Quick answer

Drink IF... is a fast-paced card game where one player reads a statement aloud. If the statement applies to you, you take a drink. To play, shuffle the deck, choose a reader, and set a drink limit before you start. The game works best with 3–8 players and takes just minutes to learn.

What you need before you start

You only need the Drink IF... card deck and a drink of your choice. The game is designed for adults 21 and over. Before you deal, agree on a drink size and a maximum number of drinks per player, especially if you are playing as a pregame card game. Keep water and snacks nearby, and make sure everyone has a safe way home.

Step-by-step Drink IF... rules

Follow this sequence to keep the game moving and fair. Each step includes a common mistake to avoid.

  • 1. Shuffle the deck and place it face down in the center. Mistake: leaving cards face up so players can preview them.
  • 2. Choose the first reader. This person draws the top card and reads it aloud to the group. Mistake: the reader also drinking on their own card—wait until the next round.
  • 3. Read the statement exactly as written. Do not add or change words. Mistake: paraphrasing can accidentally make the statement apply to more or fewer people.
  • 4. Anyone who the statement applies to takes one drink. If no one fits, no one drinks. Mistake: drinking just because you feel left out—that breaks the game.
  • 5. Pass the deck to the left. The next player becomes the reader. Mistake: skipping turns or letting one person dominate the deck.
  • 6. Continue until the deck runs out or players decide to stop. Mistake: playing past your agreed limit.

House rules to customize your game

House rules let you adjust intensity and keep the game fresh. Try these variations, but always vote on them before the first card is drawn.

  • Waterfall: when a specific card is drawn (like 'I have been skydiving'), everyone drinks in a waterfall style, starting with the reader.
  • No repeats: if a player repeats a story they already told, they drink again.
  • Double or nothing: a player can challenge another to double their drink if they disagree that the statement applies.
  • After Dark expansion: add the After Dark cards for spicier questions and more personal stories. Keep the base game separate if you want a milder round.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

New players often make the same errors. Avoid these to keep the game fun and safe.

  • Forgetting to set a drink limit. Always agree on a maximum before you start.
  • Letting one person read every card. Rotate the reader so everyone gets a turn.
  • Playing with mixed ages. Drink IF... is for adults only; keep it away from underage players.
  • Ignoring the 'take a drink' rule. If the statement applies, you must drink—no skipping.

Quick-start steps for your first game

  1. Set up the deck and drinks: Shuffle the Drink IF... deck and place it face down. Each player gets a drink of their choice. Checkpoint: everyone has a drink and the deck is within reach of the first reader.
  2. Choose a reader and read the first card: The reader draws the top card and reads it aloud. Do not add or change the wording. Checkpoint: the statement is clear and everyone heard it.
  3. Drink if it applies: Anyone who the statement applies to takes one drink. If no one fits, no one drinks. Checkpoint: players are honest about whether the statement applies.
  4. Pass the deck and continue: Pass the deck to the left. The next player becomes the reader. Keep going until the deck runs out or you reach your agreed limit. Checkpoint: rotate the reader so everyone gets a turn.

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