What happens if a player refuses to debate their assigned topic?

They must take two penalties (two drinks) and their team automatically loses that round.

Can the audience abstain from voting?

No, all audience members must vote. A tie forces both debaters to drink, and the round is replayed with new players.

What counts as a penalty during this game?

Interrupting the other debater, going over the time limit, or failing to provide at least two points supporting your argument will all result in a drink penalty.

What’s the final penalty for the losing team?

The losing team must chug their drinks simultaneously as the winners celebrate and assign any leftover drinks from the round.

Debate Drinking - Drinking Game Rules & How to Play

Debate Drinking is a drinking game in the Team Games category for 6-20 players that takes about 15-30 min with a medium difficulty level.

Debate topics, audience votes

Equipment Needed

Team supplies
Drinks

Setup

Divide players into two teams and set up a designated 'debate floor' area. Prepare a hat or bowl filled with pre-written debate topics (e.g., 'Pineapple on pizza: yes or no?'). Each player should have their drink within reach, and nominate one person from each team to act as the first debaters. Set a timer or stopwatch to keep track of debate rounds (2-3 minutes per round is standard).

How to Play Debate Drinking

Set up the game according to basic rules
Players take turns or play simultaneously
Penalties result in drinking
Success means assigning drinks
Continue until winner emerges
Loser faces final penalty
Winner earns bragging rights
Adjust rules as needed for your group

Tips & Strategies

Choose debate topics that spark lively (but good-natured) arguments. If you're the audience, vote strategically,assigning drinks can shift the game's momentum. Debaters, channel your inner lawyer: confident delivery might sway the vote even if your argument is weak. Be wary of penalties,interrupting the opponent too often or running over time can cost you a drink, so stay sharp.

Variations

Rapid-Fire Rounds. Wildcard Topics. Double Trouble Teams

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if a player refuses to debate their assigned topic?: They must take two penalties (two drinks) and their team automatically loses that round.
Can the audience abstain from voting?: No, all audience members must vote. A tie forces both debaters to drink, and the round is replayed with new players.
What counts as a penalty during this game?: Interrupting the other debater, going over the time limit, or failing to provide at least two points supporting your argument will all result in a drink penalty.
What’s the final penalty for the losing team?: The losing team must chug their drinks simultaneously as the winners celebrate and assign any leftover drinks from the round.

Players: 6-20 | Duration: 15-30 min | Difficulty: medium

Related Drinking Games

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Wisest Wizard Tournament — Team wizard staff building competition
Pub Trivia Challenge — Pub trivia with drinking penalties
Musical Chairs Drinking — Musical chairs with drinking eliminations
Drink Olympics — Multi-event drinking competition tournament

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