6 Ways To Play The Circle Of Death Drinking Game

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The Circle of Death drinking game is a popular and entertaining game that has been enjoyed by many groups of friends. For those who may be unfamiliar, the Circle of Death is a card game that combines social interaction, strategy, and a bit of luck. The game is simple to learn, but it can be challenging to master, especially when alcohol is involved. In this article, we will explore six different ways to play the Circle of Death drinking game, providing you with a variety of options to suit your group's preferences.

Understanding the Basics of Circle of Death

Before we dive into the different variations, it's essential to understand the basic rules of the game. The Circle of Death is played with a standard deck of 52 cards, and the objective is to avoid drawing certain cards that will force you to drink. The game is typically played with a group of 4-10 players, and each player starts with a set amount of drinks.

Basic Rules:

• Shuffle the deck and deal out 5-7 cards to each player, depending on the number of players.
• The remaining cards are placed face down in a draw pile.
• The top card from the draw pile is turned over and placed beside the draw pile to start the discard pile.
• Players take turns drawing the top card from the draw pile or the top card from the discard pile.
• Certain cards have specific rules, such as the Ace, which forces the player to drink, or the 8, which allows the player to assign drinks to another player.

Variation 1: Classic Circle of Death

The classic version of the Circle of Death is the most well-known and widely played variation. This version follows the basic rules outlined above, with the addition of a few extra rules to make the game more exciting.

Additional Rules:

• The King card forces all players to drink.
• The Queen card allows the player to assign drinks to another player, but they must also drink themselves.
• The Jack card forces the player to drink and perform a task, such as doing a shot or singing a song.

Variation 2: No-Rules Circle of Death

The No-Rules variation of the Circle of Death is perfect for groups who want to add their own twist to the game. In this version, players can make up their own rules and penalties for each card.

How to Play:

• Before the game begins, each player writes down a rule or penalty for each card on a piece of paper.
• The rules are then shared with the group, and players can modify or add to them as they see fit.
• Players take turns drawing cards and following the rules that have been established.

Variation 3: Shot-Based Circle of Death

The Shot-Based variation of the Circle of Death is perfect for groups who want to take the game to the next level. In this version, players take shots instead of drinks, making the game more intense and exciting.

Additional Rules:

• Players take a shot instead of drinking when they draw an Ace or King.
• Players can choose to take a shot instead of performing a task when they draw a Jack.

Variation 4: Team-Based Circle of Death

The Team-Based variation of the Circle of Death is perfect for groups who want to add a competitive element to the game. In this version, players are divided into teams, and the team with the lowest number of drinks at the end of the game wins.

How to Play:

• Players are divided into teams of 2-4 players.
• Teams take turns drawing cards and following the rules.
• The team with the lowest number of drinks at the end of the game wins.

Variation 5: Never-Ending Circle of Death

The Never-Ending variation of the Circle of Death is perfect for groups who want to play a long and grueling game. In this version, the game continues until a player reaches a predetermined number of drinks.

Additional Rules:

• The game continues until a player reaches 10 drinks.
• Players can choose to stop the game at any time, but they must drink a penalty shot.

Variation 6: Card-Counting Circle of Death

The Card-Counting variation of the Circle of Death is perfect for groups who want to add a strategic element to the game. In this version, players must keep track of the cards that have been played to avoid drawing certain cards.

Additional Rules:

• Players must keep track of the cards that have been played.
• Players can use this information to avoid drawing certain cards.

Final Thoughts

The Circle of Death drinking game is a fun and entertaining game that can be enjoyed by groups of all sizes. With these six variations, you can add a new level of excitement and challenge to the game. Remember to always drink responsibly and never drink and drive.