The Up and Down the River drinking game is a perfect fit for any small gathering or full-fledged party. Played with a deck of cards, this game has players moving “up the river” and “down the river” in rounds, dishing out drinks to friends or taking a few themselves—ideal for breaking the ice or kicking off the night with energy.
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What Is the Up and Down the River Drinking Game
Ever wondered where “Up and Down the River” came from? While the exact origins are murky, this game likely evolved from classic trick-taking card games like “Oh Hell” or “Bridge.”
In traditional card games, players engage in rounds where they predict or “bid” on outcomes, and some of these concepts are embedded in “Up and Down the River.” The game is also a close cousin to the popular drinking game “Kings,” which shares a similar structure of rounds, matching cards, and player interactions.
How to Play Up and Down the River Drinking Game
Game Setup and Materials Needed
Before you begin, here’s what you’ll need:
- Deck of cards: Any standard deck will work. Remove any jokers.
- Drinks: Make sure everyone has a drink of choice on hand—preferably something easy to sip.
- A table or flat surface: This will be your game setup area where cards and drinks are placed.
Once the setup is ready, have players sit in a circle around the table with the dealer (who manages the card draws) in the center or wherever comfortable.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Playing
The game is played in two main rounds: the “Up the River” phase and the “Down the River” phase. Here’s how each phase works:
- Initial Card Deal: Each player receives four face-up cards dealt by the dealer, keeping them in front of them for the duration of the game.
- Up the River Phase:
- Round 1: The dealer draws a card from the deck and announces its suit and rank (e.g., “5 of Hearts”).
- Any player with a matching card in front of them takes one drink.
- Round 2: The dealer draws another card. If it matches a player’s card, they take two drinks.
- This pattern continues up to four rounds, increasing the number of drinks for each matching card—by round four, players with matching cards take four drinks.
- Down the River Phase:
- Now, the rules flip, and players get a chance to assign drinks to others.
- Round 1: The dealer draws a card, and if a player has a matching card, they assign one drink to another player.
- Round 2: Players with matching cards can assign two drinks, and so on until round four, where matching players assign four drinks.
- This reversal keeps players engaged as they have the fun (and power) of deciding who takes a drink.
Ending the Game and Declaring a Winner
The game can continue for multiple rounds, or you can set an endpoint by deciding the number of rounds before starting. “Up and Down the River” doesn’t have an official winner, as it’s more about social fun than competition. However, if you’d like to declare a “victor,” you can award it to the player who had the fewest drinks or perhaps add a humorous title for the person who had the most!
Custom Rules for Up and Down the River
1. The Waterfall Round
In this variation, each time a player matches a card, it triggers a “Waterfall” where all players must start drinking together. The twist? Players can’t stop drinking until the person to their right stops! The round keeps the anticipation and laughter high, as everyone waits to see who holds out the longest. Just remember to keep these rounds few and far between (and use small sips)!
2. “Life Jacket” Save Rounds
Because sometimes, a little mercy is in order! At the start of the game, each player gets one imaginary “life jacket.” If they’re matched to drink during a round, they can “throw on their life jacket” and skip the sip. However, there’s a catch: each life jacket can only be used once. Once saved, players are left to swim (or drink) on their own for the rest of the game.
3. The Rapids
When the dealer draws a face card (King, Queen, or Jack), it signals that the players are now in the “Rapids,” meaning everyone drinks until the next card drawn is a number card. The longer it takes to draw that next number card, the more intense the Rapids! Keep the sip size small here to avoid any “overboard” situations.
4. Up the Waterfall, Down the Whirlpool
In this twist, drinks are divided by who’s “swimming up” and who’s “swirling down.” During the “Up the River” phase, anyone with matching cards takes a small sip (as usual). But in the “Down the River” phase, matching players must “whirlpool”—meaning they must spin around in place before assigning drinks. If they stumble or can’t keep their balance, they must take an extra drink!
5. The “Pirate’s Treasure” Bonus
Before the game, secretly mark one card in the deck as the “Pirate’s Treasure” (say, the Ace of Spades). The player who matches this card during any round gains a “treasure” (or immunity) and can freely assign drinks for one full round. This rule keeps everyone in suspense, wondering who will get the pirate’s reward!
6. Overboard Round
If a player has to take a drink for all four rounds in the “Up the River” phase, they’re officially “overboard” and must sit out for the next round—but they can still assign drinks! It’s like becoming the “ghost captain,” making them a little mischievous spirit who can plot drink assignments without the threat of drinking themselves.
7. Lifeboat Swap
This variation adds a hilarious twist to the game’s usual order. If a player has two of the same card (like two 7s or two Kings), they trigger the “Lifeboat Swap” and can swap cards with any other player in the game. It’s an exciting way to dodge drinks or throw your friend into an “overboard” situation, keeping everyone on their toes!
8. The Shark Zone
Once per game, the dealer can declare a “Shark Zone” round. During this round, if anyone matches a card, they become “shark bait” and must double their drink. Other players can “rescue” them by taking half their drink instead, turning the round into a game of loyalty (or ruthless abandon) between friends!
9. Captain’s Call
Each round, the dealer (aka “the Captain”) can make one wild “Captain’s Call,” where they assign an extra drink to anyone who has the same suit as the current card drawn. This rule adds a little power and spice to the dealer’s role, giving them the chance to mix things up unpredictably.
10. SOS Signal
Whenever a player has to drink three or more times in a row, they can call “SOS.” At this point, every player takes a small sip in solidarity before the round continues. This tiny act of “friendship” makes for fun bonding—and a great excuse to include everyone in the round’s challenge.
11. River Riddle
To bring a mental twist into the mix, add the “River Riddle” rule. Once per game, a player can make the dealer answer a quick, simple question (like a riddle) before drawing the next card. If the dealer answers correctly, they assign a drink. But if they get it wrong, they take the drink themselves. This rule adds just a little brain game to the fun without slowing down the game flow.
The Best Drinks for Up and Down the River
Choosing the right drink is key to making this game fun and enjoyable! Since “Up and Down the River” involves several rounds of sipping, it’s best to opt for lighter drinks, like beer or flavored hard seltzers. These options keep things social and prevent the game from getting too intense too quickly. For a cocktail twist, try drinks like a low-alcohol punch or spritzes that can be sipped over time.
Themed Drink Ideas:
- River Rapids Punch: A light fruit punch spiked with vodka or rum and a splash of soda for a refreshing feel.
- River Rocks Spritz: Mix sparkling water with your favorite spirit and a slice of citrus for a refreshing, customizable drink.
- Non-Alcoholic Options: Offer mocktails with similar flavors—like a club soda with fruit juice or a Virgin Mojito—to keep non-drinkers in the game!
With these options, everyone can keep the laughs going without losing steam, making the game more enjoyable for all.
Fun Party Games to Play After Up and Down the River
Once the “Up and Down the River” fun has settled, keep the party energy alive with some follow-up games! Here are a few games that pair perfectly as “round two” activities:
- Kings: Another card-based drinking game, but with different rules for each card drawn, adding variety and excitement.
- Flip Cup: This quick relay game uses cups and keeps everyone in competitive spirits.
- Never Have I Ever: A classic way to spark conversations and share stories with friends.
- Bite the Bag: A hilarious game where players have to pick up a paper bag from the floor using only their mouths (no hands allowed!). With each round, the bag gets smaller!
- Charades: For a low-key but funny option, break out charades with silly categories like “Famous Fails” or “Party Disasters.”
Having a lineup of games ready lets everyone keep the night going strong, transitioning seamlessly from one fun activity to the next.
Tips for a Fun and Safe Up and Down the River Experience
1. Drinking Responsibly During the Game
“Up and Down the River” can get pretty intense if everyone matches cards repeatedly. To keep the night fun and safe:
- Encourage players to pace their drinking and consider taking smaller sips instead of full gulps.
- Offer water breaks between rounds or at the end of each phase to keep players hydrated.
Drinking games are most fun when everyone can enjoy themselves safely!
2. Non-Alcoholic Versions and Alternatives
Not everyone may want to drink alcohol, and that’s perfectly fine. For non-alcoholic options, players can substitute drinks with sips of juice, soda, or sparkling water. This way, everyone can still participate and enjoy the game.
FAQs About Up and Down the River
How many players can play Up and Down the River?
The game is best for groups of 4-8 people, though it can be adapted for slightly larger or smaller groups.
How long does the Up and Down the River game last?
The game’s duration depends on the number of rounds you decide to play. A typical game lasts 20-30 minutes but can go longer with more rounds.
Can we add our own rules to Up and Down the River?
Definitely! Many players create unique twists to add more fun. Try out custom rules like “Life Rafts” (one free pass per game) or “Reverse the River” (swapping drink-givers and drink-takers).
What’s a good drink to use for this game?
Light drinks, like beer or seltzer, are ideal since the game involves multiple rounds of drinking. Opting for lower-alcohol beverages helps keep the game fun and paced. You can also try themed cocktails or non-alcoholic options.
What happens if two players have matching cards?
It’s up to your group’s rules! Some players agree that both must take a drink, while others allow them to choose who drinks. Adding variations like these keeps the game flexible and fun.
What’s the best strategy for the game?
Luck is the primary factor, so the best strategy is to relax and enjoy the unpredictability of the game!
Is Up and Down the River suitable for larger gatherings?
Yes! While it’s best with 4-8 players, the game can be scaled up for larger groups by dividing into teams or adding extra decks. Larger gatherings also make it easy to add variations and keep everyone engaged.
Are there other names for the Up and Down the River card game?
Up and Down the River is known by a few different names depending on where you are. Sometimes, it’s referred to as “Ride the Bus,” “Ride the River,” or “Down the River.” The basic mechanics are similar to card games like Oh Hell and Around the World, both of which involve rounds of card matching and drinks. Though each version might have slightly different rules or twists, they all share that fun, social, round-based format.