A single upside-down cup, a tabletop, and lightning reflexes. In Try Taps, one tap on the cup passes the turn clockwise and a double-tap reverses direction — hesitate or misread it and you drink. Here’s how to keep up.
What you need
- One cup, turned upside-down
- A table everyone can reach
- 4–10 players
- (Optional) our printable rules and direction reference card
How to play Try Taps
- Set the cup. Turn one cup upside-down in the center of the table where everyone can reach it.
- Start the flow. The first player taps the rim once to send the turn to the next player clockwise.
- Read the taps. A single tap continues in the same direction; a double-tap reverses it.
- Keep the tempo. The pace speeds up as the table gets rowdier — stay locked in on whose turn it is.
- Penalties. Hesitate, tap out of turn, or misread the direction and you take a drink.
Variations
- Triple-tap skip: Add a triple-tap that skips the next player entirely.
- Silent mode: No talking allowed — miscommunication penalties go way up.
- Speed rounds: Set a metronome and force a tap on every beat.
Pro tips
- Keep your eyes on the cup, not on people’s faces.
- Agree the default direction (clockwise) before you start.
- Slow, deliberate taps early build muscle memory for the fast rounds.
Try Taps drinking game rules — FAQ
What does a double-tap mean in Try Taps?
A double-tap reverses the direction of play. A single tap continues in the current direction.
What counts as a penalty?
Hesitating on your turn, tapping out of turn, or moving the wrong way all mean you drink.
Do you need any special equipment?
No — just one cup turned upside-down and a table.
Want the print-and-play version? Grab the Try Taps printable pack in our shop — rules card, play components, and cut lines, ready in minutes.
