Up and Down the River - Drinking Game Rules & How to Play

Match cards as dealer goes up and down

Equipment Needed

• Standard deck of cards
• Drinks

Setup

Gather all equipment and players. Everyone should have their drink ready. Designate a starting player.

How to Play Up and Down the River

1. Deal 4 cards to each player
2. Dealer flips river cards
3. Going up: 1-4 drinks for matching
4. Match = you drink
5. Going down: 1-4 drinks to assign
6. Match = you give drinks
7. Complete the river
8. Most drinks = start next round

Tips & Strategies

Pace yourself. It's a marathon, not a sprint. Stay hydrated. Know your limits and respect others'.

Variations

Speed Mode: Halve all time limits. Extreme Mode: Double all drink values. Beginner Mode: Reduce penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many drinks should I have ready?

Have at least 2-3 drinks per person for a full game.

Can we modify the rules?

Absolutely! House rules are encouraged. Make it your own.

Players: 4-12 | Duration: 20-30 min | Difficulty: easy