Four Corners
Planning a game night with a twist? Learn how to play the Four Corners drinking game with setup, rules, and fun variations for your next party.
✍️ September 6, 2025
Some games are made for the faint of heart. This is not one of them. The Four Corners Drinking Game, another name for the popular drinking game Beer Ball, takes the classic beer pong vibe and flips it into a corner-to-corner showdown where precision, reflexes, and just the right buzz make all the difference.
Think of it as beer pong’s chaotic cousin that decided to turn strategy into a sport.
Whether you’re indoors with a coffee table or outside with a foldable beer pong setup, the game thrives on competition, laughter, and the occasional cup that gets knocked over mid-sip.
If you’ve ever wondered four corners game how to play or Googled how to play four corners but kept finding kids’ classroom games instead—this is the grown-up version you’ve been looking for.
How to play Four Corners
At its core, Four Corners is all about outlasting the other team by knocking down their “life points.” The setup is simple: four cups sit on the corners of the table, and each team guards their two cups while trying to sink shots into the other side.
1. Set the stage
You’ll need a rectangular table, four sturdy cups, ping pong balls, and plenty of beer. Place one cup at each corner of the table—two corners for each team.
2. Teams and turns
Divide into two teams with at least two players each. Teams stand at opposite ends and take turns shooting at the other team’s corner cups.
3. Life points system
Instead of removing cups, each player starts with “life points.” A clean shot costs the defender 2/4 of their life, while a rim shot chips away 1/4. Each hit also comes with a drink penalty.
4. Drinking penalties
- Clean shot: defender drinks half their cup.
- Rim shot: defender drinks a quarter.
- Miss completely? No penalty (but maybe some trash talk).
5. Out but not gone
When a player loses all life points, they’re out of the shooting rotation—but they can still rebound missed balls and save their team.
6. Winning the game
The team that eliminates both opponents’ life points first takes the win. Extra points for dramatic celebrations.
Four Corners rules
Like any good drinking game, house rules and chaos make it more fun. The official mechanics are straightforward, but these tips keep the energy (and the beer) flowing.
1. Respect the corners
No leaning over or nudging cups closer—it ruins the challenge.
2. Keep it fair
Rotate shooters evenly so everyone gets a turn, even if your buddy swears they’re the “MVP.”
3. Don’t spill your sip
Half the fun is drinking when you lose life. If you spill instead of sip, it still counts.
4. Bounce = bonus
If the ball bounces before going in, double the penalty. Risky shot, but worth it.
5. Sudden death option
If both teams are down to their last players, switch to “must sink on first shot” to raise the stakes.
Four Corners variations
If the standard rules start feeling predictable, spice it up with variations. These twists keep the game fresh and make it even more unpredictable.
1. Speed Round
Set a timer for 30 seconds per turn. Teams must shoot, drink, and reset cups within the countdown, turning the game into rapid-fire chaos.
2. Trick Shot Mode
Only creative shots count—behind the back, under the leg, or bank shots. Regular tosses are too basic here.
3. Movie Madness
Pair the game with a movie marathon. Each time a ball sinks, the defending team has to quote a line from the film or take an extra sip.
4. Kings Corner
Add a fifth “king’s cup” in the center of the table. Sink it, and everyone at the table drinks. Pure anarchy.
5. One-Hand Rule
Everyone has to throw with their non-dominant hand. Accuracy plummets, laughs skyrocket.
FAQs about Four Corners
1. What do you need to play Four Corners?
A rectangular table, four cups, ping pong balls, and enough beer to keep things going.
2. How many players can join?
It works best with 2–6 players, but you can scale it up for larger groups.
3. Can you play without alcohol?
Yes—swap drinks for water or soda if you want the competition without the hangover.
4. What happens if the ball bounces in?
House rules decide, but the classic version makes it double damage and double drinks.
5. Is Four Corners the same as the school game?
Nope. The classroom “four corners” is about hiding and guessing. This one’s about beer, life points, and bragging rights.
