Picture this: You’re in a lively hostel or a bustling college dorm, surrounded by friends from all over the world. The atmosphere is buzzing with excitement, and everyone’s looking for a way to break the ice and kick off the night. Enter “Cheers to the Governor,” a drinking game that’s not just fun but also a perfect way to connect with people from different cultures.
Table of Contents
How to Play Cheers to The Governor
Basic Rules:
- Gather round: Sit in a circle with your friends and drinks.
- Start counting: The first person says “1,” the next can says “2,” or “2, 3,” and so on, going around the circle.
- Cheers to the Governor: When someone reaches “21,” everyone shouts “Cheers to the Governor!” and takes a drink.
- New rule time: The person who said “21” gets to make a new rule for a specific number. For example, they might say, “On number 5, you have to clap instead of saying the number.”
- Keep it going: The counting continues, with the new rule in effect.
- Mess-ups: If someone messes up (says the wrong number, forgets a rule, etc.), they take a drink, and the counting starts over at “1.”
The beauty of “Cheers to the Governor” lies in its flexibility—no two games are ever the same!
Fun Rule Ideas:
- Jump Instead of “1”: Start the game off with some physical activity. Instead of saying “1,” the first player must jump. If they forget, they take a drink.
- Reverse the Order at “7”: When someone says “7,” the direction of play reverses. This keeps everyone on their toes!
- Sing at “12”: The player who reaches 12 must sing their number instead of saying it. Off-key performances are encouraged!
- Animal Names for “8”: Instead of saying “8,” the player must name an animal. Repeats or hesitation result in a drink.
- Dance at “15”: On 15, everyone has to perform a quick dance move. The wilder, the better!
Culture-Inspired Rules:
- Spin the Globe at “5”: Spin a globe, and the next rule must relate to the country where it lands. For example, if it lands on France, everyone must say “Bonjour!” before their number.
- Language Switch at “10”: The player must say their number in a language other than their native one. This rule adds a fun educational twist to the game.
- World Anthem at “21”: Before creating a new rule, the group must sing a famous anthem from a randomly chosen country. Bonus points if you know the words!
Global Variations of Cheers to the Governor
As fun as “Cheers to the Governor” is, playing with a diverse group can make it even better. Different countries have their own twists on drinking games, and incorporating these variations can turn your game night into a cultural adventure. Let’s explore how the game is played around the world.
1. Australia: Ring of Fire
- How to Play: In this variation, players arrange cards in a circle around a central drink. Each card corresponds to a different action or rule, which can range from communal drinks to truth-or-dare style challenges.
- Cultural Twist: Australians love communal drinking games that bring everyone together. “Ring of Fire” is perfect for creating a lively, inclusive atmosphere where no one’s left out.
2. Germany: Last Man Standing
- How to Play: This endurance-based game involves continuous drinking, where players must stay in the game as long as possible. The last person still standing (or sitting) wins.
- Cultural Insight: Reflecting Germany’s reputation for resilience and strength, this game is all about who can keep their cool the longest while the rules get increasingly tough.
3. Ireland: Knucklebone
- How to Play: Players perform physical challenges like balancing a drink on the back of their hand or tossing coins while keeping the game going. It’s a test of dexterity and coordination.
- Cultural Insight: In Ireland, pub games are as much about skill and humor as they are about drinking. “Knucklebone” adds a layer of fun that’s typical of Irish social games.
4. Mexico: Tequila King
- How to Play: Whenever a player says a multiple of 7, they must take a shot of tequila. They then appoint someone as the “Tequila King,” who has the power to make up new rules.
- Cultural Connection: Mexico’s vibrant tequila culture is at the heart of this variation. It’s fast-paced, intense, and perfect for those who love a challenge.
5. Japan: Sake Samurai
- How to Play: In this refined version, players must perform a respectful bow and offer a toast before drinking. Forgetting to bow means taking an extra drink.
- Cultural Insight: Japan’s emphasis on respect and tradition is reflected in this variation, where every drink is treated as an opportunity to show good manners.
6. Korea: Soju Seon-Saeng-Nim
- How to Play: On the number “4,” the player must pour a shot of soju for another player, reflecting the Korean custom of pouring drinks for others. If they forget, they must drink the poured shot themselves.
- Cultural Insight: This rule highlights Korea’s deep-rooted drinking culture, where respect and social bonding are key. The act of pouring drinks for others is a way to show care and friendship.
7. China: Ganbei Gladiator
- How to Play: On “8,” the player challenges another to a “Ganbei” (bottoms up) contest. Both must finish their drinks, and the loser takes an extra sip. Refusal to participate means finishing your drink as a penalty.
- Cultural Insight: “Ganbei” is a popular drinking custom in China, symbolizing friendship and respect. This variation adds a competitive edge, making it perfect for those who love a bit of friendly rivalry.
Mixing and Matching Rule Ideas
Create a Global Mashup:
Why stick to just one variation? Combine elements from different countries to create a unique, international version of “Cheers to the Governor.” Imagine the endurance of “Last Man Standing” blended with the competitive spirit of “Ganbei Gladiator”—the possibilities are endless!
Rotating Rules:
To keep things dynamic, switch between global variations every round. One minute you’re following the rules of “Sake Samurai” in Japan, the next you’re taking on the challenges of “Ring of Fire” in Australia. This not only keeps the game exciting but also lets you experience different cultures in one night.
Traveling Rules:
For those in hostels or college dorms, take advantage of your international surroundings. Encourage each new player from a different country to introduce a variation from their home culture. This not only keeps the game fresh but also turns it into a learning experience.
Make Your Own Variation:
Encourage players to invent a new variation that represents their own culture or creativity. This could be anything from a local drinking custom to a fun twist on an existing rule.
Interactive Element:
For an extra twist, use a mobile app or online resource to randomly assign global rules or cultural facts during the game. This adds an interactive element that keeps players engaged and on their toes.
Are 21 and Cheers to the Governor the same drinking game?
“21” and “Cheers to the Governor” are similar counting drinking games but not exactly the same.
- 21 Drinking Game: Players count to 21, and whoever says “21” drinks and creates a new rule that applies to future rounds. The rules can change the counting sequence or add new challenges.
- Cheers to the Governor: Players also count to 21, but specific numbers have predetermined actions (e.g., clapping, saying a word). When “21” is reached, everyone must say “Cheers to the Governor”, and the person who said it drinks and creates a new rule for a specific number.
The key difference is that in 21, the rules modify the counting process, while in Cheers to the Governor, the rules are tied to specific numbers with specific actions.
Be Ready to Explode The Cheers to the Governor Climax
So, you think you can handle a simple counting game? Think again! “Cheers to the Governor” is a twisted, hilarious rollercoaster of chaos and camaraderie. From innocent beginnings to rule-bending madness, this game is guaranteed to test your friendships, your livers, and your ability to keep a straight face. So grab a drink, gather your bravest buddies, and prepare to unleash your inner party animal. Just remember, we can’t promise you won’t end up speaking in tongues or doing the chicken dance. Your call.