Stack Cup Showdown: Speed Stack and Boom Cup Chaos

Stack Cup or Rage CageStack Cup or Rage Cage

Looking for a drinking game that’s fast, fun, and full of chaos? Whether you’re a fan of Stack Cup, want to crank up the intensity with Rage Cage, or are curious about Boom Cup, these games are guaranteed to keep the party going. From bouncing ping pong balls to slapping cups off the table, each game offers its own wild twist. Get ready to dive into the wild rules, crazy action, and tips to dominate these party favorites!

What is Stack Cup?

Stack Cup, sometimes known as Rage Cage, is a fast-paced drinking game that combines the dexterity of Beer Pong with the competitiveness of King’s Cup. The game is simple: players race to bounce a ping pong ball into a cup and stack their cup inside the next player’s cup before they can make their shot. Miss your chance, and you’ll be gulping down the contents of another cup in the circle. With origins in college dorms and house parties, Stack Cup has become a staple at social gatherings where the goal is to have fun, stay on your toes, and maybe get a little tipsy. Unlike traditional games like Beer Pong, Stack Cup’s rapid-fire pace ensures that no one’s sitting on the sidelines for long.

Stack Cup Drinking Game
Stack Cup Drinking Game

How to Set Up Stack Cup

Before the chaos begins, you’ll need to gather your supplies:

  • 20-30 plastic cups: Go for sturdy, disposable ones that can withstand a few wild bounces.
  • Ping pong balls: At least two, but have a few extras on hand for when they inevitably roll under the couch.
  • Beer or any drink of choice: Fill each cup about a third of the way with beer (or juice, soda, etc., if you’re playing a sober version).

Now, set up your game:

  1. Arrange the cups in the center of the table, tightly packed in a circle.
  2. Fill one special cup all the way to the brim—this is the King’s Cup, and it sits in the very center.
  3. Select two players to start with an empty cup and a ping pong ball each. Place these cups on the table in front of them.

You’re now ready to kick off the game with a countdown from three, and let the madness ensue!

Stack Cup Rules: How to Play the Game

The rules of Stack Cup are straightforward, but don’t let the simplicity fool you—this game is all about speed and strategy.

  1. Bounce and Pass: The two starting players attempt to bounce their ping pong ball into their cup. Once they succeed, they pass their cup and ball to the next player on their left. The goal is to keep the cups moving quickly around the table.
  2. Stack ‘Em Up: If a player manages to bounce their ball into the cup and the next player still hasn’t, they stack their cup inside the other player’s cup. The unlucky stacked player now has to take a new cup from the center, drink it, and try to bounce the ball into it.
  3. The King’s Cup Showdown: The game continues until there’s only the King’s Cup left in the middle. The last player who gets their cup stacked must drink the entire King’s Cup, bringing the game to a climactic end.
  4. Song & Rhythm: Some groups add a song or rhythm to the game, requiring players to pass cups or stack them in time with the beat. This twist not only adds to the fun but also increases the challenge.

Speed Stack Cup Game: Competition Version

Want to mix things up? Here is the best variation of Speed Stack Cup that adds even more excitement to the game. Remember it, you need a set of 12 specialized stacking cups to play it.

Basic Stacking Sequences

  1. 3-3-3 Stack: The simplest sequence, where players stack three sets of three cups into pyramids and then unstack them.
  2. 3-6-3 Stack: A more complex sequence, requiring players to stack three sets of cups in the sequence of three, six, and three, then unstack them.
  3. Cycle Stack: The most advanced sequence, combining multiple stacks, including the 3-6-3, 6-6, and 1-10-1 formations. Players must perform these sequences back-to-back in one continuous motion.

Team Relay Speed Stack Cup Competition

Looking to add a twist to your Speed Stack Cup competition? Try the Team Relay variation, where teamwork and speed are the name of the game!

How to Compete the Speed Stack

  • Divide into Teams: Split players into two or more teams, with an equal number of players on each team.
  • Relay Setup: Set up a relay-style course with stacking stations for each team. Each station will have the same number of cups, and teams will race to complete a specific stacking sequence.
  • Stack and Tag: The first player on each team races to their station, completes a stacking sequence (like the 3-6-3), and then un-stacks the cups. Once done, they dash back to their team and tag the next player, who repeats the process.
  • Winning the Race: The first team to have all players complete their stacking sequence and return to the starting line wins the competition!
Stack Cup Competition
Stack Cup Competition

Boom Cup or Slap Cup Drinking Game

Alright, so you’ve played Stack Cup, where you calmly stack cups and pass them along. Cute, right? But if you’re craving some real chaos, it’s time to level up to Boom Cup or Slap Cup—where calm goes out the window. 

Here’s the deal: when you land that ping pong ball in your cup, you don’t just politely stack it on top of the next player’s cup. Oh no, you smack that cup off the table like it owes you money! The poor soul next to you has to scramble after it, chug the drink, and then try to bounce their ball to stay in the game.

This isn’t just any game; it’s a full-on cup-flinging frenzy. Cups are flying, players are diving, and the whole room erupts in laughter. You never know where that cup will land—under the couch, in someone’s lap—it’s anyone’s guess. This is the kind of madness that makes Boom Cup a staple at college parties and anywhere people are looking to crank up the energy.

The Strategy Behind the Slap

While it may seem chaotic, Boom Cup also involves strategy:

  • Timing Your Slap: Slap the cup when the next player is unprepared, forcing them to scramble and slowing them down.
  • Aiming the Slap: A well-aimed slap can send the cup far away, giving you extra time to prepare your next move.
  • Defensive Play: If you’re on the receiving end, anticipate the slap’s direction and quickly recover the cup to minimize lost time.

Strategies to Win Stack Cup

While Stack Cup might seem like a game of pure luck, there are definitely strategies that can help you come out on top:

  • Stay Focused: Keep your eyes on the cups at all times. If you notice the person to your right is struggling, prepare to stack them—this is your chance to take the lead!
  • Master the Bounce: Practice bouncing the ping pong ball with just the right amount of force. Too hard, and it’ll bounce off the table; too soft, and it won’t reach the cup.
  • Pass Wisely: If you get your ball in the cup on your first try, pass the cup to the player who’s most likely to get stacked next. This can set you up for an easy win.

Reddit threads are full of tips from seasoned players who swear by these tactics, so don’t be afraid to test them out and see what works best for you.

FAQs About Stack Cup Drinking Game

How many cups do you need for Stack Cup?

Typically, you’ll need 20-30 cups, depending on the number of players and how long you want the game to last.

What’s the difference between Stack Cup and Rage Cage?

When comparing Stack Cup vs. Rage Cage, the games might seem similar at first glance, but they each bring their own twist to the table. In Stack Cup, you pass the cup to the person on your left after landing your shot. However, in Rage Cage, players can pass the cup to anyone at the table, not just the person next to them. This adds a strategic twist, as you can target specific players to mess up their rhythm and increase the challenge. 

Can you play Stack Cup without alcohol?

Absolutely! Stack Cup is just as fun with soda, juice, or even water. It’s all about the challenge and the social experience, not the drinking.

What is another name for Stack Cup drinking game?

Similar drinking games to Stack Cup include Rage Cage, Boom Cup (or Slap Cup), and Flip Cup. These games all involve quick reflexes, cups, and often a ping pong ball.

1. Rage Cage is almost identical to Stack Cup but with more strategic cup passing.
2. Boom Cup (or Slap Cup) adds chaos by slapping cups off the table.
3. Flip Cup involves teams racing to drink from and then flip their cups upside down.

What is the difference between Slap Cup and Stack Cup?

While both are fast-paced drinking games, the main difference lies in the mechanics. In Stack Cup, players focus on stacking cups inside each other, while in Slap Cup, players slap the cups off the table when they stack them. Slap Cup tends to be more physical and chaotic.

Is it Stack Cup or Boom Cup?

Both! Stack Cup is often called Boom Cup when a variation of the game involves slapping the cups off the table rather than just stacking them. The core gameplay is similar, but Boom Cup adds a louder, more aggressive twist.