Waterfall is a popular drinking card game known for its chaotic and social nature. While the basic rules are simple, variations exist, so understanding the core mechanics is key. This guide will cover the standard rules and address some common questions.
How to Play Waterfall: The Basic Rules
The game uses a standard 52-card deck. The goal isn't to win, but to strategically manage your drinks and outlast your opponents.
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Dealing: Shuffle the deck and deal each player an equal number of cards. Any remaining cards are set aside.
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The First Card: The player to the dealer's left starts by placing a card face up in the center.
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The Waterfall: This is the heart of the game. Whatever card is played dictates the action:
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Number Cards (2-10): Each player drinks the number of sips indicated by the card's value. For example, a 7 means everyone takes 7 sips.
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Jack (J): The player who played the Jack chooses someone to drink.
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Queen (Q): All female players drink.
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King (K): All male players drink.
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Ace (A): Everyone takes a sip.
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Two (2): This card creates a "two-sip rule". Everyone takes two sips. The following player can play any card, but if they play another 2 card, the 2-sip rule doubles, becoming a 4-sip rule. This effect can cascade.
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Four (4): The player who plays the four can nominate someone else to drink. This overrides other rules. The person chosen must take four sips.
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Seven (7): Heaven. Everyone must raise a hand before the player who played the card is able to put their hand down. Players who are slow, are considered to be in heaven, and take a sip.
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Ten (10): Every player must make up a rule and nominate someone to complete that rule. The nominated person takes a sip, if they fail to complete this rule they must also take a sip.
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Turn Order: After a card is played and the corresponding action is completed, the next player takes their turn.
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Emptying Your Hand: The first player to empty their hand doesn't necessarily "win," but they often get a round of applause and are usually allowed to make some sort of rule for the group.
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Variations: Many variations exist. Some include adding rules for other cards, adding penalties for slow players, or changing the drinking amounts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Waterfall
What is the goal of the Waterfall card game?
There isn't a specific "goal" in the sense of a winner. The aim is to participate, have fun, and strategically manage your drinks to stay in the game as long as possible. The player who finishes their cards first usually gets to set a new rule for the game.
Can I use a different type of drink?
Yes! Waterfall can be played with any beverage, though water is often recommended for less intense sessions.
What happens if I don't have enough drinks left?
If a player runs out of their chosen drink, they typically either excuse themselves from drinking for the remainder of the round or are removed from the game, depending on the group's agreement.
Can you skip turns in Waterfall?
Generally, no. The game proceeds in a round-robin fashion, with each player taking a turn.
Are there any variations to the Waterfall rules?
Yes, many variations exist. House rules are common, often involving penalties for slow players or modified effects for certain cards (e.g., more specific actions for number cards). The variations listed in the above rules are some examples.
What are some tips for winning (or at least surviving) a game of Waterfall?
Remember to drink responsibly! Pacing yourself is key to survival. Observing other players' drinking habits can help gauge how much to drink. Knowing when to play certain cards strategically (e.g., saving a Jack for a specific target) might improve your odds. Most importantly, have fun!
This guide should help you understand and play Waterfall effectively. Remember to always drink responsibly and adjust the rules to fit your group's preferences. Enjoy the game!
