What counts as a 'spill' and how is it penalized?

Any beer that visibly spills out while you're attempting to shotgun counts as a spill. If this happens, your team incurs the penalty specified in the rules you're playing with, like an extra shotgun or a time penalty.

Can you use pre-punctured cans to make it faster?

No, each player must puncture their own can as part of the rules. Using pre-punctured cans removes a key part of the challenge and unfairly speeds up the game.

What happens if someone can't finish their beer?

If a player can't finish their beer, they can't tag the next teammate. Either their team must forfeit or the rest of their team can agree to finish the beer for them, which takes extra time and may cost the race.

How do you decide the winner if both teams finish at the same time?

If it's too close to call, the winner is the team with the fewest spills. If spills are also tied, both teams can elect one player for a final shotgun showdown to determine the winner.

Shotgun Relay - Drinking Game Rules & How to Play

Shotgun Relay is a drinking game in the Beer Games category for 4-16 players that takes about 10-20 min with a hard difficulty level.

Team shotgunning relay race

Equipment Needed

Canned beers
Keys for puncturing

Setup

Divide players into two or more equal teams and arrange them in single-file lines, similar to a relay race. Give each participant one unopened beer can and place keys or other puncturing tools at the front of each line. Ensure there's a clear space for players to puncture, shotgun, and then tag their teammate without tripping over beer cans or other clutter.

How to Play Shotgun Relay

Form equal teams
Line up relay style
First person shotguns beer
Crush can and tag next person
They shotgun and tag
First team to finish wins
Spills = penalty
Winning team celebrates

Tips & Strategies

Use a sharp key or a pointed tool to puncture the can cleanly and quickly; dull tools will waste beer and slow you down. Tilt the can slightly before puncturing it to avoid spilling foam all over yourself. Make sure the next person in line is ready and paying attention to the tag-off, because wasted seconds from confusion can cost your team the race. Avoid over-crushing your can when you're done,it has to be clear you're actually done, but you don't want to make cleanup harder than it has to be.

Variations

Each team member has to shotgun two beers back-to-back before tagging the next person, making it twice as challenging and twice as messy.: The first person in line is blindfolded while puncturing and shotgunning. Another teammate has to guide their hand to the beer and help them aim the key.: If any player spills beer during their turn, they must shotgun a second beer on the spot before their team can continue.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as a 'spill' and how is it penalized?: Any beer that visibly spills out while you're attempting to shotgun counts as a spill. If this happens, your team incurs the penalty specified in the rules you're playing with, like an extra shotgun or a time penalty.
Can you use pre-punctured cans to make it faster?: No, each player must puncture their own can as part of the rules. Using pre-punctured cans removes a key part of the challenge and unfairly speeds up the game.
What happens if someone can't finish their beer?: If a player can't finish their beer, they can't tag the next teammate. Either their team must forfeit or the rest of their team can agree to finish the beer for them, which takes extra time and may cost the race.
How do you decide the winner if both teams finish at the same time?: If it's too close to call, the winner is the team with the fewest spills. If spills are also tied, both teams can elect one player for a final shotgun showdown to determine the winner.

Players: 4-16 | Duration: 10-20 min | Difficulty: hard

Related Drinking Games

Boot Race — Race to empty a boot-shaped glass
Beer Mile — Drink 4 beers during a mile run
Slap Cup — Stack cups with the ability to slap away competitors
Edward Fortyhands — Tape 40oz beers to your hands until you finish both
Stack Cup — Bounce, stack, and race in this cup-stacking drinking game
Drunken Uno — Uno with extra drinking penalties
Wisest Wizard — Build a wizard staff from taped beer cans
Titanic — Float a shot glass in beer, add soju until it sinks. Whoever sinks it drinks it all!

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 Beer Games drinking games or see all drinking games.