Ever heard of the Buffalo drinking game? If you haven’t, you’re in for a wild ride. What starts as a simple game with a quirky rule—drinking with your non-dominant hand—can quickly escalate into a full-blown, no-mercy competition that’s as fun as it is intense. Whether you’re a newbie looking to learn the ropes or a seasoned player eager to take things up a notch, this guide will cover everything from the basic rules to hardcore variations that will keep everyone on their toes. Ready to master the game? Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
What is the Buffalo Drinking Game?
The Buffalo drinking game is a social game with one simple rule: you must drink using your non-dominant hand. If you’re caught using your dominant hand, you’ll face the dreaded penalty—chugging your drink. It’s a game that’s as much about paying attention as it is about having fun, and it has a history that might just surprise you. Rumored to have roots in the Wild West, the game has evolved into a popular pastime at parties around the world. It’s easy to learn, but mastering it? That’s a whole different story.
Why Is It Called Buffalo Drinking Game?
The Buffalo drinking game might seem like a modern invention, but its roots may trace back to the rough-and-tumble days of the American Wild West. Legends suggest that gunslingers would drink with their non-dominant hand to keep their shooting hand free—just in case. Over time, this practical habit turned into a playful challenge, eventually becoming the game we know today. Now, Buffalo has found its place in college dorms, pubs, and parties worldwide, evolving with each new generation of players.
How to Play the Buffalo Drinking Game
The Basic Rules
The core of the Buffalo drinking game lies in its simplicity. Here’s how it works:
- Rule #1: Players must always drink with their non-dominant hand. This means if you’re right-handed, you drink with your left hand, and vice versa.
- Rule #2: If you see anyone drinking with their dominant hand, shout “BUFFALO! BUFFALO! BUFFALO!” and clap your hands or bang a table in the same rhythm. The person caught must immediately finish their drink—no excuses.
- Rule #3: Some groups play with the rule that once someone joins the Buffalo Club, they are always bound by the rules, regardless of the occasion or location. Once you’re in, you’re making a “lifetime commitment”. This means you can be called out at any time, even months or years after the initial game.
The beauty of Buffalo is in its ever-present nature. The game keeps everyone alert and adds a layer of fun to any social gathering.
Stepping Up: Medium-Level Variations
Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to introduce some medium-level variations to keep things interesting:
- Variation #1: The Immunity Drink: Select a specific type of drink (like a stout from Left Hand Brewery) that grants immunity from the Buffalo call. Players can enjoy this drink with either hand, but once it’s finished, they’re back to the standard rules.
- Variation #2: The Hesitation Penalty: Add a time limit to chugging. If a player hesitates for more than 5 seconds after being called out, they must face an additional penalty, such as doing a shot or performing a dare chosen by the group.
- Variation #3: The Silent Buffalo: Introduce a rule where players can only call out “Buffalo” in a whisper. If they forget and shout, they must finish their drink instead.
These variations add a strategic element to the game, as players must remember the additional rules and stay on their toes.
Going Hardcore: Extreme Buffalo Variations
For those looking for an intense challenge, hardcore Buffalo variations will push you to the limit:
- Variation #1: No Mercy Buffalo: In this version, every mistake leads to escalating penalties. The first infraction might mean finishing your drink, but subsequent mistakes could require increasingly difficult tasks like taking a shot and running a lap around the house or reciting the alphabet backward while spinning in circles.
- Variation #2: Timed Challenges: Introduce a timer for chugging. Once called out, the player has exactly 10 seconds to finish their drink. Failure to do so results in additional penalties, such as drinking another full glass or completing a physical challenge like push-ups or planking.
- Variation #3: Integrated Madness: Combine Buffalo with other popular drinking games like King’s Cup or Flip Cup. In this version, players must adhere to the Buffalo rule while simultaneously following the rules of another game. This creates a chaotic and unpredictable environment where anything can happen.
Hardcore variations are designed for those who want to take the game to the next level, making it more competitive and intense.
Top 3 Variations of the Buffalo Drinking Game
The Timed Challenge Variation: Drink or Dare
This variation adds a thrilling element of urgency to Buffalo.
Rule: When a player is called out, they have a set time (e.g., 10 seconds) to finish their drink. If they fail, they must complete a dare chosen by the group. The dare could range from singing a song to performing an embarrassing task, adding a layer of suspense and excitement to the game.
This version keeps the pace of the game fast and furious, with everyone scrambling to avoid the dreaded dare.
Integrated Madness: Merging Buffalo with King’s Cup
For a truly unpredictable experience, merge Buffalo with King’s Cup.
Rule: Players must adhere to the Buffalo rule while playing King’s Cup. This means that in addition to drawing cards and following the traditional King’s Cup rules, they must also be vigilant about using their non-dominant hand to drink. If they slip up, it’s double trouble—a Buffalo call followed by the consequences of the card they drew.
This combination creates a complex and chaotic game, where players must juggle multiple rules and challenges at once.
No Mercy Buffalo: Penalties Galore
If you want to separate the casual players from the hardcore, introduce the No Mercy Buffalo variation.
Rule: Every mistake leads to an escalating series of penalties. The first might be finishing your drink, but by the third or fourth mistake, players could find themselves facing increasingly difficult tasks, like doing 20 push-ups or trying to recite the alphabet backward while standing on one leg.
This version is not for the faint of heart—it’s all about endurance, both physical and mental.
FAQs About the Buffalo Drinking Game
What’s the Buffalo Club drinking game?
The Buffalo Club drinking game is a variation of the Buffalo drinking game, with its own set of specific rules and challenges. In this version, players not only adhere to the basic rule of drinking with their non-dominant hand but also incorporate additional rules or themes unique to their club or group. One common initiation ritual involves taking the pinky finger of the new member with your own pinky finger, and making them repeat the Buffalo Club promise. This is a symbolic gesture that represents the new member’s commitment to the club, and their willingness to follow the rules and uphold the values of the Buffalo Club.
What does “yelling Buffalo” mean?
In the Buffalo drinking game, “yelling Buffalo” is a crucial part of the Buffalo drinking game chant. When a player is caught drinking with their dominant hand, other players shout “BUFFALO! BUFFALO! BUFFALO!” to call out the mistake. This chant, accompanied by clapping or banging on the table, signals that the player must finish their drink as a penalty. The Buffalo drinking game chant helps keep everyone alert and adds an element of surprise and excitement to the game.
What are drinking games like Buffalo?
If you love the thrill of Buffalo, you’ll dig other drinking games that mix fun with a bit of challenge! Take King’s Cup, for instance—draw cards with quirky rules and try to keep up. Or try Flip Cup, where teamwork and cup flipping are the name of the game. Buffalo itself has some cool international twists, too. In Australia, it’s called “Buffles,” and in Germany, they go with “Links/Rechts” for the same concept. For a themed spin, check out the Buffalo Bills Bonanza, where football penalties and touchdowns come into play, or add a movie magic touch by using iconic film quotes instead of “Buffalo!” These variations keep the game lively and fresh, no matter where you are or what you’re into!