Let’s clear this up right away—Beer Hockey isn’t about ice, pucks, or slamming opponents into the boards. Nope, this game is all about flicking a coin across a table and making your buddies chug their beer. Think of it as hockey’s lazy, beer-loving cousin who skipped the rink and decided to have a party instead. It’s simple, ridiculous, and seriously fun. So, grab a coin, crack open a beer, and get ready to flick your way to boozy glory!
Table of Contents
What is Beer Hockey?
Beer Hockey is a fast-paced drinking game where players simulate a hockey match using a quarter and beer cans. The objective is simple: flick the quarter (the puck) to hit your opponent’s beer can and force them to drink. Unlike traditional hockey, there are no skates or sticks—just a coin, some beer, and a lot of fun.
But why stop there? If you’re looking to crank up the excitement while watching live NHL games or any hockey match, check out these 15 epic hockey drinking games you must try. Whether you’re cheering for NHL teams, catching a college hockey game, or diving into hockey-themed card games The Last Leg and playing an exhilarate Air Hockey online game, there’s a game for every fan.
Beer Hockey Drinking Game Rules
Materials Needed
- Players: Gather at least four friends to make the game lively.
- Gear: You’ll need a table, a coin (preferably a quarter), and a beer for each player. Bottles are ideal because they make a satisfying “ting” sound when hit.
- Setup: Arrange everyone around the table with their beer bottle in front of them, near the edge of the table. This bottle acts as your “goal.”
Rules of Beer Hockey
- Starting the Game: The first player spins the coin and calls out the name of another player.
- Blocking the Goal: The chosen player tries to block the spinning coin from hitting their beer with just two fingers.
- Scoring and Drinking: If the coin hits the bottle (you’ll hear the “ting”), the scorer gets to spin again, and the person hit must chug their beer until the coin stops spinning.
- Continuous Play: After a successful score, the coin remains in play until it’s blocked or misses the target completely.
Beer Hockey Fun Variations
Penalty Box
Just like in real hockey, there’s a price to pay for not playing by the rules—or in this case, for failing to spin the coin properly. If a player fails to get the coin spinning three times in a row, they’re sent to the “Penalty Box.” What does that mean? They lose their turn and, as punishment, must place their beer in the center of the table for one full round. The twist? That beer becomes the target for everyone else. If anyone scores on it during the next round, the penalized player has to chug it in one go!
Helmet of Shame
Getting scored on once is bad enough, but three times? That’s a hockey hat trick you don’t want. In this variation, any player who has the misfortune of getting their can hit three times in a row has to wear the infamous “Helmet of Shame”—an empty beer case on their head—until someone else takes the title. It’s all in good fun, of course, but be warned: The Helmet of Shame is not just a fashion statement; it’s a reminder that you’re at the mercy of the table until another unlucky soul takes over!
Zamboni
Spills happen, especially in a game where coins are flying and beers are flowing. But in this version of Beer Hockey, if you’re the klutz who knocks over a beer, you’ve got some cleaning up to do—and by cleaning up, we mean drinking up! Introducing the “Zamboni” rule: spill a beer, and you have to suck it off the table. No towels allowed! It’s a hilarious (and slightly gross) way to keep things light-hearted and ensure that no drop of beer goes to waste.
Power Play
If a player manages to hit two cans in a row without missing, they’re on a Power Play! During their next turn, they get to take two flicks of the coin instead of one. If they score on both flicks, the defending players must each finish their beer. But if they miss on either flick, they lose the Power Play advantage, and it’s back to normal play.
Sudden Death
If the game has been going on for a while and you’re looking to wrap it up with a bang, initiate Sudden Death. From this point forward, the next player to get their can hit must chug their entire beer in one go. It’s a high-stakes ending that guarantees excitement—and probably a very full stomach!
Empty Netter
If a player’s beer can is completely empty (no drops left), they must either refill it or face the dreaded Empty Netter rule. In this version, an empty can means the player is automatically scored on every time the quarter hits it, so you’d better keep your can topped up or risk becoming a very easy target!
Hockey Fight
If two players both claim to have flicked the quarter at the same time, it’s time for a Hockey Fight! Each player involved in the dispute has to down their drink and then arm wrestle to determine who gets the point. The loser? They have to refill and drink again. This variation adds a physical challenge to the game, perfect for those who like a little extra competition.
Goalie
Designate one player as the Goalie for the round. The Goalie gets an extra turn to block any incoming flicks, but if they fail to block, they have to finish their beer. If they succeed, they get to pass their next drinking penalty to any player of their choice. It’s a tough role, but with great power comes great responsibility—or in this case, great drinking penalties!
The Drunken Ref
One player is designated as the “referee,” but here’s the twist—they have to drink double the amount everyone else does. The ref can blow an imaginary whistle and call out penalties like “Too Slow!” or “Bad Flick!” which results in the penalized player taking an extra drink. The more the ref drinks, the more ridiculous the penalties become.
Slapshot Silliness
Before each flick, players must stand up, spin around three times, and then immediately flick the quarter. Watching everyone struggle to stay balanced while aiming makes for some hilarious misses and wobbly shots.
The Last Call
When only one player remains without the Helmet of Shame, everyone else teams up against them. The lone player must defend their can against all others flicking quarters at once. If they survive without getting scored on, they get to dish out drinks to the other players. If they lose, they have to chug their beer and do a victory lap around the room… in slow motion, of course.
Comparing Beer Hockey to Beer Die and Beer Pong
Beer Hockey, Beer Die, and Beer Pong each bring their own unique flavor to the world of drinking games.
Beer Hockey is the go-to for those who want fast-paced fun and a game that anyone can pick up quickly. Beer Die is perfect for players who enjoy a longer, more strategic game that tests both skill and endurance. Beer Pong sits comfortably in the middle, offering a balanced mix of precision, strategy, and social interaction.
No matter which game you choose, you’re in for a good time—but for those who want quick, unpredictable action, Beer Hockey just might be the winner.
| Aspect | Beer Hockey | Beer Die | Beer Pong |
| How It’s Played | Flick a quarter to hit beer cans. | Throw a die and try to bounce it off the table. | Toss ping-pong balls into beer cups. |
| Skill vs. Luck | Mix of skill and luck. | Mostly skill, with some strategy. | Skill-based, but luck plays a role. |
| Social Vibe | Fast, fun, and energetic. | Strategic and relaxed. | Competitive and lively. |
| Setup | Easy setup with minimal gear. | Needs more space and a special table. | Simple setup with cups and balls. |
| Drinking Level | High—lots of drinking involved. | Moderate—less frequent drinking. | Moderate—steady drinking throughout. |
| Fun & Replay | High—quick and unpredictable games. | Great for strategy lovers. | High—easy to play again and again. |
Tips to Win at Beer Hockey
- Master Your Flick: Practice flicking the quarter with just the right balance of power and control. Aim slightly above the can’s base for a better chance of hitting your target.
- Stay Defensive: Always be ready to block, but don’t react too soon. Keep your hand close to your can and only move when the quarter is on its way.
- Choose Your Attacks: Focus on precision over power, and mix up your flicks to keep opponents guessing. Use mind games to throw them off.
- Keep Calm: Don’t rush your moves. Stay composed and focus on executing each flick and block with care.
- Pace Your Drinking: Sip steadily to maintain your coordination, and refill your can strategically to avoid becoming an easy target.
- Learn and Adapt: Observe your opponents’ weaknesses and adjust your strategy to exploit them. If they keep making the same mistakes, capitalize on them.
- Avoid Common Errors: Don’t flick the quarter off the table, and be mindful not to block too early. Always stay sharp on defense and know the rules to avoid penalties.
- Team Strategy: If playing in teams, communicate effectively to balance offense and defense, coordinating your moves for a winning strategy.