Roxanne - Drinking Game Rules & How to Play

Roxanne is a drinking game in the No Equipment category for 2-20 players that takes about 15-30 min with a medium difficulty level.

Drink during the song Roxanne

Equipment Needed

Setup

Before starting, queue up 'Roxanne' by The Police on a decent sound system so everyone can hear the lyrics clearly. Ensure each player has their drink of choice in hand, preferably with enough to last the full 3-4 minutes of the song. Players should be seated or standing in a circle where everyone can see and hear each other to keep the rhythm flowing.

How to Play Roxanne

  1. Set up the game according to basic rules
  2. Players take turns or play simultaneously
  3. Penalties result in drinking
  4. Success means assigning drinks
  5. Continue until winner emerges
  6. Loser faces final penalty
  7. Winner earns bragging rights
  8. Adjust rules as needed for your group

Tips & Strategies

Pay close attention to the words 'Roxanne' and 'put on the red light',these trigger the drinking rules. Strategize your sips if your drink is strong; you'll be drinking a lot in quick succession during the chorus. If you're new to the game, consider using a lighter drink like beer instead of hard liquor to keep up. For an extra challenge, try singing along while drinking,it's harder than it sounds but keeps the mood hilarious.

Variations

Double Trouble: Every instance of 'Roxanne' or 'red light' is worth two drinks instead of one. 2. Solo Survival: One player drinks for 'Roxanne' and another for 'red light', then switch roles halfway through the game. 3. Shot Glass Gauntlet: Use shot glasses instead of regular drinks and each 'Roxanne' or 'red light' requires downing a shot (not recommended for light drinkers).

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if someone misses a 'Roxanne'?
If a player misses a 'Roxanne', they take a penalty drink immediately and must catch up for the rest of the song.
Can you pause the game if someone spills their drink?
The game doesn't pause, so if there's a spill, the person can either clean it quickly between drinks or accept the chaos and keep going.
How do you handle ties for winner/loser if the game doesn’t seem competitive?
Since there isn't a clear 'winner', just enjoy the chaos and maybe designate everyone as a winner for making it through the entire song.
How much drink should I prepare before starting the game?
Prepare at least one full drink; the frequency of 'Roxanne' and 'red light' can drain it quickly, especially if you're playing with a shorter drink like a cocktail or beer.

Players: 2-20 | Duration: 15-30 min | Difficulty: medium

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