Pyramid (drinking game)

The Pyramid drinking game is a card-based social game involving skill, memory, and luck, typically played with a standard deck of 52 playing cards and at least two players, although it's often more engaging with a larger group. The game aims to identify and assign drinks based on the revealed cards within a pyramid-shaped layout.

Gameplay:

1. Card Arrangement: A pyramid of face-down cards is constructed. The number of rows in the pyramid determines the number of cards in the bottom row, decreasing by one card per row until a single card forms the apex. A common arrangement is a 6-row pyramid (6-5-4-3-2-1).

2. Dealing Hands: Each player is dealt a set number of cards face down. A common number is four cards per player, but this can be adjusted.

3. Base Row Revelation: The cards in the bottom row of the pyramid are flipped face up, one at a time.

4. Matching and Assigning Drinks: When a card in the base row is revealed, players check their hands for matching cards. A "match" occurs when a player holds a card of the same rank (e.g., two 7s, two Queens) as the revealed card.

5. Drinking Penalties: If a player has a matching card, they can assign drinks to another player (or themselves, if preferred). The number of drinks assigned usually corresponds to the row the card is in. For example, a match in the bottom row might require the target to drink one drink, while a match in the second row from the bottom results in two drinks, and so on.

6. Continuing the Revelation: Steps 3-5 are repeated for each subsequent row of the pyramid, working upwards towards the apex. As the pyramid ascends, the stakes (i.e., number of drinks assigned per match) typically increase.

7. Apex Card: The apex card is revealed last. A match with this card usually incurs a significant penalty, often involving creating a new rule, finishing a drink, or a larger number of drinks being assigned.

8. Continuing Play: After the initial pyramid is completed, another round can be played with a new pyramid layout and dealt hands.

Variations:

• Number of Cards Dealt: The number of cards dealt to each player can be modified.
• Drinks Per Row: The number of drinks assigned for matches in each row can vary.
• Special Rules: House rules and variations can be introduced to add complexity and humor to the game. These might involve specific card ranks triggering unique actions or penalties.
• Card Removal: Some variations remove the matching cards from the players' hands after they assign drinks, limiting their options in later rounds.

Strategic Elements:

• Bluffing: Players may attempt to bluff about having a matching card to influence other players or avoid suspicion.
• Memory: Remembering which cards have been revealed and which players are likely to have matching cards is beneficial.
• Targeting: Players can strategically target specific individuals with drinks based on personal preferences or alliances.

Cautions:

• The Pyramid drinking game can lead to rapid alcohol consumption. Players should drink responsibly and be aware of their limits.
• Players should ensure they are of legal drinking age and follow local laws and regulations regarding alcohol consumption.
• Alternatives to alcoholic beverages should be readily available for those who prefer not to drink alcohol.