What happens if a ball completely misses the grid?

If you miss the grid entirely, you take a penalty drink immediately. No mulligans allowed.

Can you play this with larger groups?

Yes, but you'll need to rotate players after each round. The winner stays for the next challenger, and the loser takes the 'penalty shot' as they exit.

What if someone accidentally knocks over the grid?

If the grid is knocked over mid-game, the person who caused it drinks the penalty shot, and the game resets.

How do you decide who goes first?

Flip a coin or play a quick round of rock-paper-scissors. Some groups also let the most sober person start.

Connect Four Shots - Drinking Game Rules & How to Play

Connect Four Shots is a drinking game in the Two Player category for 2 players that takes about 15-30 min with a easy difficulty level.

Four in a row with shots

Equipment Needed

Game equipment
Drinks

Setup

Position the Connect Four Shots grid between the two players. Each player gets a set of colored balls (red versus yellow). Place a shot glass filled with your drink of choice next to each player, and make sure there's an extra glass designated as the 'penalty shot' for group use. Decide whether you're playing turn-based or simultaneous mode before starting.

How to Play Connect Four Shots

Set up the game according to basic rules
Players take turns or play simultaneously
Penalties result in drinking
Success means assigning drinks
Continue until winner emerges
Loser faces final penalty
Winner earns bragging rights
Adjust rules as needed for your group

Tips & Strategies

Aim for the center columns early, as they give you the most chances for a four-in-a-row. If you're playing simultaneous mode, hold the ball at the rim and flick your wrist for better accuracy in the small slots. Watch your opponent like a hawk,if they're about to connect four, you can block and assign them a penalty drink in the same round. For penalties, smaller sips keep the game running longer without players tapping out too soon.

Variations

Double Trouble: Each time you successfully land a ball, your opponent must take two penalty drinks instead of one.. Color Chaos: Players alternate using both red and yellow balls, forcing them to remember which color they're trying to connect.. Penalty Pyramid: After every penalty drink, the player must stack an empty shot glass on top of their previous one. Knocking over the stack adds an extra penalty drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if a ball completely misses the grid?: If you miss the grid entirely, you take a penalty drink immediately. No mulligans allowed.
Can you play this with larger groups?: Yes, but you'll need to rotate players after each round. The winner stays for the next challenger, and the loser takes the 'penalty shot' as they exit.
What if someone accidentally knocks over the grid?: If the grid is knocked over mid-game, the person who caused it drinks the penalty shot, and the game resets.
How do you decide who goes first?: Flip a coin or play a quick round of rock-paper-scissors. Some groups also let the most sober person start.

Players: 2-2 | Duration: 15-30 min | Difficulty: easy

Related Drinking Games

Crossword Battle — Finish crossword or drink
Speed Quarters — Race to bounce quarters into glasses
Power Hour — Shot of beer every minute for an hour - can you last?
Puzzle Race — Complete puzzle first
Anchorman — Take turns as the anchor who finishes all remaining drinks
Battleship Drinking — Battleship with drink hits
Speed — Fast-paced card racing for two - drink when you lose!
Spoons for Two — Card matching race with one spoon at stake

From Our Blog

Weekend Party Ideas to Amp Up Your Get-Together — If you're looking to host an unforgettable weekend party, it's all about the games. Sure, you could just throw on some music and let everyone mingle, but where's the flair in that? Adding some engagin...
Weekend Party Ideas That Bring the Fun — So, you're planning a weekend bash and want to make sure it's one for the books. Whether it's a casual barbecue with friends, a rooftop gathering, or just a chill night in with your closest crew, havi...
Weekend Party Ideas to Amp Up Your Gathering — Hey there, weekend warrior! If you're looking to elevate your party game this weekend, you're in the right place. As someone who's been hosting shindigs for years, I've got the scoop on the best drink...

Browse more Two Player drinking games or see all drinking games.