Beer die, also called snappa, is a table game where you toss a die across the table trying to land it in or near the other team’s cup while they try to catch it. It is more skill than luck once you get going. Here are the rules, the scoring and the sinks that end games.
Beer die at a glance
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Players | 4 (2v2) |
| You need | Square table, 4 cups, 1 die, drinks |
| Throw | High arc, must peak above head height |
| Points to win | Usually 7 or 11 |
What you need
- A square table (a card table is perfect)
- A cup at each corner, filled part way with beer
- One die
- Two teams of two, sitting on opposite sides
How to throw
Players throw the die underhand in a high arc that must peak above head height. A throw that is too flat is a foul. The aim is to land the die on the table so it is hard to catch, or to sink it directly into a cup.
Scoring
- Point: the die lands on the table and the defending team fails to catch it after one bounce. One point.
- Sink: the die lands directly in a cup. The drinker chugs and it is usually an instant point or a set-back for the other team.
- Off the table on the full: a throw that misses the table entirely is a foul and hands the roll over.
- First team to the agreed total (7 or 11) wins, and you usually need to win by 2.
Common house rules
- On the fly: catching the die before it bounces can cancel the point.
- Plink: a die that hits the rim of a cup can carry a bonus or a drink.
- Fingers and toes: flashy penalties for weird bounces, agree these first.
Frequently asked questions
Is beer die the same as snappa?
They are effectively the same game with regional rule differences. Snappa often emphasises the snap of the die off the table.
How high does the throw need to be?
The die must peak above the height of your head. Flat, fast throws are fouls in most rule sets.
