Mustache
A secret signal, a four-stage relay, and a race to the sink.
About the Game
Mustache is a fast-paced, two-versus-two team game combining bouncing a pong ball, flip cup, and a race to refill a cup at the kitchen sink.
Teammates stand across from each other on the same side of the table, while their opponents occupy the other side. Each team must complete the entire sequence before the opposing team to score a point.
Setup
- Divide players into two teams of two.
- Each team stands along one side of the table, with teammates positioned across from each other.
- Give each player a cup containing an agreed-upon amount of beer, traditionally around one-third of a cup up to a full cup.
- Give each player access to a pong ball for their turns.
- Make sure the table edge is clear for flip cup and that the kitchen sink is accessible.
- Choose which side of the table starts the first round.
The Mustache Signal
The side that is not starting controls when the round begins. They secretly decide when to initiate the game by making a sly finger movement above the lip, mimicking a mustache.
- The starting players wait for the signal.
- At a time of their choosing, one of the non-starting players makes the mustache gesture.
- Once the starting players notice the signal, both opposing starting players begin their sequence immediately.
The point is to catch the starting players off guard. The signal should be subtle, but it must be a genuine mustache gesture rather than unrelated movement.
How to Play
Stage 1: Drink
Once the mustache signal is given, both starting players begin with their cups. After finishing their turn's drink, they move to the bounce stage. Players should never be pressured to consume alcohol quickly or beyond their limits.
Stage 2: Bounce
Each starting player must successfully bounce their pong ball into their own cup. Once they make the bounce, they move on to flip cup.
Stage 3: Flip Cup
Place the cup on the edge of the table, starting face down as defined by your house rules. Flip it so it completes a full turn and lands face down on the table again. Keep trying until the flip is successful.
Stage 4: Pong
After making the flip, the player shoots their pong ball into their teammate's cup across the table. The teammate should help retrieve the ball so the shooter can keep trying.
Stage 5: The Sink Refill
As soon as the first teammate successfully makes the pong shot into their teammate's cup, that teammate races to the kitchen sink to fill their cup with water and return.
The returning teammate must be ready with the water-filled cup for the final pong shot. Their partner continues playing while they retrieve the water.
Stage 6: Finish the Round
The round ends when the second teammate successfully lands their pong ball in the water-filled cup. The team that completes this sequence first earns one point.
The Full Sequence
The first player completes the sequence through their first pong shot. Their teammate then completes the same sequence, with the sink refill happening while the second player is working toward their final pong shot.
Scoring & Winning
- The first team to complete the full sequence wins the round and earns one point.
- After each round, the team that did not start the previous round starts the next one.
- The opposing side once again controls the timing of the mustache signal.
- The game continues until a team leads by at least two points.
Perfect Round Bonus (Unconfirmed)
There may be a house rule awarding two points if both teammates complete their bounce, flip cup, and pong stages on the first attempt. This bonus has not been verified. Agree whether to use it before the game begins.
Rules & Sportsmanship
- No intentionally hitting, moving, or interfering with another player's cup.
- No blocking or swatting an opponent's pong ball.
- No intentionally obstructing an opponent's field of view.
- Do not interfere with players retrieving balls or traveling to the sink.
- Keep the path to the sink clear and dry.
- Players may retrieve their own balls and help their teammates retrieve theirs.
- Resolve disagreements before the next round begins.
- Water can be used in all cups, and nobody is required to drink alcohol to play.
Safety Notice
Keep drink amounts reasonable and never require chugging or excessive alcohol consumption. Players can use nonalcoholic drinks, take breaks, or stop playing at any time.
Clean up spills immediately, keep the route to the sink clear, and avoid running on slippery floors. Do not play if impaired enough that bouncing, flipping, or moving safely becomes difficult.
If someone is difficult to wake, has repeated vomiting, has a seizure, or is breathing slowly or irregularly, call emergency services immediately and stay with them.