Drinking Games For 3: 16 Fun Ideas For A Trio

Hey guys! Ever found yourself with a small group and wondered how to spice up the night? Three's not always a crowd, especially when you've got the right drinking games! Forget awkward silences and hello hilarious memories. We've compiled a list of 16 awesome drinking games perfect for three players. Whether you're looking for something strategic, silly, or just plain fun, we've got you covered. So grab your drinks, gather your friends, and get ready for a night you won't forget (or maybe you will, depending on how these games go!). Let's dive in!

Why Drinking Games are Great for Small Groups

So, why even bother with drinking games? Can't you just, you know, talk? Well, sure you can, but drinking games add a whole new layer of fun and excitement to any gathering, especially smaller ones. Here's why they're so great for three people:

• Breaks the Ice: Sometimes, even with close friends, things can start a little slow. A game provides a built-in conversation starter and a shared activity to focus on. It helps everyone relax and loosen up, leading to more genuine interactions.
• Creates Laughter and Memories: Let's face it, some of the best memories are made when you're laughing with friends. Drinking games are designed to be silly and often lead to hilarious situations. From ridiculous challenges to unexpected twists, these games are guaranteed to create some unforgettable moments.
• Levels the Playing Field: Whether you're a social butterfly or a bit more reserved, drinking games offer a level playing field. The focus shifts from individual personalities to the game itself, making it easier for everyone to participate and feel included. It takes the pressure off and encourages everyone to let loose.
• Adds a Touch of Competition: A little healthy competition never hurt anyone! Drinking games tap into our natural desire to win, adding an extra layer of excitement to the night. Just remember to keep it friendly and fun – the goal is to have a good time, not to become the next World Series of Beer Pong champion.
• Enhances the Drinking Experience: Let's be honest, sometimes drinking can get a little…monotonous. Games add variety and keep things interesting. They encourage you to pace yourself and make the experience more engaging than just mindlessly sipping on a drink.

Think of it this way: drinking games are like the social glue that holds a small group together. They provide structure, encourage interaction, and most importantly, they're a whole lot of fun!

Classic Drinking Games for 3 Players

Before we get into some of the more unique and creative games, let's start with the classics. These are the tried-and-true drinking games that have been entertaining people for years, and for good reason – they're simple to learn, easy to play, and always a good time. These classic drinking games are perfect for getting the party started and setting the mood for a fun night.

1. Never Have I Ever

This game is a classic for a reason! It's a fantastic way to learn new things about your friends and share some laughs. The rules are simple: one person starts by saying "Never have I ever…" followed by something they've never done. If anyone has done it, they take a drink. It’s a great way to uncover hidden secrets and spark some interesting conversations. To make it even more interesting, try to come up with specific and funny statements. For example, instead of "Never have I ever traveled abroad," try "Never have I ever accidentally set off a fire alarm." The more creative you get, the more hilarious the game becomes!

Pro Tip: Start with lighter, more general statements and gradually move towards more personal or risqué ones as the game progresses. This allows everyone to warm up and feel more comfortable sharing. Just remember to keep it respectful and avoid anything that might make someone feel uncomfortable.

2. Most Likely To

Another great game for revealing insights and sharing laughs. In "Most Likely To," one person poses a "Most Likely To…" question, such as "Most likely to win the lottery and lose the ticket?" Then, everyone points to the person they think best fits the description. The person with the most fingers pointed at them takes a drink. This game is a fun way to tease your friends and highlight their quirky personalities. Think about your friends' habits and tendencies when coming up with questions. For example, "Most likely to fall asleep at a party?" or "Most likely to start a dance-off in public?" The more you personalize the questions, the more engaging and funny the game becomes.

Pro Tip: This game can get a little competitive, so it's important to keep the questions lighthearted and avoid anything that could be genuinely hurtful or embarrassing. The goal is to have fun and laugh together, not to call anyone out.

3. Straight Face

This game tests your ability to keep a straight face while others try to make you laugh. One person is the "straight face" and the others try to crack them up by telling jokes, making silly faces, or doing anything else they can think of. If the straight face laughs, they take a drink. This game is all about controlled chaos and finding humor in the absurd. The key to winning as a joker is to be unpredictable and persistent. Don't be afraid to try different approaches and see what makes your friend tick. And if you're the straight face, try to focus on something serious or think about something completely unrelated to the game. The more you can distract yourself, the better your chances of keeping a straight face!

Pro Tip: To make the game even more challenging, you can set rules like no physical contact or no repeating jokes. This forces people to get creative and come up with new ways to make each other laugh.

4. Kings Cup (with a 3-person twist)

Kings Cup is a classic card game with slightly different rules depending on your group. In this version adapted for three people, cards are dealt face down around a central cup. Each card corresponds to a specific action or rule. For example, drawing a "King" might mean adding a portion of your drink to the central cup, and the person who draws the final "King" has to drink the whole thing! This game can be easily adapted to suit your group's preferences and is a guaranteed way to liven up the party. You can customize the rules for each card to make the game more personal and hilarious. For example, you could assign dares, challenges, or even mini-games to certain cards.

Pro Tip: Before you start playing, make sure everyone understands the rules for each card. You can even write them down on a piece of paper to avoid any confusion later on.

Creative and Unique Drinking Games for Three

Okay, now that we've covered the classics, let's get into some more unique and creative drinking games that are perfect for three people. These games are designed to be a little more interactive, thought-provoking, and downright silly. Get ready to think outside the box and try something new!

5. Movie/TV Show Drinking Game

Pick a favorite movie or TV show and create drinking rules based on recurring events, lines, or character actions. For example, take a sip every time a certain character says a specific word, or every time a particular scene appears. This game is a fun way to re-watch a classic and adds a whole new layer of engagement. Think about the specific elements of the movie or show that you can turn into drinking rules. For example, if you're watching a horror movie, you could take a sip every time someone screams or a jump scare happens. Or if you're watching a sitcom, you could take a sip every time the laugh track plays.

Pro Tip: To make the game more challenging, you can assign different amounts of drinks to different events. For example, a minor event might be one sip, while a major event could be a shot.

6. Categories

One person starts by naming a category, such as "types of dogs." Then, each person takes turns naming something that fits into that category. If someone repeats an answer, hesitates for too long, or can't think of anything, they drink. This game is a great way to test your knowledge and see how creative you can be under pressure. The key to winning is to think quickly and try to come up with unique answers that others are unlikely to say. You can also make the game more challenging by choosing more specific or obscure categories.

Pro Tip: To make the game more interesting, you can introduce a rule where the category changes every round. This keeps everyone on their toes and prevents the game from getting stale.

7. 21 Questions (Drinking Edition)

One person thinks of a person, place, or thing, and the others have 21 questions (total) to guess what it is. If they can't guess it in 21 questions, they drink. If they guess correctly, the person who was thinking of the answer drinks. This game is a classic for a reason! It encourages strategic thinking and creative questioning. The key to winning is to ask smart, targeted questions that will help you narrow down the possibilities. Start with broad questions, like "Is it a person?" or "Is it an animal?" and then gradually move towards more specific questions as you gather more information.

Pro Tip: To make the game more challenging, you can limit the types of questions that can be asked. For example, you could say that only yes or no questions are allowed.

8. Medusa

Everyone sits in a circle with their heads down. On the count of three, everyone looks up at another person. If you are looking at someone who is also looking at you, you both scream "Medusa!" and take a drink. This game is quick, chaotic, and hilarious. It's all about chance and being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The element of surprise is what makes this game so fun. You never know who you're going to be looking at, and the tension builds as everyone waits for the count of three.

Pro Tip: To make the game more interesting, you can vary the number of counts before everyone looks up. This adds an extra layer of suspense and keeps everyone on their toes.

9. Paranoia

One person whispers a question about someone in the group to the person on their left, such as "Who do you think is the most likely to get arrested?" The person on the left answers out loud. Then, the person who was talked about can ask, "Why?" If the person who answered doesn't want to say why out loud, they can take a drink. This game is intriguing and revealing. It's a fun way to explore your friends' opinions and see what they really think about each other. The key to winning is to come up with interesting and thought-provoking questions that will spark conversation and maybe even a little bit of drama.

Pro Tip: To avoid any hurt feelings, it's important to keep the questions lighthearted and avoid anything that could be genuinely offensive or hurtful. The goal is to have fun and laugh together, not to start an argument.

10. Movie Pitch

Each person comes up with a ridiculous movie idea and tries to pitch it to the others. The best (or worst!) pitch wins, and the other two drink. This game is a great way to unleash your creativity and have some laughs. The more outlandish and absurd your movie idea, the better. Don't be afraid to get silly and let your imagination run wild. Think about what makes a good movie pitch: a compelling storyline, interesting characters, and a unique hook that will grab people's attention.

Pro Tip: To make the game more structured, you can set a time limit for each pitch and have everyone vote on the best one.

Card-Based Drinking Games for a Trio

Cards are a fantastic tool for drinking games! They add an element of chance and structure, making them perfect for smaller groups. Here are some card-based drinking games that work well with three players.

11. Ride the Bus (Simplified)

This game involves dealing cards to each player and then going through a series of questions or challenges. Depending on your answers, you may have to take drinks or give them out. It's a game of strategy and luck. In the simplified version for three people, you can adjust the number of rounds or challenges to keep the game moving and engaging.

Pro Tip: To make the game more exciting, you can add custom rules or challenges that are specific to your group's preferences.

12. Pyramid

Cards are dealt face down in a pyramid shape. Players take turns guessing the card at each level, and if they guess wrong, they drink. The higher up the pyramid, the more drinks you take. This game is a test of memory and luck. The key to winning is to pay attention to which cards have already been revealed and try to deduce what might be left in the pyramid. You can also bluff your way through by confidently guessing a card even if you're not sure.

Pro Tip: To make the game more challenging, you can add wild cards that have special effects, like forcing another player to drink or skipping their turn.

13. Indian Poker (3-Player Version)

Each player gets a card face down on their forehead (so they can't see it, but everyone else can). Players bet on who has the highest card, and the loser drinks. This game is all about bluffing and reading your opponents. You have to try to figure out what card you have based on the reactions of the other players. Pay attention to their facial expressions, betting patterns, and how they react to your bets. The more convincing you are, the better your chances of winning.

Pro Tip: To make the game more interesting, you can add different betting rounds and raise the stakes as the game progresses.

Dice Drinking Games for a Threesome

Dice games are another great option for drinking games, especially for smaller groups. They're simple to play, require minimal equipment, and can lead to some unpredictable results. Let's explore some dice-based drinking games perfect for three people.

14. Dice Duel

Each person rolls a set of dice, and the person with the lowest total drinks. You can add variations like re-rolling certain dice or setting minimum drink amounts. This game is fast-paced and exciting. It's all about luck, but you can also add a strategic element by deciding which dice to re-roll or how much to bet on each roll.

Pro Tip: To make the game more challenging, you can use more dice or add different types of dice with different numbers of sides.

15. Ship, Captain, Crew

This classic dice game has a drinking twist. Players take turns rolling dice, trying to get a 6 (Ship), a 5 (Captain), and a 4 (Crew) in that order. If you get all three, you can then roll the remaining dice for points. The person with the lowest score drinks. This game is a test of luck and strategy. You have to decide when to stop rolling and keep your score, and when to risk it all for a chance at more points.

Pro Tip: To make the game more interesting, you can add a rule where the person with the highest score gets to assign drinks to the other players.

16. Farkle (Drinking Style)

Farkle is a dice game where you roll dice and score points based on certain combinations. If you fail to score on a roll (a "Farkle"), you drink. This game is strategic and suspenseful. You have to decide when to keep rolling for more points and when to play it safe and bank your score. The risk of Farkling and having to drink adds an extra layer of excitement to the game.

Pro Tip: To make the game more challenging, you can increase the number of dice or set a higher score threshold for winning.

Tips for a Fun and Safe Drinking Game Night

Okay, guys, we've covered a ton of fun drinking games! But before you dive in, let's talk about how to make sure your game night is not only fun but also safe and responsible. Nobody wants a great night ruined by overdoing it. So, keep these tips in mind:

• Drink Responsibly: This is the most important tip! Pace yourself, know your limits, and don't feel pressured to drink more than you're comfortable with. Remember, the goal is to have fun, not to get blackout drunk.
• Stay Hydrated: Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or other non-alcoholic beverages. This will help you stay hydrated and prevent hangovers. Trust us, your future self will thank you.
• Eat Something: Drinking on an empty stomach is a recipe for disaster. Make sure you have some food in your system to slow down the absorption of alcohol.
• Know Your Limits: Everyone has different tolerances. Pay attention to how you're feeling and stop drinking when you've had enough. It's always better to err on the side of caution.
• Don't Drive Drunk: This should go without saying, but never get behind the wheel after drinking. Arrange for a designated driver, take a taxi, or use a ride-sharing service.
• Create a Comfortable Environment: Make sure everyone feels comfortable and safe. If someone is getting too drunk or acting inappropriately, step in and help them out.
• Have Fun!: Remember, the point of drinking games is to have a good time with friends. Relax, let loose, and enjoy the company.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your drinking game night is a success. So, grab your friends, choose your games, and get ready for a night of laughter, fun, and unforgettable memories! Cheers!