Four is the magic number. You can split into two teams, run cup games properly, and still keep a card game snappy. This is where drinking games really open up. These are the best games for a foursome, from two-on-two cup battles to card classics and backyard toss games that need a full group to click.
Drinking Games for 4 at a glance
| Game | Players | Why we picked it |
|---|---|---|
| Beer Pong | 4 (2v2) | The definitive two-on-two game, four is exactly what it was built for. |
| Flip Cup | 4 (2v2) | Team relay of drink-and-flip, two a side is the classic setup. |
| Civil War | 4 | Beer pong meets flip cup, every player defends their own cups. Chaos with four. |
| Kemps | 4 | Secret-signal card game played in pairs, four is the minimum and the best. |
| Kings Cup | 4 | The card classic hits its stride with four, plenty of rules in play. |
| Ride the Bus | 4 | Guess-and-suffer card game that scales up nicely to a foursome. |
| Rage Cage | 4+ | Fast bounce-and-pass cup game, four is the floor and it only gets wilder. |
| Stack Cup | 4+ | Bounce a ball into a cup then pass, a relay that needs a full circle. |
| Polish Horseshoes | 4 (2v2) | Backyard bottle-and-disc game built for two teams of two. |
| Cornhole | 4 (2v2) | Bag-toss with drink penalties, the tailgate favourite for four. |
| Quarters | 4 | Bounce a coin into a glass and pass it on, quick to teach and set up. |
Pro tips
- Split into fair teams. With four you can go two-on-two, so mix a strong player with a weaker one on each side.
- Have a spare ball and cups ready. Cup games stall fast when a ball rolls off, so keep backups within reach.
- Run a mini tournament. Best of three across two games keeps a foursome invested all night.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Perfect for two-on-two team games
- Cup games and toss games work as intended
- Enough people for real competition without the chaos of a crowd
Cons
- You need a bit of kit for the best cup games
- One weak team can make it lopsided
Playing with a different number?
Different headcount, different games. Here are the rest of our player-count guides.
- Drinking Games for 2
- Drinking Games for 3
- Drinking Games for 4 (you are here)
- Large Groups
Frequently asked questions
What is the best drinking game for four people?
Beer Pong is the best game for four. It is built for two-on-two, so a foursome splits into perfect teams. Flip Cup and Civil War are just as good if you want something faster and messier.
What team drinking games work with four players?
Four is ideal for team games. Beer Pong, Flip Cup, Civil War, Kemps, Polish Horseshoes and Cornhole all run on two teams of two, which is exactly what a foursome gives you.
