How To Play “Ride The Bus” Drinking Game

“Ride the Bus” is a popular drinking game that involves a combination of cards and luck, often leading to humorous and unpredictable outcomes.

This game is a great game to play with a larger group, along with more of the best drinking card games like, Killer, Pyramid, the Kings drinking card game and the “F The Dealer” drinking game.

It’s a favorite at parties and social gatherings for its easy-to-learn rules and engaging gameplay. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to play:

What You’ll Need To Play

1. Deck of Cards: A standard 52-card deck.
2. Drinks: Typically alcoholic beverages.

Number of Players

• 3 to 10 players: Best played with a medium-sized group.

Objective

The aim of the game is to avoid ‘riding the bus’ – a penalty involving drinking – by successfully navigating through a series of card guesses.

Game Setup

• Arrange the Cards: Cards are laid out in a pyramid structure (face down) and a line of cards for the ‘bus ride’.
• Player Preparation: Each player should have a drink at hand.

Ride The Bus Drinking Game Rules

1. Building the Pyramid:
   • Create a pyramid with a row of five cards at the base, then four above it, and so on, up to a single card at the top.
   • Each row represents a different value: the bottom row is one drink, the next is two, and so on.
2. Dealing Cards to Players:
   • Each player is dealt four cards, which they can look at but should keep secret.
3. The Pyramid Round:
   • The dealer turns over the first card at the base of the pyramid.
   • Players who have a matching card in their hand can give out drinks corresponding to the row the card is in.
   • Players can bluff and pretend to have the card. If caught in a bluff, they must take the drinks themselves.
4. Continuing the Pyramid:
   • The dealer continues revealing cards up the pyramid.
   • The number of drinks given out increases with each level of the pyramid.
5. Riding the Bus:
   • After the pyramid round, the player with the most cards in hand ‘rides the bus’.
   • The bus ride consists of flipping cards from a line of 10. The player must guess the color, higher or lower, inside or outside (between two numbers), or suit of each card.
   • If they guess wrong, they take a drink and start over.

Variations

• Custom Rules: Players can add their own rules or variations to the pyramid or bus ride.
• Different Pyramid Sizes: Adjust the pyramid size based on the number of players or desired game length.
• Non-Drinking Penalties: For those who prefer not to drink, alternative penalties can be used.

Strategy Tips

1. Remember Your Cards: Keep track of your cards to make effective decisions during the pyramid round.
2. Bluffing: Use bluffing strategically but be prepared to face the consequences if caught.
3. Riding the Bus: When riding the bus, try to remember which cards have already been played to make better guesses.

Safety and Considerations

• Drink Responsibly: It’s important to know your limits and drink responsibly.
• Inclusive Play: Ensure all players are comfortable with the drinking aspect of the game. Offer non-alcoholic options or alternative activities for those who prefer not to drink alcohol.
• Consent: Make sure everyone understands the rules and agrees to them before starting.

Additional Rules and Etiquette

1. Fair Play: Encourage an atmosphere of fun and fairness. Don’t pressure anyone to drink more than they’re comfortable with.
2. Handling Bluffs: If someone is caught bluffing, they must drink the number of drinks that correspond to the pyramid row of the card.
3. Dealing with Ties: In case of a tie for the most cards, all tied players can ride the bus together or play a tiebreaker to determine the rider.

Game Flow

• The game flows between the pyramid round and the bus ride. The pyramid round involves strategy and interaction among players, while the bus ride focuses on the unlucky player trying to avoid drinks by making correct guesses.
• The game typically continues until players decide to stop or when the cards run out.

Ending the Game

• The game ends when the bus ride is completed or when the players decide to end it.
• Often, the game can lead to a rematch, especially if players are keen on a different outcome or just want to continue the fun.

Fun and Engagement

• “Ride the Bus” is not just about drinking; it’s about the excitement of guessing, the thrill of the bluff, and the laughter that comes from the unpredictable outcomes.
• The game’s social aspect is a big part of its appeal, as players interact, celebrate successful guesses, and commiserate over the challenges of riding the bus.

Ride The Bus Drinking Game Rules

“Ride the Bus” is a fantastic game for those looking to add some excitement to their social gathering. It’s a game that combines luck, skill, and a bit of strategy, making it perfect for groups who enjoy interactive and engaging drinking games.

Remember, the key to any drinking game is to prioritize fun and safety. Drinking games should always be played in a responsible manner, respecting the limits and comfort of all participants.

Enjoy “Ride the Bus” for its lively and entertaining gameplay, but always play responsibly and ensure everyone is having a good time.

Check out some more of the best free drinking games.