Case Race
How to play Case Race, the brutal beer-drinking game of speed, strategy, and stomachs of steel. Rules, tips, and wild variations inside.
✍️ June 20, 2025
How Many Beers Can You Handle? Welcome to the Case Race.
If you’ve ever looked at a full case of beer and thought, “That doesn’t seem like that much,” the Case Race is your reality check. This isn’t just a drinking game—it’s an endurance sport disguised as chaos, camaraderie, and questionable decisions.
Whether you’re playing with frat bros, college friends, or just fellow masochists with a love for cheap lagers, the Case Race is a legendary showdown. No beer bong shortcuts. No mercy. Just you, your squad, and 24 icy cans staring you down.
Wondering how many beers in a case? That’s your first lesson. Spoiler: it’s exactly enough to destroy you.
How to play Case Race
The Case Race is simple in theory: finish your team’s 24-pack of beer before the other team does. But between the penalties, the burps, and the slow spiral into chaos, things get messy real quick.
1. Assemble your squad.
You’ll need 2–5 players per team. Each team is assigned one case of beer (that’s 24 cans, in case you were wondering how many beers in a case). Want to play solo? That’s called the Iron Man version. And yes, it’s as dangerous as it sounds.
👉 Not ready for 24 beers? The Boat Race drinking game is a solid warm-up.
2. No beer left behind.
Every single beer must be finished. No half-cans. No sneaky pour-outs. Empty cans only. Any leftover liquid doesn’t count—and could cost you the win.
3. Vomit? Penalty.
If you hurl mid-game, your team gets a 5-minute timeout plus an extra beer to drink. Spilling or wasting beer? That’s another penalty.
4. First team to finish wins.
Once all 24 beers are gone and the cans are confirmed empty, your team wins eternal glory. Or at least a very long nap.
Case Race rules
Beyond the official rules, there are some unspoken truths every Case Racer should know. Follow these tips if you want to survive—and maybe even win.
1. Pick the Right Beer
Light beers (3.5%–4.5% ABV) like Miller Lite, Coors Light, Bud Light are ideal. Avoid IPAs, stouts, or overly carbonated seltzers.
2. Strategize Your Order
Assign your team’s drinking order. Rotate smart. Put your strongest drinkers early or anchor your weakest.
3. Pace Is Everything
Start too fast and you’ll crash. Too slow and you’ll lose. Find your team’s rhythm.
4. Train Before You Play
Pre-load with carbs, hydrate well, and practice controlled burping to avoid bloating.
5. Stack Cans as You Go
Helps track progress, builds hype, and keeps things dramatic.
6. Assign a Team Captain
Someone to call out turns, pace the team, and manage disputes. Think drunk project manager.
Case Race variations
Think the standard game is too tame? Spice things up with these creative, chaotic twists on the Case Race formula.
1. Mystery Case Race
Cases are filled with unlabeled beers. Some light, some terrible. Bonus: one booby-trap can might be pickle juice.
2. Trivia Case Race
Answer a trivia question before each beer. Wrong? You drink two. Good luck if you’re dumb and drunk.
3. Obstacle Course Race
Drink a beer. Complete a wacky challenge. Repeat. Loser has to stack empties into a tower.
4. Silent Race
No talking. Slip up? Your team drinks a penalty beer.
5. Wheel of Doom
Spin a wheel before each beer to reveal a drinking challenge: one-legged chug, dizzy mode, confession time, etc.
FAQs about Case Race
1. How many beers in a Case Race?
24, that’s 12 per person if you’re playing 2v2. Adjust team size to survive.
2. Can you play solo?
Yes. It’s called Iron Man. But be warned—this is elite-level drinking.
3. What beer should I use?
Miller Lite, Bud Light, Coors Light, Michelob Ultra, PBR. Low ABV, light carbonation, and easy to chug.
4. What happens if someone throws up?
Timeout for 5 minutes and your team gets an extra beer added.
5. How long does a Case Race last?
Anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour. Depends on your pace—and your stomach.
6. How do I make it more fun?
Add music, costumes, team names, or play with a live crowd. The more ridiculous, the better.
