Looking for the best tailgating games to amp up your pre-game festivities? Look no further! In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the top tailgating games that are sure to keep you and your friends entertained for hours on end. From classic favorites like cornhole and beer pong to unique twists on old classics, we’ve got you covered. So grab your snacks, fire up the grill, and get ready to take your tailgating to the next level with these exciting games!
Cornhole
Overview
Cornhole is a classic tailgating game that has gained popularity in recent years. It is a simple and entertaining game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. The objective of the game is to toss bean bags onto a raised platform with a hole in it, aiming to score points by getting the bags in the hole or on the platform. Cornhole is a great way to spend time with friends and family while enjoying some friendly competition.
Rules
The rules of cornhole are fairly straightforward. Each player or team takes turns tossing four bean bags towards the opposing platform. Bags that land on the platform are worth one point, while bags that go through the hole are worth three points. The game is usually played to a certain number of points, typically 21. The team or player with the highest score at the end of the game wins.
Equipment
To play cornhole, you will need two cornhole boards and eight bean bags. The standard cornhole board is typically made of wood, with a raised platform that is elevated from the ground. The platform has a hole cut into it at one end. The bean bags are filled with corn or plastic pellets and are usually made of fabric. It’s a good idea to choose bags that are durable and weather-resistant, as they may be exposed to the elements during outdoor play.
Tips and Strategies
When playing cornhole, it’s important to focus on your throwing technique. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and use an underhand throw to launch the bean bag towards the platform. Aim for a consistent throw and try to develop a rhythm. Practice your toss and aim to improve your accuracy over time. Additionally, it can be helpful to strategize with your partner, discussing which bags to aim for and how to block your opponents’ throws. Remember to have fun and enjoy the friendly competition!
Beer Pong
Overview
Beer pong is a classic and popular tailgating game that combines hand-eye coordination with a bit of friendly competition. It is often played with alcoholic beverages and is a favorite among college students and party-goers. The game involves tossing ping pong balls into cups of beer, with the objective of landing the ball in the opposing team’s cups to eliminate them from the game. Beer pong is a fun and social activity that can bring people together at tailgating events.
Rules
Beer pong is typically played with two teams of two players each. The playing area consists of a long table with cups of beer set up at each end. Each team takes turns throwing ping pong balls across the table, aiming to land them in the opposing team’s cups. When a ball successfully lands in a cup, the other team must drink the beer from that cup and remove it from the table. The game continues until one team eliminates all of the opposing team’s cups.
Equipment
To play beer pong, you will need a long table, 20 plastic cups, and several ping pong balls. The table should be smooth and sturdy to allow for accurate and consistent bouncing of the ping pong balls. The plastic cups are typically arranged in a pyramid shape at each end of the table, with each team’s cups in their respective half. The ping pong balls should be lightweight and in good condition to ensure fair gameplay.
Tips and Strategies
When playing beer pong, it’s important to have good aim and control over your throw. Practice your tossing technique to develop accuracy and consistency. It can also be helpful to strategize with your teammate, discussing which cups to aim for and how to distract or block your opponents’ throws. Remember to pace yourself and drink responsibly while playing this drinking game. It’s all about having fun and enjoying the friendly competition!
Kan Jam
Overview
Kan Jam is a fast-paced and exciting tailgating game that combines elements of frisbee and team sports. It is a relatively new game that has gained popularity in recent years. The objective of Kan Jam is to throw a frisbee towards a certain target and score points by hitting or landing the frisbee in different areas of the target. Kan Jam is a great way to get active and have fun with friends and family at tailgating events.
Rules
Kan Jam is played with two teams of two players each. The playing area consists of two goals, called “Kans,” which are placed at a certain distance apart. Each team takes turns throwing and deflecting the frisbee, aiming to score points by hitting or landing the frisbee in different areas of the Kan. The game is usually played to a certain number of points, such as 21. The team with the highest score at the end of the game wins.
Equipment
To play Kan Jam, you will need two Kans and a frisbee. The Kans are cylindrical bins that are open on top and have a slot on the front. They are made of durable plastic and have a score tracker on the side to keep track of each team’s points. The frisbee used in Kan Jam is typically a standard frisbee, lightweight and easy to throw. It’s important to use a frisbee that is suitable for outdoor play and can withstand some impact.
Tips and Strategies
In Kan Jam, it’s important to communicate and coordinate with your teammate. Work together to strategize your throws and deflects, aiming for the highest score possible. Practice your throwing technique to develop accuracy and strength. Pay attention to your positioning and move around the playing area to create better angles for scoring points. Remember to have fun and enjoy the active nature of the game!
Ladder Toss
Overview
Ladder Toss, also known as Ladder Ball or Ladder Golf, is a fun and challenging tailgating game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The game involves throwing bolas, which consist of two balls connected by a string, towards a ladder-shaped target. The objective is to wrap the bolas around the rungs of the ladder to score points. Ladder Toss is a popular game for tailgating due to its portability and simple setup.
Rules
Ladder Toss is typically played with two teams or individuals. The playing area consists of two stands with ladders attached to them, placed a certain distance apart. Each player or team takes turns throwing their bolas towards the opposing ladder, aiming to wrap them around the rungs. The top rung is worth three points, the middle rung is worth two points, and the bottom rung is worth one point. The team or player with the highest score at the end of the game wins.
Equipment
To play Ladder Toss, you will need two stands with ladders and a set of bolas. The stands can be made of metal or PVC pipe and should be sturdy enough to support the weight of the ladders. The ladders are typically made of plastic or wood and have three rungs. The bolas consist of two golf balls connected by a nylon or rope string. It’s important to use bolas that are of equal length and weight for fair gameplay.
Tips and Strategies
When playing Ladder Toss, it’s important to develop a consistent throwing technique. Practice your toss to improve accuracy and control. Aim for the highest rungs of the ladder to score more points. Pay attention to your opponents’ throws and adjust your strategy accordingly. It can also be helpful to strategize with your teammate, discussing which rungs to aim for and how to block your opponents’ throws. Remember to have fun and enjoy the friendly competition!
Washers
Overview
Washers is a traditional tailgating game that is similar to horseshoes. It is a simple yet challenging game that involves tossing washers towards a target, aiming to land them in certain areas to score points. Washers is a great game to play at tailgating events due to its simplicity and portability. It can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels, making it a popular choice for family-friendly tailgates.
Rules
Washers is typically played with two teams or individuals. The playing area consists of two rectangular boxes or pits, placed a certain distance apart. Each player or team takes turns tossing their washers towards the opposing pit, aiming to score points by landing them in certain areas. Landing a washer in the pit is worth one point, while landing it in the center hole is worth three points. The team or player with the highest score at the end of the game wins.
Equipment
To play Washers, you will need two washers pits and a set of washers. The pits can be made of wood or plastic and should be sturdy enough to withstand repeated use. Each pit should have a rectangular shape with an open top and a center hole. The washers are usually made of metal or plastic and should be of equal size and weight for fair gameplay. It’s important to choose washers that are durable and can handle being tossed around.
Tips and Strategies
In Washers, it’s important to develop a consistent throwing technique. Practice your toss to improve accuracy and control. Aim for the center hole to score more points, as it is worth the most. Pay attention to your opponents’ throws and adjust your strategy accordingly. It can also be helpful to strategize with your teammate, discussing which areas of the pit to aim for and how to block your opponents’ throws. Remember to have fun and enjoy the friendly competition!
Spikeball
Overview
Spikeball is an intense and fast-paced tailgating game that is similar to volleyball. It has gained popularity in recent years and is known for its high-energy gameplay. The objective of Spikeball is to bounce a small ball off a net towards the opposing team, trying to prevent them from returning it within three hits. Spikeball is a great game for those who enjoy fast-paced and competitive sports.
Rules
Spikeball is played with two teams of two players each. The playing area consists of a net that is set up on the ground. Each team takes turns hitting the ball off the net, aiming to make it difficult for the opposing team to return the ball. The ball must be hit off the net and bounce once on the ground before the other team can return it. The game is usually played to a certain number of points, such as 21. The team with the highest score at the end of the game wins.
Equipment
To play Spikeball, you will need a Spikeball set, which includes a net and a ball. The net is collapsible and portable, making it easy to set up and take down at tailgating events. It should be sturdy enough to withstand intense gameplay. The ball used in Spikeball is typically a small and lightweight ball that is easy to hit and bounce off the net. It’s important to choose a ball that is suitable for outdoor play and can withstand some impact.
Tips and Strategies
In Spikeball, it’s important to communicate and coordinate with your teammate. Work together to strategize your hits and placements, aiming to make it difficult for the opposing team to return the ball. Practice your hitting technique to develop power and accuracy. Pay attention to the position of the opposing team and adjust your strategy accordingly. Remember to have fun and enjoy the fast-paced nature of the game!
Quarters
Overview
Quarters is a classic tailgating game that combines skill and precision with a bit of luck. It is often played with alcoholic beverages and is a popular choice for college parties and tailgating events. The game involves bouncing a quarter off a table, aiming to land it in a cup of beer. Quarters is a fun and social activity that can bring people together and create a competitive atmosphere.
Rules
Quarters is typically played with two or more players. Each player takes turns bouncing a quarter off the table, aiming to make it land in a cup of beer. If a player successfully lands the quarter in the cup, they can choose another player to drink the beer from that cup. If a player fails to make the quarter in the cup, they must drink a certain amount of beer from their own cup. The game continues until all of the cups are empty or players decide to stop.
Equipment
To play Quarters, you will need a table, several cups, and a quarter. The table should be smooth and sturdy to allow for accurate bouncing of the quarter. The cups can be made of plastic or glass and should be filled with beer or another beverage of your choice. It’s important to use cups that are suitable for drinking from and can withstand some impact. The quarter should be a standard coin that is easy to bounce off the table.
Tips and Strategies
In Quarters, it’s important to practice your bouncing technique to develop accuracy and control. Experiment with different angles and speeds to find the best approach. It can also be helpful to study your opponents’ bounces and adjust your strategy accordingly. Remember to pace yourself and drink responsibly while playing this drinking game. It’s all about having fun and enjoying the friendly competition!
Giant Jenga
Overview
Giant Jenga is a larger-than-life version of the classic game Jenga. It is a popular tailgating game that combines strategy and precision. The objective of Giant Jenga is to carefully remove one block at a time from a tower and stack it on top, without causing the tower to collapse. Giant Jenga is a great game for those who enjoy a challenge and want to test their hand-eye coordination.
Rules
Giant Jenga is typically played with two or more players. The tower is set up by stacking the blocks in a sturdy and balanced manner. Each player takes turns removing one block from the tower, using only one hand. The block must then be placed on top of the tower, attempting to maintain its stability. The game continues until the tower collapses. The player who caused the tower to collapse is usually considered the loser.
Equipment
To play Giant Jenga, you will need a set of oversized Jenga blocks. The blocks are typically made of wood and should be sturdy enough to withstand the weight of the tower. It’s important to choose blocks that are of equal size and weight for fair gameplay. The tower should be set up on a flat and stable surface, such as a table or the ground. Make sure to have enough space around the tower to prevent damage or injury if it collapses.
Tips and Strategies
In Giant Jenga, it’s important to have a steady hand and good hand-eye coordination. Take your time and carefully remove one block at a time, paying attention to the stability of the tower. It can also be helpful to strategize with other players, discussing which blocks to target and how to create difficult situations for your opponents. Remember to have fun and enjoy the challenge of keeping the tower standing!
Flip Cup
Overview
Flip Cup is a lively and fast-paced tailgating game that involves teamwork and quick reflexes. It is often played with alcoholic beverages and is a favorite among college students and party-goers. The game involves flipping cups upside down by flicking the rim with your fingers, aiming to do so before the opposing team. Flip Cup is a fun and social activity that can create a competitive and energetic atmosphere at tailgating events.
Rules
Flip Cup is typically played with two or more teams of equal numbers. Each team lines up on one side of a table with cups of beer set up in front of them. Each player starts with a cup of beer and must drink the entire contents before attempting to flip the cup upside down by flicking the rim with their fingers. Once a player successfully flips their cup, the next person in line can start drinking. The first team to flip all of their cups wins the game.
Equipment
To play Flip Cup, you will need a table, several cups, and beer or another beverage of your choice. The table should be smooth and sturdy to allow for accurate flipping of the cups. The cups can be made of plastic or glass and should be filled with beer or the chosen beverage. It’s important to use cups that are suitable for flipping and can withstand some impact. Make sure to have enough cups for each player on each team.
Tips and Strategies
In Flip Cup, it’s important to communicate and coordinate with your teammates. Work together to strategize your drinking and flipping techniques, aiming to be the fastest team to flip all of your cups. Practice your flipping technique to develop speed and accuracy. Pay attention to your opponents’ progress and adjust your strategy accordingly. Remember to have fun and enjoy the fast-paced nature of the game!
Horseshoes
Overview
Horseshoes is a classic tailgating game that has been played for centuries. It is a challenging and competitive game that involves tossing horseshoes towards a stake, aiming to land them as close as possible to score points. Horseshoes is a great game for those who enjoy precision and strategy. It can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels, making it a popular choice for family-friendly tailgates.
Rules
Horseshoes is typically played with two teams or individuals. The playing area consists of two stakes that are placed a certain distance apart. Each player or team takes turns throwing their horseshoes towards the opposing stake, aiming to land them as close as possible. Scoring is determined by the proximity of the horseshoes to the stake. A horseshoe that completely encircles the stake is called a ringer and is worth the most points. The team or player with the highest score at the end of the game wins.
Equipment
To play Horseshoes, you will need two stakes, horseshoes, and a marker. The stakes can be made of metal or wood and should be sturdy enough to stand upright in the ground. The horseshoes are typically made of metal and should be of equal weight and size for fair gameplay. The marker is used to determine the closest horseshoe to the stake. It can be a flag or any other visible object that can be easily moved.
Tips and Strategies
In Horseshoes, it’s important to practice your throwing technique to develop accuracy and control. Experiment with different speeds and angles to find the best approach. Aim for the stake and try to land your horseshoes as close as possible to score more points. Pay attention to your opponents’ throws and adjust your strategy accordingly. Remember to have fun and enjoy the friendly competition while playing this classic tailgating game!