Beer Die
Throw high, defend your side, and don't let the dice hit the floor.
About the Game
Beer Die is a competitive tabletop game in which players take turns throwing a die high into the air over the opposing side of the table. The defending team tries to catch the die before it hits the ground.
Players score points by landing throws on the table and by forcing the opposing team to miss a catch. The game rewards accuracy, quick reactions, and teamwork.
What You Need
- A large outside area.
- A sturdy table with enough room around it for all players.
- Two dice, as well as extra dice if any are lost.
- Four cups fill with water or other alcoholic beverage, one for each player.
Setup
1. Form the Teams
Beer Die is played with four players split into two teams of two. Teammates stand at one end of the table together, facing the opposing team.
2. Set Up the Table
Each player places a cup at their corner of the table. Agree on the boundaries, throwing height, scoring rules, and target score before starting. We generally say the boundary is at the very center of the table, marked with tape spanning the width of the table. Throw height should be about 15 feet, and target score is 11. But you cant adjust this however you like
3. Choose the First Thrower
Decide which team throws first. Teams then take turns throwing the die toward the opposing side.
How to Play
1. Throw the Die
Teams team turns throwing their two dice, one at a time, towards the opposing side. Before throwing, its polite practice to make sure the opposing team is ready, and you must always call 'die up', before throwing. The goal is to have the dice hit your opponents side of the table, then fall off and hit the ground. Teams must wait to throw their second die until after the first die throw has been settled and the opposing team is ready.
2. Defend Your Side
If a dice hits the table, the defending team attempts to catch the die with one hand if it goes off the table, and before it hits the ground. Defenders are not allowed to cross the edge of the table until the die is thrown.
3. Score Points
A team scores when the die lands on the table and bounces off without being caught, when the opposing team fails to make a required catch (if the opposing team catches it on their body or with two hands or in any other unconventional way). Exact scoring depends on your group's rules. We say this counts as 1 point on the 11 point system.
4. Alternate Throws
Teams alternate throws and keep track of their points. Teammates work together to defend their side and score against the other team.
5. Win the Game
Play until a team reaches the target score chosen at the start. Some groups require a team to win by two points.
Other Ways to Score Points
1. FIFA
Defending teams get a chance to score extra points when the opposing team misses the table, if the thrown die is not going to hit the table, a player on the defending team may kick the incoming die back up in the air, if their teammate manages to catch die with one hand, the defending team scores a point. Each time a team obtains a point from a FIFA, the amount of kicks required increases. So, if a team already has a point from a FIFA, both team members must kick the die back up before catching it with one hand. If they have two points from a FIFA, their must be 3 kicks.
2. Cup Hit
If your die hits an opponent's cup before hitting the ground, the score counts for 2 points.
3. Field Goal
If your die hits the opponents side of the table, then manages to roll all the way back to your side and through your team's cups and onto the ground, this score counts for 2 points.
4. Die in the Cup
If your die manages to land in one of the two opponent's cups, then this score counts for 3 points.
5. OOPS!!!
As a funny bonus rule, if your die manages to land in your own cup, then you must take your shirt off and run around the block. If you land in your teammate's cup, they have to do it. You can of course come up with any sort of penalty you like for this, it's quite rare.