Stairways - Drinking Game Rules & How to Play

Stairways is a drinking game in the Card Games category for 3-10 players that takes about 15-30 min with a medium difficulty level.

The viral TikTok card game. Climb the stairway without landing on drinking steps.

Equipment Needed

• Deck of cards
• Drinks

Setup

Lay out 7 cards face down in a row to create the stairway. Deal 4 cards to each player. Keep the rest as the draw pile.

How to Play Stairways

1. Each player starts at the bottom of the 7 card stairway.
2. On your turn, guess if the next stairway card is higher or lower than your current position.
3. Guess right and you move up one step.
4. Guess wrong and you drink and stay put.
5. If you have a card in your hand that matches the stairway card, you can play it to move up automatically.
6. First player to reach the top of the stairway wins that round.
7. Everyone else drinks based on how far from the top they are.
8. Reshuffle and play again.

Tips & Strategies

Hold onto matching cards for the higher steps where guessing gets harder. Pay attention to what cards have been played to improve your odds.

Variations

Speed stairways where you have limited time to guess. Team stairways where partners alternate guessing. Punishment stairways where wrong guesses send you back down.

Players: 3-10 | 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

• Unforgettable Outdoor Drinking Games to Amp Up Your Next Gathering — Ah, the joys of hosting a summer bash! Whether it’s a backyard BBQ, a rooftop soirée, or a beach bonfire, there’s just something about being outdoors with friends, a few drinks, and some killer games ...
• Outdoor Drinking Games for an Unforgettable Party Bash — There’s nothing quite like hosting a party under the open sky, with good friends, good vibes, and, of course, some killer outdoor drinking games. Whether you're hanging at the beach, chilling at the p...
• 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...

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