Power Hour Drinking Game Rules

Also Known As:
  • 60-Minute Challenge
  • Centurion (100 minutes)
  • Hour of Power
  • 60 Shots of Beer

Game Intro

Beer and clock face with text for Power Hour Drinking Game RulesThe Power Hour drinking game rules are straightforward: one sip every minute, for an hour straight. It sounds easy, but once the music shifts and the timer keeps ticking, the challenge turns into a true test of endurance and laughter.

The Background

Power Hour started in U.S. college bars and house parties, often played with mixtapes or CDs that switched tracks every minute. Today, apps and pre-made playlists keep the tradition alive, making it a go-to game for music lovers.

Quick Facts

Best For
  • Bars
  • Bars / Loud Parties
  • College / House
  • College Parties
  • House Parties
  • Large College Parties
  • Small-Medium Parties
Players
2+
Playtime
< 30 min
Setup Time
< 5 min
Difficulty
Hard

Supplies

  • beer or drink of choice
  • cups

How to Play Power Hour Drinking Game Rules

  1. How to Set Up

    • Choose a 60-minute playlist that changes songs every minute (or use a Power Hour app).

    • Give each player a shot glass or small cup.

    • Pour everyone’s first round and keep drinks within reach.

    • Place water nearby and agree on a hydration break halfway through.

    • Decide if you’ll play the full hour or a shorter version

  2. Start Timer

    Start the playlist and timer.

  3. Take a Sip

    At each minute mark, every player takes one sip.

  4. Miss a minute?

    Either skip it or catch up with a sip — agree on this beforehand.

  5. Party Breaks

    Allow bathroom and water breaks at any time, resume with the next minute.

  6. Keep Going

    Keep going until the playlist ends (60 minutes) or until players choose to stop.

  7. Winning the Power Hour

    If everyone makes it to the end, celebrate with a final toast.

House Rules

  • Some groups add variety by making every 5th minute a bonus rule, such as a quick truth, dare, or trivia challenge to break up the pace of the Power Hour drinking game.

  • To increase the challenge, call double-sip minutes at random points, keeping everyone on edge and testing endurance.

  • You can also theme the playlist — think 90s hits, holiday music, or even a single artist — which turns Power Hour into a fun twist on music drinking games.

Community Rules

No community-submitted rules for this game yet.

Submit a Community Rule

Tips & Strategies

Choose light beers or low-ABV drinks to pace yourself.
Keep sip sizes small and consistent.
Hydrate before and during the game to avoid burnout.
Use a high-energy playlist to keep morale up.

Safety Note

Power Hour can lead to overconsumption quickly — encourage small sips, stay hydrated, and allow players to bow out at any time. Never pressure anyone to continue.

FAQs

How much beer do you need for Power Hour?

A standard Power Hour requires about 60 ounces of beer per player — roughly 5–7 regular 12 oz beers.

Can you play Power Hour with liquor?

No, Power Hour should never be played with liquor. The volume and pace make it unsafe with anything stronger than light beer or a low-ABV alternative.