Caps

WHAT IS CAPS? In the game of Caps, the objective is to score points by tossing caps into a beer mug.

HOW MANY PLAYERS? Caps is played with four players, who form fixed partnerships.

WHAT DO I NEED? To play Caps, you’ll need two beer mugs, lots of bottle caps, and lots of beer.

WHAT TYPE OF GAME IS IT? Caps is a skill-based drinking game.

WHO CAN PLAY? Caps is for adults only.

INTRODUCING CAPS

Have you ever played Caps? It’s a fun drinking game where you try to toss bottle caps into cups or at another capped bottle. In France, they play a version of Caps where you toss the caps at an upside-down beer bottle. But in North America, Northern Europe, and Argentina, we prefer tossing caps into cups or glasses. Caps is played by teams of two, with four people in total.

HOW TO PLAY CAPS

When we divide into teams, we can sit or stand anywhere from 8 to 16 feet away from each other. We just need to remember to keep our butts behind the cup. Speaking of cups, each team has a mug filled with beer.

Teams take turns throwing bottle caps into the other team’s mug. If we successfully land a shot, the opposing team has a chance to match it with their own rebuttal shot. But if they miss, we get a point and they have to split a full beer between them.

But wait, there’s more! Let me introduce you to a game called Caps. It’s a competitive and lively drinking game that will keep you on your toes. Here’s how it works: if a shot is made, it’s immediately countered, creating an exciting back-and-forth dynamic. The game continues until someone misses a shot, at which point both they and their teammate have to take a drink. The other team is also awarded points. The fun doesn’t stop there; play continues until one team reaches a predetermined score, usually 5 points.

Variants of Caps exist to keep things interesting. In one variation, teams must be two points ahead after both have reached 5 points in order to win.

Who’s the “Beer Fetcher”?

• If three out of four players consecutively score in four shots but one player does not, that unfortunate soul becomes known as the “beer fetcher” or “the bitch.”
• On the flip side, if all four players make a shot in four shots, it’s called a “social,” and everyone drinks their beers together in celebration.

Northwestern University has its own version of Caps, which has spread to several other Big Ten universities, as well as various institutions across the USA. In this version, players sit exactly 15 feet apart. Players on the same team stand diagonally across from each other, forming a diagonal line.

To keep things in order, a 25 oz beer mug is placed between players on the same side. It’s common to play with the players’ backs and mugs against a wall, with the game taking place across the room. This ensures that the caps don’t go flying all over the place.

The game starts with the youngest player throwing the cap first. Then, the player opposite them from the opposing team takes their turn. This pattern continues throughout the game.

Got the hang of throwing caps into cups? There’s no set method for tossing that cap, except for one rule—you have to be sitting while you do it. That’s right, my friend, no standing allowed. Keeps things fair and square.

Now, here’s an interesting twist. If you sink that cap straight into the cup without it hitting the wall first, the other player can still fight back! They get a chance to rebuttal. But if the cap touches that wall before landing in the cup, then it’s a no-go.

Now, here’s where things get real challenging. Some people play this game “Hardos” style. What’s that, you ask? Well, it means you need to have a side beer in one hand while you try to throw that cap. No worries, my friend, there’s no limit to how many side beers you can have, or how fast you drink them. Just remember, if you miss that rebuttal after sinking the cap, you’re in for a double gulp. You’ll have to chug the beer in the cup and the side beer too. Cheers to the challenge!

So, there you have it. No fancy rules to remember, just grab a seat, toss those caps, and have some fun. And remember, a little competition never hurt nobody. Well, except for maybe that headache the next morning. But it’s totally worth it, right? Have a blast!