The Most Interesting Drinking Games From Historical Times

Throughout history, drinking games have served as a social pastime, bringing people together to bond, laugh, and enjoy the company of friends and acquaintances. From ancient civilizations to medieval times, various cultures have developed unique and intriguing drinking games that showcase the creativity and camaraderie of bygone eras. These are five of the most interesting drinking games from historical times, delving into their origins, rules, and the cultural significance they held. 

1. Kottabos - Ancient Greek Drinking Game

Kottabos was a popular drinking game in ancient Greece during the 5th and 4th centuries BCE. Players would sit in a circle and attempt to flick the dregs of their wine from their cups onto a target located in the center. The target could be a small disc or a floating object in a basin of water. The objective was to hit the target with precision and style, showcasing the player's skill and accuracy. Kottabos was not only a test of physical dexterity but also served as a means of flirtation and courtship. Participants would dedicate their throws to someone they admired, hoping to impress them with their aim. This game was not only entertaining but also served as a social icebreaker, fostering connections and sparking conversations among the players.

2. Nénufar - Medieval French Drinking Game

Nénufar, also known as "Lily Pad," was a drinking game popular in medieval France. The game involved a large bowl filled with wine, placed at the center of a table. Around the bowl, small lily pads made of wood or metal would float. Each lily pad had a number attached to it. Players would take turns tossing coins onto the lily pads, attempting to land them on a specific number. If successful, the player would have to drink from the communal wine bowl. The challenge lay in the unpredictable movement of the lily pads, as the coins would cause them to drift and spin. Nénufar required a combination of luck, aim, and steady hands, making it a lively and amusing game that brought laughter and cheers to medieval banquets and gatherings.

3. Fubar - Viking Drinking Game

Fubar, meaning "drunk" or "intoxicated" in Old Norse, was a Viking drinking game that tested the participants' drinking stamina and endurance. The game involved a large horn or drinking vessel filled with mead or ale. Players would gather in a circle and take turns drinking from the horn, passing it clockwise after each gulp. The catch was that each participant had to drink more than the previous person, increasing the volume with each round. The game continued until someone could no longer match the previous drinker's consumption or until the participants were too inebriated to continue. Fubar not only showcased the Vikings' ability to consume alcohol but also fostered camaraderie and competition among them. It was a test of strength and stamina, with the last person standing considered the victor.

4. Tafl - Norse Board Game With Drinking Elements

Tafl, a popular board game played in medieval Scandinavia, often incorporated drinking elements to add an extra layer of excitement. The game involved two opposing sides, one representing a king and his defenders and the other representing attackers. Players would strategically move their pieces across the board, aiming to capture their opponent's pieces. In some versions of Tafl, drinking penalties were introduced. If a player's piece was captured, they would have to take a drink from a communal vessel, adding a sense of risk and consequence to the game. This drinking aspect added an element of suspense and camaraderie, as players shared in the joy of victory or commiserated in defeat while enjoying a drink together.

5. Pub Golf - Modern Twist on Traditional Golf

While not historically ancient, Pub Golf is a contemporary drinking game that cleverly incorporates elements of the traditional sport. Participants play a round of drinks, with each beverage representing a hole on a golf course. The objective is to consume the designated drink in as few sips as possible, mimicking the number of strokes it would take to complete a hole in golf. The choice of drinks and their associated "par" is usually pre-determined, with penalties for taking more sips than the designated par. Pub Golf combines the enjoyment of social drinking with the competitive spirit of golf, creating a lively and entertaining game that is popular in bars and pubs around the world.