With the World Cup in full swing, we’re sure most of you are already watching with a drink in hand. But what could make the festivities even better? How about a drinking game or two to stir up the excitement?
You’re already familiar with American favorites like beer pong, quarters, and slap cup, but what about games from around the world—specifically those from the three countries that typically dominate the World Cup team list.
- Spain – Los Chunguitos:
So what if they’ve already been ousted, doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy their drinking traditions.In Spain, the game Los Chunguitos, named after a famous 1970s rumba band from Madrid, is known among all. Like most drinking games, Los Chunguitos requires you to use your memory as well as keep a tune—but easier said then done.
To begin, start clapping. The first person will say, “I am Chunguitos number one,” the second person follows, “I am Chunguitos number two,” and so on until everyone has stated a number. Then, the first person will call out their number followed by another person’s number, and the player called out will continue the pattern (calling out their number and then another player’s number). As this goes on, each person to the right of the first player will take on an “instrument” to add to the hand clapping beat. So the second person will imitate drums, the third guitar, etc. The first person that messes up must drink—then the game restarts.
- Germany – Hammerschlagen:
Dating back to the first Oktoberfest in the 1800s, Hammerschlagen begins with every player putting a nail in a plank of wood/tree stump. The nail should be secure enough to stand on its own, though it shouldn’t be sunk in too far. Each person takes one swing at his or her nail—if you miss, you automatically drink. The first person to completely hammer in their nail traditionally gets a free shot, while the last person to do so buys the next round. Either way, drinks for all.
- Brazil – Truco:
In Brazil, the card game “Truco” is a popular drinking game among college students. Played in teams of two, three, or even four, Truco requires many rules, but essentially is a combination of Poker and Bullshit. Using a classic deck of cards, each player is given three cards at random. First, the dealer places a “trick” card in the center (just a random card), and moving counterclockwise from the dealer, each person will reveal one of his or her three cards. The person with the highest-ranking card (Ace being the lowest and King being the highest) wins the trick card. Win two out of the three of these “trick” cards and you and your team are in the clear—everyone else must drink.
So if for some reason you’re not already rooting for the great USA, pick your favorite country and show it some love by practicing a traditional drinking game.