If you’re tired of the same old drinking games and want something that keeps everyone on their toes, look no further. The Electricity Drinking Game might just be what you need to amp up your next party! Now, let’s dive in and learn why this game is a must-try for any party, and how you can become the master of “electric shocks.”
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What is the Electricity Drinking Game?
At its core, the Electricity Drinking Game is a card-matching game designed to keep players engaged, laughing, and—of course—drinking. The game starts with a deck of cards, where players take turns drawing and flipping them. The twist? If your card matches someone else’s, you’re in for a fun (or punishing) drinking session!
There’s no official origin story for the game, but it’s a popular drinking game among partygoers in the UK and the US. Perfect for house parties or pre-game gatherings, Electricity is a hit whenever alcohol is involved!
How to Play the Electricity Drinking Game
Setup
- Shuffle a standard deck of cards and deal the cards face down evenly to all players.
- No one is allowed to look at their cards! Keep them face down in a stack.
- The player to the left of the dealer starts, and the game proceeds in a counter-clockwise direction.
Creating the “Current”
The key to the Electricity Card Game is forming an “electric current” between players. A current is formed when a player flips over a card, and the player to their left or right flips a matching card.
Here’s how matches are made:
- Matching Numbers: Cards with numbers 2-10 match by their numeric value.
- Matching Suits: Cards match if they share the same suit (Hearts, Clubs, Diamonds, or Spades).
- Matching Face Cards: Jacks, Queens, Kings, and Aces all match based on face cards.
Example: If a player flips a 5 of Hearts, and the next player flips a 5 of Spades or any Hearts card (like a 10 of Hearts), a current is formed. If a player reveals a Jack, and the next player shows a Jack, King, Queen, or Ace (regardless of suit), that also creates a current.
When a “Current” is Formed
Once a matching card is flipped, a current is formed. But don’t start drinking just yet!
- Keep Flipping: The next player in line must also flip over a card to see if the current continues.
- The current continues if another match is made. This can keep going until a card is flipped that does not match. Once a card is revealed that doesn’t connect, the current breaks, and it’s time to drink.
Electricity Drinking Rules
When the current breaks, everyone who helped create the current must drink. The amount they drink depends on the first card that started the current. Here’s how the drinking is determined:
- Number Cards:
- If the current started with a 3, players drink for 3 seconds.
- If it’s a 8, they drink for 8 seconds.
- Face Cards:
- Jack: Drink for 11 seconds.
- Queen: Drink for 12 seconds.
- King: Drink for 13 seconds.
- Ace: Drink for 14 seconds.
Electricity Drinking Game Creative Variations
1. Thunderstruck Mode
Ever wanted to mix music with your card game? Enter Thunderstruck Mode! Here’s how it works:
- Song Choice: Queue up the legendary AC/DC song “Thunderstruck.”
- Shock Rule: Every time the word “thunder” or “thunderstruck” is sung, the person flipping a card at that moment drinks for the entire duration of the next verse.
- Bonus Variation: If two people match a card during the song, they must “air guitar battle” for the rest of the verse—loser drinks double!
2. Circuit Breaker
For this variation, you’ll need a little group cooperation—and sabotage like Waterfall drinking game:
- How It Works: When someone flips a card that matches another player, a “circuit” is created. The first player drinks, and they choose a second player to continue the circuit by drinking for the same amount of time.
- Chain Reaction: The second player picks a third person to drink, and so on, until someone refuses to continue the circuit. That person drinks double!
- Power Surge: If a player interrupts the circuit by refusing, they can opt for a dare or mini-challenge (like a dance-off or a silly task) to avoid the double penalty.
3. Tesla Coil
This variation requires a little more coordination but amps up the fun to “shocking” levels. The Tesla Coil variation adds teamwork and chaos, making it perfect for larger groups.
- Setup: You’ll need two decks of cards for this one.
- How It Works: Split the players into two teams, and deal a deck to each team.
- Shock Rule: Both teams flip cards at the same time. If the teams flip matching cards (e.g., two 7s), everyone on both teams must drink for 7 seconds.
- Coil Overload: If more than one player on the same team flips a match, the entire team has to do a silly group challenge (like acting out a movie scene or making animal noises) before they can stop drinking.
4. The Fuse is Lit
The Fuse is Lit will have everyone struggling to keep it together as the tension builds, making for hilarious moments of uncontrollable laughter. This version turns the game into a ticking time bomb:
- How It Works: Once the first match is made, the “fuse is lit.” The game continues as normal, but no one is allowed to speak, except to announce their card.
- Drinking Penalty: The next person who breaks the silence, either by laughing, talking, or any noise other than card flipping, must drink for the combined total of all cards flipped since the match!
- Boom!: If everyone makes it through the round without breaking the silence, the original matchmaker drinks double as the fuse fizzles out.
Best Group Size for the Electricity Drinking Game
The Electricity Drinking Game works best with 3 to 8 players. While you can play with fewer, the game thrives on the interaction between multiple participants. Too few people and the matches will be rare, too many and the game may slow down.
Here’s how to adjust the rules based on your group size:
- 3-5 Players: Stick to the basic rules but allow for more frequent turns to keep the energy high.
- 6-8 Players: Add in some of the game variations to ensure that everyone stays involved throughout.
Theme Ideas for an Electricity-Themed Party
Take your game night to the next level by throwing an electricity-themed party! Here are some ideas to create an immersive and electrifying experience:
- Decorations: Set the mood with neon lights, glowing string lights, or even battery-operated fairy lights scattered around the room. Use lightning bolt cutouts, and glow-in-the-dark stickers to give the party an “electric” feel.
- Music Playlist: Create a party playlist with songs that reference electricity or power. Some fun options include:
- “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC
- “Electric Feel” by MGMT
- “Dynamite” by Taio Cruz
- “Electric Avenue” by Eddy Grant
- Electric Cocktails: Serve drinks with electric names, like “Electric Lemonade” or “Blue Lightning.” You can make these vibrant and colorful using ingredients like blue curaçao, lemon juice, and soda for a refreshing party vibe.
- Dress Code: Ask your guests to wear bright, neon colors or futuristic, electricity-themed outfits. Glow-in-the-dark face paint or accessories can also add a fun touch.
- Party Favors: Send your guests home with mini lightning bolt keychains or glow sticks to keep the electric theme alive even after the party ends.
These little touches can transform a regular game night into an electrifying experience that guests won’t forget!
Non-Alcoholic Version: Electricity for the Sober Crew
Want to enjoy the Electricity Card Game without alcohol? No problem! Here’s how to play a fun, non-alcoholic version that still keeps the excitement high:
- Drinking Substitutes: Instead of drinking alcohol, players can take a sip of any non-alcoholic drink, such as soda, sparkling water, or even a creative mocktail. This way, everyone still participates in the “drinking” aspect of the game.
- Challenge Cards: When a current is formed, rather than drinking, players must complete a quick, funny challenge. For example:
- Dance for 10 seconds.
- Act like a chicken until the next player flips a card.
- Compliment the person to your left in the funniest way possible.
- Point System: Add a competitive edge by introducing a point system. Each player earns points every time they’re part of a current. The player with the most points at the end of the game gets crowned the Electric Champion.
- Themed Snacks: Pair the game with electricity-themed snacks. Think lightning bolt-shaped cookies or electric blue punch. This keeps the party going without the need for alcohol.
- Group Participation: Just like in the original version, everyone who isn’t part of the current can be responsible for counting out loud how long the others have to complete their challenges. This keeps the group involved and creates lots of laughs!
This version ensures that everyone, whether they drink or not, can enjoy the game and have a blast!
Top 3 Fun Card Drinking Games Similar to Electricity
Looking for more card drinking games after playing Electricity? Here are three other card-based drinking games that will keep the good times rolling:
- King’s Cup
A classic, King’s Cup involves cards, a cup in the center, and a variety of rules for each card drawn. Get ready for lots of laughs and some wild challenges! - Drunk UNO
A wilder version of the classic, Drunk UNO has drinking rules tied to special cards. Draw 2? Take two drinks. Skip? The skipped player drinks. Quick rounds, big laughs, and plenty of drinks! - Ride the Bus
Another card-based game, but this one involves a bit more strategy. Players must guess whether the next card is higher or lower, with incorrect guesses leading to more drinks.
Ready to electrify your party? The Electricity Drinking Game is a surefire way to liven up any party, thanks to its simplicity, fast pace, and wide variations. Whether you’re playing with close friends or a large group, this card game offers hours of unpredictable fun.