Entering a lively room full of new faces would make some of us feel excited and nervous. And in situations like these, nothing beats a familiar and time-tested ice-breaker.
I’ve had the pleasure of playing the Thumper Drinking game in countless gatherings before, and I can vouch for its uncanny ability to bridge gaps between strangers.
So, here’s how to play thumper-drinking game with your guests and friends.
What’s The Thumper Drinking Game?
Thumper Drinking is a fun, simple game that challenges your rhythm, coordination, focus, and love for a good drink.
“Scientists announced that they have located the gene for alcoholism. Scientists say they found it at a party, talking way too loudly.” – Conan O’Brien, Host and Comedian
Each player will have their unique hand gesture/hand motion where they would take turns performing after repeating the signals of the previous players.
The best part? The players would not stop drumming, but each hand signal/gesture gets more intricate, resulting in a complete riot.
Thumper Drinking Game Objective
At its core, the main objective of the Thumper Drinking game is to have fun with friends, colleagues, and family during gatherings and parties.
The hand gesture/sign can be as easy as a peace sign, but the game can help you test your memory and coordination skills. You can include as many people as you want to play Thumper Drinking.
What You’ll Need
- People – You can include at least four players, but you can also add more people, depending on the capacity of your table.
- Table – This one should be large enough, but you can split your game into different groups. The other team can play Thumper Drinking at another table.
- Alcoholic Drinks – Do I need to say more? Alcohol is the star of the game. As you progress into the next round, the players will drink higher ABV to make it more fun and exciting.
Thumper Drinking Game Players & Their Roles
There are no specific roles among the players of the Thumper Drinking game. But, the leader starts the game with a question, and the rest of the players respond accordingly.
The usual script goes like this:
Leader: What is the name of the game?
Players: Thumper!
Leader: And why do we play the game?
Players: To get fucked up!
This script, of course, could be changed depending on your group’s creativity.
How Do You Play The Thumper Drinking Game?
The game of Thumper Drinking starts by gathering the players to sit around a table. Then, the players will begin drumming their hands, and the leader will start asking the name of the game before proceeding with a hand gesture.
The hand signals could be as simple as a peace sign or crossing your arm. The first player will point to the next player, who must repeat the previous player’s gesture.
Then, this person will perform their own hand motion/gesture quickly. If someone takes too long or makes an error, they will drink their alcohol and will be out for the round.
Also Read:
How Do You Win The Thumper Drinking Game?
If you have already played the game, you’ll know that winning Thumper Drinking requires extreme focus. But as the drumming continues and the game progresses, you will start to get drunk, lose focus, and make more mistakes.
You can last longer if you prevent getting drunk immediately by avoiding drinking on an empty stomach. A hearty snack or meal can slow alcohol absorption [1].
Are There Special Rules?
Generally, there are no special rules in Thumper Drinking. It’s a straightforward and fast-paced game intended to keep the high energy flowing among the players gathered around the table.
“Thumper is guaranteed to elevate the energy in the room, ensuring everyone has a lively start to the night with a pleasant buzz.” – Liquor Laboratory
But you can make special house rules to make it more fun. For instance, it could be played in slow motion, or the players can only use their left hands every other round.
Hand Gestures Or Symbols To Try
There is no limit to hand gestures or symbols when playing Thumper Drinking. You can put your hands over your ears, cross your arms, or make a simple peace sign.
Some gestures I’ve used during this game are thumbs up, hand salute/scout sign, using fingers as horns, or picking any letter from the sign language alphabet.
FAQs
Can anyone play the Thumper Drinking game?
Yes, anyone can play the game of Thumper Drinking. Ensure everyone is at least 21 or of legal drinking age [2] for alcoholic drinks penalty.
If not, choose non-alcoholic beverages as a penalty for the players.
Is there a Thumper Drinking game song?
No, there is no specific song for Thumper Drinking. The drumming of the hands on the table sets the game’s rhythm and maintains every player’s liveliness and excitement.
Are distractions allowed in the Thumper Drinking game?
Distractions are not usually allowed in Thumper Drinking, like touching another player. But if you want more fun in the game, you can add a rule like distracting other players with words and hand gestures.
How many players are needed to play the Thumper drinking game?
The Thumper drinking game can be played with a minimum of four players, but it’s more enjoyable with larger groups. There is no strict upper limit to the number of players.
What equipment or props are required to play the Thumper drinking game?
The Thumper drinking game requires no equipment or props, making it convenient to play in various settings such as parties, gatherings, or bars.
How is the Thumper drinking game played?
Players sit in a circle, and one player starts by performing a simple gesture or action, such as clapping their hands or tapping the table. The player then points to another player, who must quickly mimic the gesture and then perform their own unique gesture before pointing to another player, and so on. The game continues rapidly until someone hesitates, repeats a gesture, or fails to perform a new one.
What happens if a player makes a mistake or fails to perform a new gesture in the Thumper drinking game?
If a player makes a mistake or fails to perform a new gesture, they must drink. The game then restarts with the player who made the mistake performing a new gesture to begin the next round.
Is there a time limit for each player’s turn in the Thumper drinking game?
There is no strict time limit for each player’s turn in the Thumper drinking game, but the pace of the game is generally fast-paced to keep the energy high and the rounds short.
In Summary
Thumper Drinking is an energetic game, perfect for a whirlwind of laughter, hand gestures, and delightful chaos. It’s one of the best drinking games to break the ice, share drinks, and bond with friends over your unique and hilarious hand signal/gesture.
So, gather your crew, embrace the rhythm, and prepare for a night of Thumper madness.
References:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/alcohol/how-to-not-get-drunk
- https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-policy
