How to Play New Girl’s True American Drinking Game? Similar Games Included

If you’re a fan of New Girl, you’ve probably heard of True American—the wild, chaotic drinking game made famous by Jess, Nick, and the gang. Combining obstacle courses, American trivia, and plenty of beer, True American drinking game has become a cult favorite among fans who recreate its randomness for unforgettable game nights. Here’s your guide to the True American rules, along with other exciting games like The Great American Challenge and All of Us that add new twists to your party lineup.

Where Did The Game True American Come From

True American first hit our screens on New Girl, where it quickly became an iconic piece of the show’s humor. Created in an episode in 2011, this fictional game combines elements of American history and party antics with a quirky, unpredictable set of rules. Part of the fun is no one fully understands the rules, which is all part of the charm. 

True American New Girl Episode

True American first appeared in the New Girl season 1 episode titled “Normal.” The game is introduced by Nick and quickly becomes a hilarious and confusing highlight, capturing the friendship and chaotic dynamic of the loft gang. 

Although the rules are only loosely explained in the episode, it involves navigating a room filled with obstacles (the floor is “lava”) while shouting patriotic phrases, drinking beers, and racing toward “The Castle.” This episode left a lasting impact, with fans clamoring to recreate True American’s bizarre rules and structure for their own gatherings. Over time, the game has become an iconic part of New Girl lore and a testament to the show’s creativity.

How Do You Play the Drinking Game True American

Game Basics and Objectives

In True American, players move across a layout of chairs, tables, and cushions to avoid the “lava” floor, aiming to reach the Castle—a setup of beer cans (Pawns) surrounding a bottle of liquor (the King). Players take turns to win moves, grab beers, and eventually make their way to the King. The first to reach the liquor, finish their beer, and take a swig from the King wins.

Setting Up The Game Board

1. The Castle:
   • Place a bottle of liquor in the center (the King), surrounded by lines of beer cans (Pawns), forming four rows from the King outwards.
   • The Castle marks the central point and boundaries between each zone.
2. The Zones: Divide the area into four zones, each with five spaces. The center space in each zone is closest to the Castle and the only spot where players can grab a Pawn (beer).
3. Preparation: Before playing, decide on the number of beers for the game, place them in the Castle, and organize the four zones. 

True American Gameplay

1. Opening: To determine who starts, players can either have a shotgun contest or play rock-paper-scissors. The winner starts the game by yelling, “One, two, three, JFK!” while all other players respond, “FDR!” Each player then grabs a Pawn from the Castle and moves to any space.
2. Game Rules:
   • Players must hold a beer at all times but may only have up to three.
   • Pawns can only be taken when a player is in one of the four center spaces.
3. Turns: Players move clockwise.
   • The current player always moves one space, while other players can “win” moves by completing certain challenges. 
   • If you run out of beer or step into the lava, you lose. To rejoin, drink a full beer and start on a space chosen by other players.
4. Ways to Win a Move:
   • Complete a Quote: The current player begins a famous quote. If another player completes it, they win and move two spots.
   • State Capital Challenge: The current player calls out a U.S. state, and the first person to name the correct capital earns a move.
   • Thumbs Up: The current player shouts “Thumbs Up” and hold up fingers (1-5) on their foreheads. Anyone with a unique number wins and moves one spot.
   • Snap Decision: The current player shouts “Freedom!” and players have to snap their fingers. The last person to snap takes a drink, while the quickest snapper earns a move.
5. Winning the Game: Once all Pawns (beers) are taken, the King is “vulnerable.” The first player to reach a center space, finish their beer, and take a drink from the King wins!

New Girl True American Quotes

These classic quotes can double as gameplay triggers, where players can use them to initiate challenges or actions, and the winners earn a move:

• “One, two, three, four, JFK!” – The game’s famous kickoff chant, with players shouting back, “FDR!” to signal the start of the chaos.
• “The floor is lava!” – A loud warning reminding players to stay on furniture or risk falling into the dreaded “lava.”
• “All trash belongs in the junkyard!” – When someone finishes a beer, they shout this out, followed by everyone tossing their empties into a designated “junkyard” pile.
• “Hot Route!” – An impromptu call for everyone to switch positions, throwing players into a scramble and adding to the game’s unpredictability.
• “Nothing but the King!” – Shouted as players near the Castle, a reminder of the game’s ultimate goal: reaching the King and taking a victory swig.
• “Great question! Next question!” – A humorous response to any confusing or “controversial” rule debates that keep the game moving without too much logic.

These classic quotes are as much a part of True American as the beer and the laughs, adding to the quirky fun and helping to keep everyone in the unpredictable, anything-goes mindset that New Girl fans love.

The Great American Challenge for Large Group Party 

If you’re a fan of True American and ready for the next level, The Great American Challenge is perfect for large groups. Originating as a party favorite, this team-based drinking game combines drinking, physical challenges, puzzles, and plenty of competitive spirit. It shares True American’s fun vibe but adds an intense, team-oriented twist.

Game Objective

The goal is for each team to complete a list of tasks as quickly as possible. The first team to successfully finish all challenges wins. These tasks cover various categories, including drinking, physical challenges, mental puzzles, and sometimes even eating challenges.

Game Setup

1. Teams: Divide players into two or more teams with an equal number of members. Each team will need a “base” or “station” to set up their materials.
2. Supplies Needed:
   • Beer: Each team typically has a case (24 cans) of beer.
   • Liquor: Each team will need a bottle of hard liquor, such as whiskey or vodka.
   • Puzzle or Jigsaw: A small jigsaw puzzle (about 50–100 pieces).
   • Snacks or Food Challenge Item: Choose one type of food for the eating challenge, such as a pizza, sandwich, or large bag of chips.
3. Timer: To track each team’s progress and time the entire game.
4. Designated Area: Ensure that each team has enough space for movement, especially for physical tasks. The game is best played outdoors or in a large room.

The Great American Challenge Rules

The game generally consists of four main challenges. Each team must complete all tasks before moving on to the next.

1. Drinking Challenge:
   • Each team must finish an entire case of beer (24 cans). Teams decide who drinks and how much, but all cans must be emptied before they can move on to the next task.
   • Rule Variation: To speed things up, teams can assign members to chug multiple beers back-to-back.
2. Physical Challenge:
   • After completing the drinking task, each team member must perform a physical activity. Common tasks include:
     • Running a lap around the yard or up and down a flight of stairs.
     • Push-Ups or Jumping Jacks: Every team member must do a set number of push-ups or jumping jacks (e.g., 20).
     • Relay Race: Teams can also organize a mini-relay race involving each player completing a short run or obstacle course.
3. Puzzle Challenge:
   • Teams are given a small jigsaw puzzle (50–100 pieces) and must complete it as quickly as possible. This task tests both patience and concentration, which can be tricky after the drinking round.
   • Tips for Strategy: Teams may want to assign this task to their most puzzle-savvy players or split the puzzle pieces among team members to speed things up.
4. Food Challenge:
   • The final task is a timed food challenge. Each team must eat a designated amount of food before completing the game.
   • Common options include:
     • Pizza Challenge: Eat a whole pizza.
     • Sandwich or Snack Challenge: Consume a large sub sandwich, bag of chips, or similar item.
   • Rules for Completion: Every team member must take at least one bite, but teams can decide who eats the bulk to finish faster.

Winning the Game

The first team to successfully complete all four challenges wins The Great American Challenge. Celebrate the winning team’s victory with a group toast (using any leftover beer or drinks).

All of Us Game: The General Trivia Drinking Game

If you’re enjoying the wild fun of True American and The Great American, but looking for a more laid-back, conversation-driven game, All of Us is a great choice to keep the laughs coming. Originally popularized as a social icebreaker, All of Us is a general trivia game that brings friends closer with quirky, personal, and often hilarious questions. It’s a fun way for everyone to learn surprising new things about each other. Here’s a guide to playing All of Us and getting the most out of this lighthearted, story-sharing game.

Game Objective

The aim of All of Us is simple: answer questions honestly or guess who in the group best fits a description. The game’s questions range from funny to personal, allowing friends to share stories, secrets, or unexpected details about themselves. The result is a blend of good-natured teasing, laughter, and a deeper connection.

Game Setup

1. Group Size: Best played with at least 4–8 people for a lively experience, though it can work with more.
2. Supplies Needed:
   • Deck of Question Cards: Prepare a deck with questions, or simply write prompts on slips of paper. You can buy a deck, print question sets from online sources, or create your own.
   • Drinks: Each player should have a drink. The game can also be played with non-alcoholic beverages if preferred.
   • Seating Arrangement: Sit in a circle or around a table so everyone can see each other easily.

How to Play All of Us Game

1. Draw a Card: The first player draws a card (or slip of paper) with a question or statement. Questions could range from lighthearted to revealing, such as:
   • “Who is most likely to forget their own birthday?”
   • “What’s the worst lie you’ve ever told to get out of work?”
   • “Who here would be the best undercover spy?”
2. Answer or Point: After reading the question, players take one of two options:
   • Vote for a Player: Each person points to the player they believe best fits the description or would do the action in question. The person with the most votes takes a drink.
   • Answer Personally: If the question requires an individual answer, the person who drew the card can either answer themselves or pass the question to someone else who they think has a fun answer. The selected person answers and then takes a drink.
3. Taking Drinks:
   • Players take a drink if they’re voted “most likely” by the group or if they choose to pass the question.
   • In some variations, players can take multiple sips if they feel particularly “called out” by the question!
4. Pass the Turn: After answering, the turn moves to the next player clockwise, who then draws a new card.

Sample Questions for All of Us

Here are some question ideas to get you started:

• “Who is the biggest prankster?”
• “What’s one thing you’ve done that your parents don’t know about?”
• “Who’s most likely to get lost on the way home?”
• “What’s your most embarrassing fashion choice from childhood?”

Tips for Playing All of Us

1. Customize Your Questions: Make questions that fit your group’s comfort level and interests. Avoid overly sensitive topics unless everyone agrees.
2. Encourage Storytelling: The best moments come from elaboration! Encourage players to share the stories behind their answers.
3. Use a Mix of Questions: Include lighthearted, funny, and thoughtful questions to keep the game well-rounded and engaging for everyone.

All of Us is the perfect blend of humor, discovery, and camaraderie, making it an ideal choice for breaking the ice and sparking laughter at any gathering.

FAQs for True American, The Great American Challenge and All of Us