night.
• Hammer of Shame – Loser must take a ridiculous photo posing with a hammer.
• Stump Slave – The loser must hold the stump in place if it wobbles.

Want to make it official? Print out a Stump Champion Certificate and frame it for eternal bragging rights. 

Where to Play Stump (Legally & Safely)

🏕️ Best locations:

• Backyard parties
• Tailgates & BBQs
• Camping trips
• Outdoor bars (if allowed)

🚫 Where NOT to play:

• Indoors (unless you really hate your floor)
• Crowded public spaces
• Areas where Stump is banned (yes, some cities have outlawed it)

Best Strategies to Win at Stump

Want to dominate the game? Use these pro-level tactics:

• Perfect Your Hammer Flip – The smoother the flip, the steadier your aim.
• Aim for the Base of the Nail – Striking the side increases the chance of a bounce.
• Distract Your Opponents – Trash talk, fake swings, or taking forever to aim can mess with their confidence.
• Play Sober… at First – Get a few warm-up rounds before alcohol takes over.

DIY Stump: How to Build the Ultimate Stump Setup

Want to upgrade your Stump game? Here’s how to build a custom Stump arena:

✅ Choose a big, stable stump – Knee-high and wide enough for multiple players.
✅ Decorate it with paint – Add a drink pong-style triangle or your team’s logo.
✅ Install LED lights – For nighttime Stump battles.
✅ Use glow-in-the-dark nails – So no one “forgets” where their nail is.
✅ Spray the top with drink-proof coating – Because you know drinks will spill.

No stump? Use an old tree trunk, a thick wooden plank, or even a sawed-off barrel.

Safety Tips – Avoiding Hammer-Related Regrets

Let’s be honest: swinging a hammer while drinking is a recipe for disaster. Follow these tips to keep all your fingers intact:

❌ Don’t point at someone’s nail – If they miss and hit your hand, it’s your fault.
🦺 Wear close-toed shoes – Dropped hammers + sandals = a trip to the ER.
🛑 Know your limits – If you’re too drunk to aim, you’re too drunk to swing.
😎 Use a rubber-handled hammer – Metal grips get slippery when drinking.

Stump vs. Other Party Games

Stump vs. Beer Pong

• Skill Level: Stump (harder)
• Danger Level: Stump (because, hammers)
• Best For: A Campsite Tournament

Stump vs. Flip Cup

• Speed: Flip Cup (faster-paced)
• Fun Factor: Stump (because of the chaos)
• Best For: Large groups

Stump vs. King’s Cup

• Chance of Blacking Out: King’s Cup (more drinking)
• Chance of Injury: Stump (hammers, duh)
• Best For: People who like strategy + skill-based drinking games.

The Stump drinking game is the perfect mix of skill, chaos, and drinking fun. Whether you’re a first-time player or a seasoned hammer-flipping pro, it’s guaranteed to bring unforgettable moments to your next party.

Just remember: Flip carefully, aim wisely, and play responsibly!

Stump Drinking Game FAQs