Midnight - Drinking Game Rules & How to Play
Midnight is a drinking game in the Dice Games category for 2-6 players that takes about 15-30 min with a medium difficulty level.
Roll to maximize score with constraints
Equipment Needed
Setup
Grab 6 standard six-sided dice and place them in the center of the table. Decide on the initial turn order by having everyone roll one die, with the highest roller going first. Each player should have their drink within easy reach, as penalties and rewards happen frequently in this game.
How to Play Midnight
- 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 to save your highest rolls early in each turn, especially any sixes, since they're essential for a strong score. If you roll a 1, remember it locks your total score for the round at a lower cap, so plan your strategy accordingly. Watch what others roll; assigning drinks strategically can sabotage a leading player or keep competition tight. Don't forget that passing the dice quickly keeps the energy flowing and avoids downtime between rounds.
Variations
Double Trouble: If you roll two 6s in a single turn, you can assign twice the normal number of drinks to any player or split them between two players.. Reverse Chaos: Losers of a round assign drinks instead of taking them, but they must drink double if they roll a 1 on their next turn.. Silent Midnight: Players are not allowed to speak except to call out their rolls; every spoken word beyond that results in an immediate penalty drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happens if I roll all sixes?
- Rolling all sixes is considered a 'Midnight,' and you get to assign drinks equal to the number of players in the game, including yourself if you're feeling bold.
- Can I re-roll a 1, or is it locked immediately?
- A 1 is locked immediately and caps your score for that round. You'll have to live with the reduced potential and hope for better luck next turn.
- How does the final penalty for the loser work?
- The final penalty is determined by the group before the game starts. Common house rules include finishing your drink in one go, performing a dare, or rolling all 6 dice and drinking the total shown.
- Can we change the number of dice used?
- Yes, but it alters the gameplay balance. Using more dice increases randomness, while fewer dice make strategic rolls more important. Stick to 6 for the best experience!
Players: 2-6 | Duration: 15-30 min | Difficulty: medium
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