Does laughing really count as a blink?

Yes, laughing breaks the focus of the game, so it counts the same as blinking or looking away. Maintain your composure if you want to win.

How do you decide the penalty for the overall loser?

The group can decide beforehand, but a common choice is a double drink or a shot of something stronger.

What happens if both players blink at the same time?

Call it a tie for that round and move on to the next one. Nobody drinks unless one player is clearly slower to recover.

Can you wear sunglasses or blink faster to cheat?

No, sunglasses aren't allowed, and rapid blinking to 'reset' is an instant loss for that round. Keep it fair and honest.

Staring Contest - Drinking Game Rules & How to Play

Staring Contest is a drinking game in the Two Player category for 2 players that takes about 5-10 min with a easy difficulty level.

Blink and drink

Equipment Needed

Drinks only

Setup

Grab two chairs and position them about three feet apart, facing directly toward each other. Each player should have their drink within arm's reach to avoid breaking eye contact when drinking. Decide who will give the countdown to start each round, and have a timer handy if you want to keep the rounds consistent.

How to Play Staring Contest

Face each other
Stare without blinking
First to blink drinks
Best of 5 rounds
Laughing counts as blink
Looking away = blink
Overall loser = penalty
Simple but intense

Tips & Strategies

Stay hydrated,dry eyes are your enemy. Focus on your opponent's forehead or nose instead of their eyes to reduce the urge to blink. If you feel yourself about to blink, try a subtle widening of your eyes to buy yourself an extra second. Use humor strategically; a well-timed smirk can push your opponent into a laugh, which counts as a blink.

Variations

No Hands Rule: Players must keep their hands flat on their thighs. Rubbing your eyes, touching your face, or making exaggerated gestures results in an automatic drink.. Distraction Zone: Spectators are allowed to make noise, cheer, or even try to distract the players, but they can't physically interfere. If a player gets distracted and looks away, it counts as a blink.. Penalty Shot Round: The overall loser drinks a penalty shot instead of a normal sip, raising the stakes for the final round.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does laughing really count as a blink?: Yes, laughing breaks the focus of the game, so it counts the same as blinking or looking away. Maintain your composure if you want to win.
How do you decide the penalty for the overall loser?: The group can decide beforehand, but a common choice is a double drink or a shot of something stronger.
What happens if both players blink at the same time?: Call it a tie for that round and move on to the next one. Nobody drinks unless one player is clearly slower to recover.
Can you wear sunglasses or blink faster to cheat?: No, sunglasses aren't allowed, and rapid blinking to 'reset' is an instant loss for that round. Keep it fair and honest.

Players: 2-2 | Duration: 5-10 min | Difficulty: easy

Related Drinking Games

Puzzle Race — Complete puzzle first
Speed Quarters — Race to bounce quarters into glasses
Card Flip Showdown — Betting on card flips
Racing Game Drinking — Lap times mean drinks
Spoons for Two — Card matching race with one spoon at stake
Arm Wrestling Drinking — Arm wrestling where loser takes shots
Rock Paper Scissors Tournament — RPS tournament with drink penalties
Duel — Card dueling with drinks based on card difference

From Our Blog

Large Party Games That Will Get the Good Times Rolling — Hey there! You've got a large party in the works, and you're looking to make it unforgettable with some killer games. No worries, I've got you covered. After hosting countless game nights that turned ...
Weekend Party Ideas for Non-Stop Fun — There’s something magical about weekends. They're the perfect time to unwind, gather your favorite people, and let loose with some epic party games. Whether you're hosting in your living room or takin...
Weekend Party Ideas That'll Keep the Fun Flowing — Hey there, party planner extraordinaire! If you’re looking to spice up your weekend with some epic party ideas, you’ve hit the jackpot. I’ve been hosting party game nights for years, and let me tell y...

Browse more Two Player drinking games or see all drinking games.