If you’re looking for a fun new drinking game, look no further than Up and Down the River. This classic card game is easy to learn and is sure to be a hit at your next party. Let’s take a look at how it works.
How to Play Up and Down the River
Up and Down the River is played with four players, each of whom are dealt eight cards. The dealer deals out all of the cards in the deck, one card at a time in a clockwise motion, until each player has eight cards in their hand. The remaining four cards form the “river” or the “kitty” in the center of the table.
The goal of the game is to get rid of all your cards as quickly as possible. Players take turns laying down sets of three or more matching cards (e.g., three 8s or four Jacks). When it’s your turn, you can either lay down some matching cards from your own hand, or if you don’t have any matches, you can pick up from either end of the river (the kitty). If you pick up from the river, then you must also lay down matching sets from what you picked up—you cannot simply keep them! The first player to get rid of all their cards wins!
Each time someone lays down a set of matches from their own hand, everyone else has to drink one sip for every card laid down. So for example if someone lays down three 8s, everyone else would have to drink three sips each! But if someone picks up from either end of the river and then lays down matches, they don’t have to drink – only other players do!
Strategies For Winning
Although luck plays a large role in Up and Down the River, there are some strategies you can use to increase your chances of winning.
First off, pay close attention when other players discard their cards—this may give you hints as to what type of hand they have so that you can tailor your strategy accordingly. Additionally, try not to get too greedy when drawing a card from either your own hand or from the deck; remember that your main goal is to assemble a matching set (either rank or suit) rather than collecting random pairs or three-of-a-kinds that won’t help you win points in this particular game.
Finally, if possible try not to discard any river cards—these will only hurt other players’ chances of winning while providing little benefit for yourself!
Variations on Up & Down The River
Up & Down The River can be modified in various ways depending on your preference or level of experience playing card games like this one. For example, some variations allow players to swap out certain down or up cards before beginning play; other variations eliminate bonuses for specific hands or add new rules or scoring systems altogether. Additionally, you can modify this game so that it does not involve drinking; this version is just as much fun but without any additional risk associated with consuming alcohol responsibly!
Why You Should Play Up and Down The River
Up and Down The River is an easy drinking game that requires minimal setup but provides hours of fun! It’s perfect for those nights when you want something simple yet engaging without being too complicated or overwhelming. Plus, it encourages social interaction since it involves both luck and strategy, making it an ideal choice for parties or gatherings with friends who like to play games and have fun!
Conclusion:
Up and Down the River is sure to be an entertaining drinking game that will take your next party up a notch. Easy enough that even those who haven’t played before can understand it quickly but challenging enough that experienced players will still enjoy it—it’s perfect for any occasion! So gather your friends around, grab some drinks and snacks (to help soak up all that alcohol!), shuffle up some cards and get ready for some wild fun with this classic drinking game!
