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A good party game doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive! With “Cheers to the Governor,” all you need is a group of fun pals and some drinks, and you’re guaranteed a good time!

New to the world of drinking games? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

This guide will take you through the basics of “Cheers to the Governor,” before you know it, you’ll be a pro at this exciting counting drinking game!

How to play “Cheers to the Governor”

This game, also known as “21 drinking game”, is perfect for friends who love having a good time and enjoying some drinks. All you need is at least three players, but the more, the merrier!

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To start the game, follow the steps below:

1. Gather everyone in a circle and prepare your drinks

Make sure everyone has their drinks ready to go before starting with “Cheers to the Governor”. It can be any type of alcohol, depending on what everyone prefers. Just make sure they’re all the same amount.

2. Decide who goes first

There are a few ways to decide who goes first. You can:

  • Pick the youngest player
  • Roll a dice and choose the highest number
  • Draw straws or cards, with the highest/lowest one going first

Mixing it up each round is always a good idea so everyone gets a chance to start!

3. Begin counting!

Whoever starts says “one,” and the next player says “two,” and so on. The goal is to reach 21, but there’s a catch!

4. Toast to the governor!

As the “Cheers to the Governor” game progresses, you’ll eventually reach 21. Once a player calls out “21,” everyone has to say, “Cheers to the governor!” and drink their drinks. Now, whoever called out “21” gets to make up a new rule!

“Cheers to the Governor” Rules

Looking to make your “Cheers to the Governor” a fun one? Follow these simple tips to make the game more exciting!

1. Prepare non-alcoholic options

Not everyone may want to drink alcohol, so it’s always a good idea to have non-alcoholic options available. This way, everyone can join in on the fun!

2. Add some variety with different drinks

Want to make things more interesting? Have players take turns picking the type of drink for each round! It could be beer, wine, cocktails, or shots - the possibilities are endless!

3. Safety first!

As much fun as the “Cheers to the Governor” can be, it’s essential to drink responsibly and take care of each other. Set a limit for how many rounds you’ll play, and make sure everyone stays within their limits.

4. What stays in the game stays in the game

The best part about “Cheers to the Governor” is that anything goes! All rules are made up on the spot and can be changed or modified however you like. Just remember - what happens in the game stays in the game!

Best “Cheers to the Governor” Rule Ideas

Need some inspiration for rule ideas? If you’re feeling daring, try out these fun rules for your next game:

1. Jump instead of “1”

The player who starts the game has to say “jump” instead of “one.” The next player then says “two,” and so on.

If someone messes up, they have to drink!

2. Reverse order when someone calls out “7”

Whenever a player calls out “7,” the order of counting reverses. Instead of going clockwise, it now goes counterclockwise!

3. Swap names for animals

This rule is a hoot! Instead of calling out “8,” you have to name an animal. If you repeat an animal or can’t think of one, well, it’s time to drink!

4. Sing, don’t say “12”

When you hit “12,” you’ve got to sing it! Whether you’ve got the voice of an angel or can’t carry a tune in a bucket, it’s your time to shine. Off-key performances are especially celebrated.

5. Perform a dance move at “15”

“15” isn’t just a number; it’s a performance cue! Break out your best dance move. Moonwalk, floss, cha-cha, or even invent a new dance on the spot. The more ridiculous, the better.

6. “9” is mime time

Who says you need words to communicate? At “9,” mime out an action or object for the next player to guess. Wrong guesses or speech equals a sip of your drink.

7. No pointing at “4”

Pointing is rude, didn’t you know? On “4,” no pointing at anyone or anything. If you forget that rule in “Cheers to the Governor”, it’s time to drink as a reminder of your manners.

8. Wear something weird for “5”

Grab the nearest odd object and wear it as a hat when you say “5.” Whether it’s a coaster, a shoe, or a napkin, creativity scores extra points.

9. Real names are banned

Nobody is called by their real name once the game starts. Make up a silly nickname for everyone.

Did you forget to call someone by their new name? That’s a drink for you!

10. Laugh instead of “3”

Laughter is contagious, and at “3,” it’s mandatory. Replace “three” with your best belly laugh. Chuckles, giggles, snorts – all forms of laughter are welcome.

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11. Invent your own country at “10”

Why say “10” when you can declare the founding of a new country? Name your country and something it’s famous for. The more imaginative, the better!

12. Speak in accents at “6”

At “6,” it’s time to show off your accent skills. British, Australian, French, or Martian – pick an accent and stick with it. Bad accents are highly encouraged.

13. Tell a joke instead of “11”

“11” is now the joke zone in “Cheers to the Governor”. Crack your best (or worst) joke. If no one laughs, well, you know the drill – take a drink!

14. Whisper “14”

“14” is secret time. Whisper a secret to the person next to you. Whether it’s silly, embarrassing, or just plain weird, no one else will ever know.

15. Girl power

When a player says number 5, all the female players must drink.

16. Boys world

When players say number 8, all the male players must drink.

17. Skip a number

When you get to a number divisible by 5, skip it and go to the next number! For example, if you get to “10,” say “11” instead. Whoever messes up must drink.

18. Clap

When players reach number 18, they must clap 18 times. If they forget or mess it up, you already know what to do in “Cheers to the Governor”!

📖 Suggested read: "21 Drinking Game": The Perfect Game for Your Next Party

19. Everybody on mute

After the number “18” is said, all players must remain silent instead of saying “19.” The next person to the player who’s supposed to say “19” must continue counting with “20.”

If someone speaks out of turn, they must drink.

20. Shorty

When a player says the number “20,” the person sitting to their right must finish their drink in one go.

21. Sharing is caring

When players reach number “21”, they can point to someone who must take a drink.

“Cheers to the Governor” is a fun, interactive drinking game that allows players to be creative and add their spin on the rules. Remember to drink responsibly and have a great time! Cheers!

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