Beirut and beer pong are the same game to most people, and the name you use mostly depends on where you grew up. The short version: Beirut is beer pong played by throwing the ball, and in some regions the word beer pong is reserved for the paddle version. Here is how to play, and why the names cause so many arguments.
Beirut vs beer pong
In much of the US Northeast, Beirut means the throwing game with cups of beer in a triangle, while beer pong means a similar game played with ping pong paddles. Everywhere else, the two names are used for the exact same throwing game. If someone invites you to Beirut, expect the throwing version.
Beirut at a glance
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Players | 2 to 4 |
| You need | Table, cups, balls, drinks |
| Cups per side | 6 or 10 in a triangle |
| How you score | Throw the ball into a cup |
What you need
- A long table
- 10 cups per side plus a rinse cup at each end
- 2 ping pong balls
- Beer or your drink of choice
How to play
- Rack 10 cups in a triangle at each end and add a small pour of beer to each.
- Teams take turns throwing one ball each per round.
- Land a ball in a cup and the other team drinks it and pulls it off the table.
- Sink both balls in a round for balls back and an extra throw.
- Clear the other team’s cups to win, giving them a redemption turn first.
Frequently asked questions
Is Beirut the same as beer pong?
For most players, yes. The only real distinction is regional: in some areas beer pong specifically means the paddle version, and Beirut means the throwing version.
Why is it called Beirut?
The name is widely thought to have spread on US college campuses in the 1980s. The exact origin is debated, but the throwing game stuck with the name in the Northeast.
