Circle of Death Rules (Kings Cup): How to Play and What Every Card Means
Circle of Death (aka Kings, Kings Cup or Ring of Fire) is the card game that shows up at every party eventually. Spread a deck face down in a circle around one big cup, take turns drawing, and do whatever your card says. Draw the fourth King and the King’s Cup is all yours. It’s our favorite game for when the pong table is taken.
Free printable: Kings Cup rules sheet (PDF). Every card on one page, so nobody has to look it up mid-game.
Looking for the beer pong rule called “ring of fire”? That’s a different thing: see Ring of Fire in beer pong.
What you need
- A standard 52-card deck (jokers out)
- One large empty cup for the middle (the King’s Cup)
- A drink for each player, plus water on the table
- 3 to 10 players; 4 to 7 is the sweet spot
How to set up
- Put the King’s Cup in the middle of the table.
- Shuffle and spread every card face down in a ring around the cup, edges touching, so the circle has no gaps.
- Agree on the card rules before the first draw. Every group plays a little differently, so settle it now (or use the list below).
- Pick who goes first. Play goes clockwise; each player draws one card, flips it so everyone sees it, and the rule happens immediately.
Circle of Death card rules
These are the most common rules. Any card can be swapped for your house version, as long as everyone agrees before the game starts.
| Card | Name | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Ace | Waterfall | Everyone starts drinking at once, beginning with the player who drew. You can’t stop until the person to your right stops. |
| 2 | You | Pick someone to drink. |
| 3 | Me | You drink. |
| 4 | Floor | Everyone touches the floor. Last one down drinks. |
| 5 | Guys | Every guy drinks. |
| 6 | Chicks | Every girl drinks. |
| 7 | Heaven | Everyone points to the sky. Last hand up drinks. |
| 8 | Mate | Pick a mate. Whenever you drink, they drink, for the rest of the game (or until the next 8). |
| 9 | Rhyme | Say a word. Going around, each player says a word that rhymes. First to repeat or stall drinks. |
| 10 | Categories | Name a category (beer brands, NFL teams). Going around, each player names something in it. First to miss drinks. |
| Jack | Make a rule | Make a rule that lasts the rest of the game, like no first names, or drink with your left hand only. Anyone who breaks it drinks. |
| Queen | Question master | You’re the question master until the next Queen. Anyone who answers a question you ask drinks. |
| King | King’s Cup | Pour some of your drink into the King’s Cup. Whoever draws the fourth King drinks the King’s Cup, and the game is over. |
Don’t break the circle
This is the rule that gives the game its name. The cards have to stay touching, so slide your card out without leaving a gap in the ring. Break the circle and you drink (lots of houses make it a full drink). It’s easy with 52 cards and nerve-racking with ten, so watch the guy with shaky hands.
Circle of Death vs. Kings vs. Ring of Fire
They’re the same game with regional names. The differences are small:
- Kings / Kings Cup: usually no “break the circle” penalty; the game ends when the fourth King is drawn.
- Circle of Death: adds the break-the-circle rule, and some groups play every card until the deck runs out.
- Ring of Fire: the cards go around an unopened can of beer. Players tuck their card under the tab after drawing; whoever pops the can (or knocks the cards off) drinks it.
Popular house rules
- Thumb master: some groups use Jack or 7 for this. Quietly put your thumb on the table; the last person to notice and copy drinks.
- Never have I ever: a common swap for Jack or 6. Everyone holds up three fingers; drop one each time you’ve done what’s called. First to zero drinks.
- Social: a common swap for 4 or 9. Everyone drinks.
- Snake eyes: make eye contact with the snake and you drink.
Hosting tips
- Keep the King’s Cup small. The last King should be a punchline, not a problem. Beer or seltzer only, a short pour.
- Water on the table. Every card works with water or soda, and nobody has to explain why they’re drinking it.
- Settle the rules before the first card. Write them down. That’s the whole reason people hang a house rules sign over the pong table: fewer arguments, more game.
FAQ
Is Circle of Death the same as Kings Cup?
Yes. Circle of Death, Kings, Kings Cup and Ring of Fire are names for the same card game. The only common difference is the “break the circle” penalty.
What happens when you draw the fourth King?
You drink the King’s Cup (everything the first three King-drawers poured in), and the round is over.
How many people do you need?
At least 3. It’s best with 4 to 7, so each player draws often but the deck lasts a while.
How long does a game take?
About 20 to 40 minutes for a full deck.
Can you play without alcohol?
Yes. Swap every “drink” for a sip of soda or a dare. The cards work the same way.
Playing on New Year’s Eve? Try Resolution Kings from our New Year’s Eve drinking games.
En español: Reglas del Kings Cup en español.
More party games: Power Hour, Rage Cage, Slap Cup, Chandeliers, Quarters, flip cup, Boat Race, Beer Die, Beer Ball, Dizzy Bat. See them all on our party games page, or play the classic with the full rules of beer pong.