What happens if the dealer picks an unfair game?

The group can veto the game with a majority vote, and the dealer must pick another game. This ensures the dealer doesn't exploit their advantage unfairly.

What if someone forgets the rules of a mini-game?

The dealer must explain the rules before the game starts. It's a good idea for the group to agree on known games beforehand to avoid confusion.

How does the dealer advantage work?

The dealer advantage lies in choosing games they're good at, but overusing complex games might backfire if it annoys the group or triggers a veto.

What if someone refuses to drink after losing?

The group can establish a non-drinking penalty like doing 10 push-ups or singing a song to keep the game moving and avoid conflict.

Dealer's Choice - Drinking Game Rules & How to Play

Dealer's Choice is a drinking game in the Card Games category for 3-10 players that takes about 30-60 min with a medium difficulty level.

Dealer chooses mini-games each round

Equipment Needed

Standard deck of cards
Drinks

Setup

Grab a standard deck of cards and shuffle thoroughly. Sit in a circle or around a table where everyone has easy access to the deck and their drinks. The first dealer is chosen by drawing cards, with the highest card taking the role. Place the shuffled deck in the center for quick card draws during mini-games.

How to Play Dealer's Choice

Dealer rotates each round
Dealer picks a card game
Play that mini-game
Loser becomes next dealer
Repeat with new game
Games: High-Low, Red-Black, etc.
Variety prevents boredom
Dealer advantage exists

Tips & Strategies

If you're the dealer, pick a quick, easy mini-game first like High-Low so everyone gets into the flow without overthinking. Use your dealer advantage strategically by choosing games you're good at or that confuse other players, like Red-Black with rapid-fire calls. Watch your opponents' drinking pace; if someone is clearly ahead, you can level the playing field by choosing a mini-game that targets them directly. Always shuffle the deck thoroughly before starting your round to avoid predictable patterns.

Variations

The dealer can invent completely new mini-games instead of sticking to known ones like High-Low or Red-Black, as long as the rules involve cards and drinking.: The dealer keeps their role until they lose a round themselves, making it possible to have one dealer dominate multiple rounds before passing the deck.: Any mini-game chosen by a dealer cannot be repeated again for the rest of the session, forcing creativity and variety as the game progresses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if the dealer picks an unfair game?: The group can veto the game with a majority vote, and the dealer must pick another game. This ensures the dealer doesn't exploit their advantage unfairly.
What if someone forgets the rules of a mini-game?: The dealer must explain the rules before the game starts. It's a good idea for the group to agree on known games beforehand to avoid confusion.
How does the dealer advantage work?: The dealer advantage lies in choosing games they're good at, but overusing complex games might backfire if it annoys the group or triggers a veto.
What if someone refuses to drink after losing?: The group can establish a non-drinking penalty like doing 10 push-ups or singing a song to keep the game moving and avoid conflict.

Players: 3-10 | Duration: 30-60 min | Difficulty: medium

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