What happens if I overbid or underbid?

If you overbid or underbid, you'll drink one sip for every trick you were off by. For example, if you bid 3 but only took 2 tricks, you'll drink once. If you bid 3 but took 5 tricks, you'll drink twice.

What happens if there's a tie at the end?

If there's a tie, the tied players play an extra round with one card each. The player who wins the trick gets the victory and the other drinks.

Yes, you can bid zero. If you succeed in taking zero tricks, you assign drinks to any player(s). If you fail and take a single trick, you drink.

What happens if no one wins tricks in a round?

If no one wins even a single trick, everyone drinks, and the cards are reshuffled for a redo of that round.

Oh Hell - Drinking Game Rules & How to Play

Oh Hell is a drinking game in the Card Games category for 3-7 players that takes about 15-30 min with a medium difficulty level.

Bid exactly how many tricks you'll take

Equipment Needed

Standard deck of cards
Drinks

Setup

Shuffle a standard deck of cards and deal a number of cards to each player based on the round: start with one card in the first round, two cards in the second, and so on until you reach the maximum round (typically 7 for 5 players, adjust for your group). Place the rest of the deck in the center as a draw pile and flip one card over to determine the trump suit for the round. Each player will also need a drink within reach, because penalties are inevitable.

How to Play Oh Hell

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

Pay close attention to the trump suit each round,it can make or break your bids. If you're in the lead, don't get cocky; overbidding by even one trick means you'll be drinking. When assigning drinks after a successful round, pick players who are lagging behind to keep the game competitive. If you're dealt a hand without any cards in the trump suit, bid conservatively to avoid drinking penalties.

Variations

Players make their bids before the trump suit is revealed, adding an extra layer of unpredictability and higher drinking penalties.: If a player scores exactly double their bid, they assign double the drinks to any combination of other players.: The player with the lowest score at the end of each round must finish their drink before the next round begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I overbid or underbid?: If you overbid or underbid, you'll drink one sip for every trick you were off by. For example, if you bid 3 but only took 2 tricks, you'll drink once. If you bid 3 but took 5 tricks, you'll drink twice.
What happens if there's a tie at the end?: If there's a tie, the tied players play an extra round with one card each. The player who wins the trick gets the victory and the other drinks.
Can I bid zero?: Yes, you can bid zero. If you succeed in taking zero tricks, you assign drinks to any player(s). If you fail and take a single trick, you drink.
What happens if no one wins tricks in a round?: If no one wins even a single trick, everyone drinks, and the cards are reshuffled for a redo of that round.

Players: 3-7 | Duration: 15-30 min | Difficulty: medium

Related Drinking Games

Card on Forehead — Hold cards on forehead and bet high
Egyptian Ratscrew — Card slapping game with complex slap rules
Screw Your Neighbor — Avoid having the lowest card by trading with neighbors
Give and Take — Match cards to either give or take drinks
F*** the Dealer — Guess the dealer's card or drink
Old Maid Drinking — Match pairs and avoid the Old Maid or chug
Pinochle Shots — Pinochle where points become drinks
Piquet Shots — Historical card game with drink stakes

From Our Blog

Unleash the Fun: Outdoor Drinking Games for Your Next Bash — If you’re planning an epic outdoor party and want to add a splash of excitement, then you’re in for a treat. Outdoor drinking games can turn a casual gathering into a night to remember - filled with l...
Weekend Party Ideas for the Ultimate Fun — Hey! So, you're thinking about throwing a weekend party, and you're looking for some ideas that go beyond the usual hangouts. Whether you're planning to host indoors or turn your backyard into a playg...
Weekend Party Ideas That'll Make Your Friends Beg for More — Hey! So, you've asked for some killer weekend party ideas, and luckily, party planning is kinda my thing. I mean, I've been throwing game nights for ages, and I've seen it all - the good, the bad, and...

Browse more Card Games drinking games or see all drinking games.