What happens if both players fall off at the same time?

Both players take the 3-drink penalty, but the round is considered a tie. A rematch is required to determine a winner.

Can you hit below the belt with the pool noodle?

Technically yes, but it's considered bad form. If your group agrees, you can add a rule where low blows result in an automatic loss and the offender drinks 3.

How do you create the tournament bracket?

Write all the players' names on paper slips and draw them randomly to create matchups. The winners keep advancing until only one champion remains.

What happens if someone refuses to drink after falling off?

They can stay in the game, but a forfeited drink lets the opponent assign double drinks to someone else. This keeps penalties fair and the game moving.

Pool Noodle Joust - Drinking Game Rules & How to Play

Pool Noodle Joust is a drinking game in the Outdoor Games category for 4-16 players that takes about 20-30 min with a easy difficulty level.

Pool noodle jousting

Equipment Needed

Pool noodles
Balance beam or logs
Drinks

Setup

Find two sturdy logs, balance beams, or similar raised platforms that are at least 6 inches off the ground and wide enough to stand on without wobbling. Position them parallel to each other, with enough space for spectators to safely gather around. Hand each jouster a full-length pool noodle and make sure everyone has their drinks nearby for the penalty rounds.

How to Play Pool Noodle Joust

Two jousters on raised platforms
Each has a pool noodle
Try to knock opponent off
Fall = drink 3
Stay on = assign 3
Tournament bracket
Champion = glory
Surprisingly competitive

Tips & Strategies

Grip the pool noodle closer to the middle for better control and quicker strikes. Watch your opponent's balance more than their attacks; shifts in weight can telegraph where they're vulnerable. If you're spectating, cheer loudly,distractions can throw even the most coordinated jouster off their game. Keep an eye on the ground around the platform; if it's muddy, falling off will be twice as humiliating (and slippery).

Variations

Double Trouble: Pair up teams of two, with one person balancing while the other holds the pool noodle. The noodle-wielders switch after each round.. Shield Mode: Add a second pool noodle to each jouster as a 'shield' they can use to block strikes. Falling still means you drink 3, but blocking a strike cleanly lets you assign 1 drink to another player.. Sudden Death Rounds: Instead of the standard 3-drink penalty, the loser of each round has to chug a full drink before the next match starts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if both players fall off at the same time?: Both players take the 3-drink penalty, but the round is considered a tie. A rematch is required to determine a winner.
Can you hit below the belt with the pool noodle?: Technically yes, but it's considered bad form. If your group agrees, you can add a rule where low blows result in an automatic loss and the offender drinks 3.
How do you create the tournament bracket?: Write all the players' names on paper slips and draw them randomly to create matchups. The winners keep advancing until only one champion remains.
What happens if someone refuses to drink after falling off?: They can stay in the game, but a forfeited drink lets the opponent assign double drinks to someone else. This keeps penalties fair and the game moving.

Players: 4-16 | Duration: 20-30 min | Difficulty: easy

Related Drinking Games

Cornhole — Toss bags at the boards - score points or drink!
Kan Jam — Frisbee throwing at cans with drinking rules
Night Hike Drinking — Hiking with drink checkpoints
Ladder Golf Drinking — Ladder golf with drinking penalties
Spikeball Drinking — Spikeball with drinking penalties for mistakes
Drink Golf — Golf with drink penalties
Bonfire Games — Various games around fire
Kan Jam — Frisbee meets trash can - deflect your way to victory!

From Our Blog

Outdoor Games That Will Transform Your Next Party — When it comes to throwing an unforgettable outdoor party, the right mix of games can make all the difference. I've been hosting lively gatherings for years, and I can tell you from experience that you...
Outdoor Games for Unforgettable Party Nights — Ah, the magic of outdoor parties - the fresh air, open spaces, and the freedom to be as loud as you want. If you're like me, you know that any good outdoor party needs a lineup of killer games to keep...
Outdoor Games That Turn Parties Into Unforgettable Memories — Hey there! So you're planning an outdoor game day, huh? There's nothing quite like the thrill of taking your party outside, where the air is fresher, laughter echoes a bit more, and there's plenty of ...

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