Chandelier Drinking Game Rules

Chandelier, also known as Boom Cup or Slap Cup, is a high-energy drinking game that combines speed, accuracy, and a healthy dose of chaos. Players bounce ping pong balls into cups while racing against their neighbors. Miss your shot and you might find yourself drinking the dreaded center cup. Perfect for groups who want non-stop action and competitive fun.

Also Known As:
  • Boom Cup
  • Slap Cup
  • Rage Cage
  • Stack Cup
  • Boom
  • Rapid Fire Beer Pong

Game Intro

Diverse group of Friends playing by the Chandelier drinking game rules. People are trying to bounce ping pong balls into red solo cups.Looking for one of the most fast paced drinking games that’ll have everyone on their feet, screaming, and laughing hysterically? The Chandelier drinking game rules are refreshingly simple, but the energy they create is absolutely wild. This isn’t one of those games where you sit around waiting for your turn – oh no. In Chandelier (sometimes called Boom Cup or Slap Cup), everyone’s involved, the action never stops, and the pressure is real. One missed bounce and suddenly you’re chugging while everyone cheers (or jeers).

It’s beer pong‘s chaotic cousin who showed up to the party with way too much energy, and honestly? We’re here for it. If you’re searching for beer pong alternatives that deliver even more intensity, you’ve found your game. Once you learn the Chandelier drinking game rules, you’ll understand why it’s become a party staple – the gameplay is addictive, and watching your friends panic as the next player closes in on them never gets old.

Game History / Origin

The Chandelier drinking game emerged from college party culture in the early 2000s, evolving from classic beer pong traditions. The game gained massive popularity through regional variations – some campuses called it Boom Cup, others Slap Cup, and some just knew it as “that crazy cup game.” The name “Chandelier” comes from the circle of cups resembling a chandelier when viewed from above. Social media exploded its popularity in the 2010s when viral videos showed the game’s intense, fast-paced nature. Today it’s a staple at parties, tailgates, and any gathering where people want high-energy entertainment with minimal setup.

Quick Facts

Best For
  • College / House
  • Drinking Parties
  • House Parties
  • Large College Parties
  • Large Groups
Players
6+
Playtime
< 30 min
Setup Time
> 5 min
Difficulty
Easy

Supplies

  • cups
  • 2 ping pong balls
  • beer or drink of choice
  • table

How to Play Chandelier Drinking Game Rules

  1. Setup Chandelier - How to play Boom Cup

     

    • Place one “center cup” filled 3/4 full with beer in the middle of the tableChandelier drinking game setup showing red solo cups arranged in a circle around one center cup filled with beer on a wooden table with colorful lighting. Text reads 'Chandelier Masterclass - Simple steps, party-ready fun!' with two ping pong balls visible at the bottom.
    • Arrange remaining cups in a circle around the center cup (one cup per player)
    • Fill each circle cup about 1/4 full with beer
    • Players stand around the table, each behind their designated cup
    • Give two ping pong balls to two players standing opposite each other
    • Clear the area – this game gets rowdy and you’ll need elbow room

     

  2. Start the Race

    Two players standing across from each other begin simultaneously. Each player tries to bounce their ping pong ball once on the table and land it in the cup directly in front of them.

  3. Keep Bouncing Until You Make It

    If you miss your shot, retrieve your ball and keep trying. Once you successfully land your ball in your cup, immediately pass both the cup and ball to the player on your left.

  4. Race Against Your Neighbor

    The tension builds when the player with the ball is trying to make their shot before the person to their right makes theirs. Speed and accuracy both matter – you’re in a race!

  5. Get "Slapped" and Drink

    If the player on your right makes their shot and passes their cup to you BEFORE you make yours, you’ve been “slapped.” Stack your cup inside theirs, grab a new cup from the circle, drink it, then continue playing with the stacked cups.

  6. The Center Cup Penalty

    When a player gets slapped and all the circle cups are gone, they must drink the large center cup. After finishing it, refill the center cup and reset some circle cups to continue the game.

  7. Keep the Momentum Going

    The game continues with balls traveling around the circle at different speeds. Multiple players can be trying to make shots simultaneously, creating beautiful chaos.

  8. Winning the Round

    Continue playing until only one player remains who hasn’t had to drink the center cup, or until the group decides to reset and start fresh. The beauty of Chandelier drinking game rules is that there’s no official “winner” – it’s all about surviving the chaos and having fun with the madness.

House Rules

  • Tower of Terror
    Instead of drinking and removing cups when slapped, keep stacking them. Whoever ends up with a tower of 5 or more stacked cups must drink them all at once while the group counts down. Brutal but memorable.

  • Catch It Clean
    When retrieving your ping pong ball after a miss, you cannot use your hands – you must catch it with your cup. This adds a ridiculous skill element and creates hilarious moments of desperation.

  • Show Off Clause
    If you successfully bounce your ball off a wall, the ceiling, or another player before landing it in your cup, you can choose someone else to drink your cup. Style points matter.

Community Rules

No community-submitted rules for this game yet.

Submit a Community Rule

Tips & Strategies

Control your bounce: A consistent, medium-height bounce gives you the best accuracy. Too hard and the ball flies everywhere; too soft and it won't reach the cup.
Stay calm under pressure: When you hear someone gaining on you, panic makes you miss. Take a breath and focus on your next shot rather than rushing.
Watch the ball pattern: Track where both balls are in the circle so you know when pressure is coming your way. Anticipation helps.
Practice your retrieval: The faster you grab your missed shots, the more attempts you get. Develop a quick scoop-and-bounce motion.
Strategic passing: After making your shot, pass firmly to your left. A good handoff saves the next player precious milliseconds.
Center cup awareness: Keep the center cup visible in your peripheral vision. Knowing when it's empty helps you stay strategically aware.
Don't overthink it: This game rewards instinct over precision. Trust your muscle memory and keep the ball moving.
Hydration matters: Have water nearby. This game moves fast and dehydration sneaks up on you.

Safety Note

Chandelier is a fast-paced game that can lead to rapid alcohol consumption. Pace yourself, know your limits, and never feel pressured to finish drinks quickly. Keep water available, ensure everyone has safe transportation arranged, and remember that nobody judges you for sitting out a round. Players must be 21+ in the US (or legal drinking age in your location). The goal is fun, not dangerous overconsumption.

FAQs

What happens in Chandelier if two people get slapped at the same time?

Both players drink their cups and grab new ones from the circle. If there's only one circle cup left, they play rock-paper-scissors to determine who drinks the center cup first. Alternatively, they both drink the center cup together – sharing is caring!

Can I practice my bounce while waiting for my turn?

No phantom bouncing! Once you pass your cup and ball, you must keep your hands off the table until the cup comes back to you. Practicing your bounce or touching the table is considered cheating and usually results in drinking a penalty cup determined by the group.

What if the ping pong ball bounces into the center cup by accident?

If your ball accidentally lands in the center cup, you immediately drink it and refill it. Some house rules say the person who was about to slap you also drinks as a "reward" for your mishap. This is one of the most dramatic moments in Chandelier – embrace it.