Quarters Rules

Quarters is a classic drinking game of skill and luck. Bounce a coin into a cup, nail the shot, and make your friends drink.

Also Known As:
  • Coin Bounce
  • Quarter Bounce

Game Intro

How to play Quarters drinking game rules with coin and cup

Looking for Quarters rules or step-by-step instructions on how to play Quarters? Also called Coin Bounce or Quarter Bounce, Quarters drinking game rules, this classic drinking game has been a party favorite for decades thanks to its easy setup, competitive skill element, and hilarious misses when the coin just won’t cooperate.

At its core, the Quarters drinking game is simple: players take turns trying to bounce a coin off the table and into a cup. Land it and you’re safe—miss it and the fun passes on. It’s fast-paced, endlessly re-playable, and works with small or large groups.

A Little Background – History of Quarters

The Quarters drinking game rules trace back to U.S. college campuses in the 1970s, when simple games with minimal supplies made their way into dorm rooms, fraternity houses, and basement bars. Its appeal came from being both accessible and competitive: all you needed was a coin, a cup, and a flat table. Over time, Quarters became a staple at college parties, tailgates, and bar nights. Some even compare its popularity to that of Beer Pong and Flip Cup—fast, fun, and endlessly adaptable. Today, variations of Quarters pop up worldwide, from backyard BBQs in the U.S. to hostel common rooms allover Europe.

Quick Facts

Best For
  • Bars
  • College Parties
  • Family-style House Parties
  • Outdoor Parties
  • Pre-Game
  • Small Groups
  • Small-Medium Parties
Players
3+
Playtime
< 30 min
Setup Time
< 5 min
Difficulty
Medium

Supplies

  • quarter(s)
  • cups
  • drinks
  • table

How to Play Quarters Rules

  1. Setup

    Gather around a table, bar top or any flat, sturdy surface.
    Place a “penalty drink” (a full cup of beer or liquor) at the center of the table.
    Optionally, set up two additional “goal” cups in front of two opposite players.
    Use two quarters—one per shooter when using goal cups.

  2. Start

    All players line up around the table. When a neutral party signals “go,” the first player begins.

  3. Bounce Shot

    The shooter attempts to bounce the quarter (face down) off the table into their goal cup. All shots must bounce off the table at least once; direct flick shots do not count.

  4. Successful Shot

    The shooter passes the cup clockwise to the next player.
    If that player already has a cup, they’re “screwed”: they must stack the cups or tap them together.

  5. Screwed

    The screwed player must attempt to bounce the quarter into the stacked cups.

    If they fail, they must drink the penalty drink.

    If they succeed, they may pass one cup to someone else.

  6. End of Round

    Refill the penalty drink and reset if needed.

    The game continues until players decide to stop (often when drinks are gone or the group’s ready to switch)

House Rules

  • Making Rules: Some groups include a “three in a row” rule—if a player sinks the quarter three consecutive times, they create a temporary rule. If anyone breaks it, they drink.

Community Rules

No community-submitted rules for this game yet.

Submit a Community Rule

Tips & Strategies

Want to improve your odds of landing the quarter? Check out these Quarters drinking game strategies.
Aim for the Sweet Spot: Hitting the table a few inches in front of the cup gives the quarter the right bounce arc.
Use the Wrist Flick: Snap your wrist instead of throwing with your arm—this creates spin and control.
Flat Surface Matters: Play on a wooden or hard table; wobbly or soft surfaces absorb bounce.
Control the Coin: Heavier quarters (older mint years) tend to bounce more predictably.

Psych Out Opponents: Tap the table or create small distractions—it’s part of the fun (within reason).

Safety Note

Quarters is a classic drinking game meant for fun, not excess. Please play responsibly:
Always know your limits—pace yourself and hydrate between rounds.
Never pressure anyone to drink if they don’t want to.
Consider playing the No Alcohol variation or substituting water/juice if alcohol isn’t an option.
If you’re hosting, provide food and water, and ensure no one drives after playing.
Remember: the goal is laughs and memories, not overdoing it.

FAQs

Do Quarters shots have to bounce to count?

Yes, at least one bounce is required. Direct tosses don’t count.

What if the coin bounces in and out?

It doesn’t count unless the coin rests inside the cup.