Imagine a bunch of half-sober friends sitting around a table, each with a playing card slapped against their forehead like they’re auditioning for a role in a very confused Western. Welcome to the Indian Poker drinking game, where bluffing is everything and dignity is optional.
This classic card-on-the-forehead game blends the chaos of poker with the reckless fun of drinking. Whether you’re hosting a wild dorm party or a laid-back night in, Indian Poker turns ordinary card games into a comedy show fueled by bravado, bluffing, and booze. Let’s break it down.
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What Is Indian Poker Drinking Game?
Indian Poker, also known as “Blind Man’s Bluff,” is a bluffing-style card game where players place a card on their forehead without looking at it. Everyone else can see your card—except you. The twist? Every round comes with a boozy penalty, so you’re gambling not just your card hand, but your liver.
The game’s name, while questionably outdated, refers to the stereotypical hand-to-forehead gesture and has no actual connection to Indian culture. Just a heads up for the culturally curious.
It’s fast-paced, goofy, and perfect for making your friends question their decision-making skills.
Want a modern twist? Try this Laugh Attack: Heads Up online game. While traditionally played with a deck of cards, you can recreate the experience using the phone app—originally made for guessing words, but perfect for slapping a phone to your forehead and laughing through the chaos. It’s the same energy, just with fewer lost cards and more hilarious moments.
How to Play Indian Poker Drinking Game – Rules and Setup
What you’ll need:
- A standard deck of cards (no jokers)
- Alcohol (beer, shots, or your poison of choice)
- A table or couch to gather around
- Players: 3 or more is ideal, but it technically works with 2
Setup:
- Shuffle the deck.
- Each player draws a card without looking and places it face-out on their forehead so everyone else can see it.
- The bluffing begins.
Gameplay:
- Each player tries to convince others that they’ve got the highest card.
- Betting is verbal—no chips here, only confidence and mockery.
- When everyone’s done bluffing, players reveal their cards (usually by looking in a mirror or having someone else tell them).
Outcome:
- The player with the lowest card drinks.
- In some versions, the highest card chooses who drinks.
- In others, everyone but the winner drinks.
Drinking Rules Breakdown
Here’s where the hangover starts to take shape.
- If you have the lowest card, take a drink.
- Ties? Everyone involved drinks.
- Joker variant: Add jokers to the deck and if you get one, you automatically drink twice—or assign double drinks.
- Feeling evil? Let the player with the highest card assign a shot.
You can tweak rules based on how drunk you want to get and how long you want the night to last. Indian Poker is flexible like that—your liver might not be.
Funny Variations of Indian Poker Drinking Game
Bored of the basic rules? Here’s how to spice things up and turn the bluffing chaos into full-on party mayhem.
Instead of just drinking, the loser must either drink or answer a scandalous question.
2. Punishment Cards
Assign dares to specific cards (e.g., if someone pulls a Queen, they have to talk in an accent for the next round).
3. Double Trouble
Let players draw two cards and average the value. Double the confusion, double the fun.
4. The Shaky Hand Rule
If your hand trembles while bluffing, automatic drink. Hilariously cruel.
5. High-Risk Mode: Strip Indian Poker (Adults Only)
Feeling brave—or just really warm? In this variation, losers not only drink but also remove an article of clothing. Combine this with dares and the game quickly escalates into NSFW territory. Play at your own risk, preferably not at family reunions.
6. Russian Roulette Indian Poker
Set up six shot glasses—five filled with water, one with something horrifying (like hot sauce, pickle juice, or Everclear). Loser of each round picks one without knowing what’s in them. It’s luck, fear, and regret in a glass.
7. Animal Kingdom Poker
Each card rank is assigned an animal (2 = worm, 10 = lion, Ace = Godzilla). When cards go up, everyone must act like the animal they think they are based on others’ reactions. Best animal impression is voted on by group. Worst? Drinks and makes the animal noise all next round.
Every player gets a “Power Card” at the start (e.g., “Reverse drinks”, “Switch cards with someone”, “Make a rule”). These can be played once per game, but only after cards are revealed.
Indian Poker Strategies & Bluffing Tips
You’re basically playing poker without knowing your own hand. So, strategy here is 90% confidence and 10% guesswork.
1. The Stone-Face Lie: Even if you have a 3, act like it’s an Ace. Stare them down. Say something like “Oh, I’m definitely winning this round.” Lie like your buzz depends on it.
2. The Reverse Psychology Move: Convince others that your card sucks when it’s actually great. Pretend to panic. Then smugly watch everyone else drink.
3. Fold Mechanism: Optional rule: Let players “fold” once per game if they think they’re toast. If they’re wrong, they drink twice.
4. Build Alliances: In large groups, bluff as a duo. Lie for each other. Ruin friendships in 15 minutes or less.
Indian Poker vs. Other Popular Card Drinking Games
If you’re deciding between Indian Poker and other card-based party games, here’s how it stacks up:
Indian Poker vs. Kings Cup: Kings Cup is more structured, but Indian Poker is faster and funnier.
Indian Poker vs. Ring of Fire: Less setup, more interaction. Also, less chance of knocking over a giant cup of alcohol.
Indian Poker vs. Presidents: Presidents requires memory and structure. Indian Poker requires a forehead and a poker face. Easy win.
Unique Selling Point?
The bluffing and the absurd visual of a room full of people with cards stuck to their heads. It’s ridiculous. And that’s the point.
Best Alcohol Combos for Indian Poker
Choosing the right booze for Indian Poker is like choosing the right fuel for a rocket: too weak, and it doesn’t take off; too strong, and you crash by round three, face-down with a Queen stuck to your forehead.
Here’s your ultimate guide to alcohol pairings for every vibe, skill level, and tolerance level—so your party takes off with laughs, not hospital visits.
1. The Casual Chaos Combo: Light Beer + Seltzers
Perfect for: First-timers, chill hangs, or groups where someone always says, “I don’t really drink that much.”
- Suggested brews: Michelob Ultra, Coors Light, Bud Light Seltzer
- Vibe: You’ll get tipsy without forgetting your cousin’s name.
- Pro tip: Mix it up with flavored seltzers—grapefruit makes bluffing more sophisticated (probably).
2. The Middleweight Mayhem Mix: Cider + Shots
Perfect for: Players who want a buzz but still hope to remember who won.
- Suggested combos: Angry Orchard with a shot of Fireball when you lose.
- Vibe: You’re still standing, but everyone’s volume slowly creeps into “karaoke confidence” territory.
- Pro tip: Alternate your sips with water between rounds. Trust me, future-you will thank you.
3. The Party Apocalypse Potion: Straight Spirits
Perfect for: People who want to lose all inhibitions in 15 minutes flat.
- Suggested spirits: Vodka, tequila, or that weird absinthe bottle your roommate bought on a dare.
- Vibe: You’re not here to play—you’re here to ascend.
- Pro tip: Only use straight spirits for loser shots, not casual sipping. Unless your goal is to rename your bathroom “The Bluff Room.”
4. The Themed Madness Menu: Color-Coded Cocktails
Perfect for: Instagram-worthy game nights or parties with costume themes.
- Examples:
- Red = Bluffberry Vodka Smash
- Blue = Liar Lagoon Punch
- Green = Pokerface Mojito
- Vibe: Classy chaos with a side of sugar crashes.
- Pro tip: Assign drinks by card color (red vs black) or suit—makes the game more flavorful and ridiculous.
5. The Sneaky Sober Setup: Mocktails & “Punishment Shots”
Perfect for: Sober-curious squads, designated drivers, or anyone pretending to drink (we see you).
- Mocktail ideas: Virgin mojitos, spicy ginger soda, fake Bloody Marys
- Punishment twist: Mix “punishment” drinks like lemon juice, soy sauce shots, or wasabi water for laughs without the hangover.
- Vibe: All the fun, none of the regret (unless you actually like wasabi water).
Party-Ready Checklist: Is Indian Poker Right for Your Group?
Best for:
- 3–8 players
- Groups who enjoy light strategy with heavy laughs
- Fans of games that make people look dumb in the best way possible
Not ideal if:
- You’re playing with folks who hate lying or losing
- No one wants to drink (there are sober variants, but come on)
- Someone always peeks at their card (ban them)
Alcohol suggestions:
- Beer for slow and steady
- Vodka for chaos
- Seltzers for flavor and shame
The Indian Poker drinking game isn’t about strategy or skill—it’s about bluffing your way through a haze of laughs, sips, and “Oh my god I thought I had a ten!” moments. With nothing but a deck of cards and a room full of friends, you’ve got the perfect recipe for hilarious chaos.
So grab a deck, pour a drink, and prepare to embarrass yourself one forehead card at a time. Just don’t blame us if you wake up with a Joker taped to your face.
FAQs About Indian Poker Drinking Game
What is Indian Poker called now?
Indian Poker is more commonly referred to these days as Blind Man’s Bluff or the Forehead Card Game to avoid outdated cultural references. The gameplay stays the same.
How many people can play Indian Poker?
You need at least 3 players to make the bluffing fun, but the game works best with 4 to 8 people. The more players, the more chaotic—and entertaining—it gets.
Can you play Indian Poker with just 2 people?
Technically yes, but the bluffing is way less fun. Grab some friends.
What’s a safe version for light drinkers?
Use water, juice, or fake penalties. No shame in sober silliness.
How do you stop cheating?
Mirror bans. Peer surveillance. Or write “NO CHEATING” across the card in big letters.
What is the highest card in Indian Poker?
The Ace of Spades is typically the highest card. In most versions, only the card’s value matters (with Ace being highest), but in some variations, suits are ranked too: Spades (highest), then Hearts, Diamonds, and Clubs. So if suits are in play, the Ace of Spades beats all.