The “Ride the Bus” drinking game is a popular choice for social gatherings, thanks to its blend of luck, strategy, and fun. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newbie looking to learn the ropes, this guide will provide everything you need to know to enjoy this exciting card-based drinking game.
What is Ride the Bus?
Ride the Bus is a drinking game that uses a standard deck of 52 playing cards. The game is both a test of memory and strategy and an opportunity to relax and share laughs with friends. While the game involves alcohol, it’s important to play responsibly and ensure everyone’s comfort and safety.
Setting Up the Game
Here’s what you’ll need to start:
- A standard deck of 52 cards
- 4+ players (the more, the merrier)
- Alcoholic beverages of choice
- A flat surface for dealing cards
Rules of the Game
Phase 1: The Initial Question Round
- The Dealer asks each player four questions based on their cards:
- Red or black?
- Higher or lower?
- Inside or outside?
- Suit? (Hearts, Diamonds, Spades, or Clubs)
- Players guess the answer to each question. If they guess incorrectly, they drink. If correct, they assign a drink to another player.
Phase 2: The Pyramid
- Arrange the remaining cards in a pyramid formation:
- Bottom row: 5 cards
- Second row: 4 cards
- Third row: 3 cards
- Fourth row: 2 cards
- Top row: 1 card
- Players take turns flipping over cards and matching them to the cards in their hands.
- If a player has a match, they can assign drinks based on the pyramid row:
- Row 1: 1 drink
- Row 2: 2 drinks
- Row 3: 3 drinks
- Row 4: 4 drinks
Phase 3: Riding the Bus
- The player with the most incorrect guesses during the pyramid phase “rides the bus.”
- To ride the bus, they must correctly answer all four questions in sequence without any mistakes.
- If they make a mistake, they start over and continue drinking.
Strategies for Winning
- Memorize Cards: Pay attention during the pyramid phase to track potential matches.
- Play Mind Games: Bluff to mislead other players about your cards.
- Know Your Limits: Drink responsibly to keep a clear head and avoid overconsumption.
Tips for a Great Game Night
- Set Ground Rules: Agree on drink limits and safe play practices before starting.
- Choose Drinks Wisely: Opt for lower-alcohol beverages to prolong the fun.
- Hydrate: Keep water nearby to stay hydrated.
- Make it Fun: Incorporate funny rules or penalties to lighten the mood.
Final Thoughts
Ride the Bus is an engaging drinking game that combines luck, strategy, and a bit of chaos. Whether you’re hosting a party or just hanging out with friends, it’s sure to bring laughter and memorable moments. Remember, the key to enjoying any drinking game is moderation and mutual respect—play safe, have fun, and don’t forget to shuffle the deck!
FAQs
Q: How many players are ideal for Ride the Bus? A: While the game can be played with 4+ players, it’s more enjoyable with larger groups.
Q: Can Ride the Bus be played without alcohol? A: Absolutely! You can use non-alcoholic beverages or fun challenges as alternatives to drinking.
Q: How long does a typical game last? A: Depending on the number of players and pace of play, a game can last anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes.