What happens if someone runs out of cards?

If a player runs out, they can still participate by assigning drinks when others fail trades or finish rounds. Running out first gives an advantage.

Can penalties stack in one round?

Yes, penalties can stack. If you fail multiple trades or forget the timer rules, you drink for every penalty incurred until the next session starts.

How do you determine the loser for the final penalty?

The loser is the player holding the most leftover cards when trading ends. They drink a final penalty equal to the number of leftover cards.

What should we do if trades get too chaotic?

If trading becomes unmanageable, pause the timer and reassign rules for trade order or limit simultaneous trades to avoid gridlock.

Pit Trading - Drinking Game Rules & How to Play

Pit Trading is a drinking game in the Card Games category for 3-8 players that takes about 15-30 min with a easy difficulty level.

Frantic trading game with drink penalties

Equipment Needed

Standard deck of cards
Drinks

Setup

Shuffle a standard deck of cards thoroughly and deal an equal number of cards to each player so everyone starts with a full hand. Set a timer for 15 minutes to keep the game fast-paced, or decide on a stopping point like when someone finishes their drink. Make sure every player has their drink within reach, as penalties and assignments happen quickly.

How to Play Pit Trading

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

Focus on matching pairs or sets of cards as fast as possible to minimize penalties. It's more effective to yell your trade offer,'Two sevens for a jack!',than to quietly negotiate, because this game favors momentum. Be prepared to bluff or mislead opponents in trades to avoid finishing with leftover cards and the loser's final drinking penalty. Keep drinks nearby but avoid spilling them while trading cards in the chaos.

Variations

Silent Pit: Players cannot speak during trades, forcing them to rely on gestures to communicate their card offers and demands.. Timed Chaos: Set a 30-second timer for each trade session; any player holding cards after the timer drinks a penalty sip per card left.. Drink Multiplier: Each match a player completes lets them assign drinks equal to the number of cards in the match (e.g., four drinks for a 4-card match).

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if someone runs out of cards?: If a player runs out, they can still participate by assigning drinks when others fail trades or finish rounds. Running out first gives an advantage.
Can penalties stack in one round?: Yes, penalties can stack. If you fail multiple trades or forget the timer rules, you drink for every penalty incurred until the next session starts.
How do you determine the loser for the final penalty?: The loser is the player holding the most leftover cards when trading ends. They drink a final penalty equal to the number of leftover cards.
What should we do if trades get too chaotic?: If trading becomes unmanageable, pause the timer and reassign rules for trade order or limit simultaneous trades to avoid gridlock.

Players: 3-8 | Duration: 15-30 min | Difficulty: easy

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.