Games for a pub table

These are the games for when the darts board is taken, the quiz has finished, and the conversation needs a shove. Nothing here needs equipment beyond beer mats and a phone.

Some are competitive, some are just excuses to talk. Play responsibly - none of these need to be drinking games.

Word and talking games

• The Name Game - a famous name, next person starts a name with the last initial.
• Fortunately, Unfortunately - build a disastrous story one turn at a time.
• Categories - pick a topic, go round the table, hesitate and you are out.
• Contact - one player thinks of a word, others guess it by clue and countersignal.
• Banned Word - pick a common word; anyone who says it loses a point.
• Two Truths and a Lie, which is how most tables actually learn about each other.

Guessing games

• Who Am I - a name on a beer mat held to the forehead, yes or no questions only.
• Twenty Questions with an object in the pub.
• Guess the Year - name a song, everyone writes down its release year, closest wins.
• Guess the Price - the round, the crisps, the taxi home.
• Heads Up on a phone, if you must.

Beer mat and coin games

• Beer Mat Flip - flick a mat off the table edge and catch it. Add mats each round.
• Coaster Tower - build the tallest, one hand only.
• Coin Slide - slide a coin as close to the table edge as possible without it dropping.
• Shove Ha'penny with pound coins, if the table is smooth enough.
• Beer Mat Pyramid, team version, timed.

Quiz rounds for a table

• One-minute rounds: capitals, number one singles, Premier League grounds.
• Music intros hummed rather than played.
• Connections - four things, find the link.
• Higher or Lower on populations, prices or ages.
• The Anagram Round, written on the back of a receipt.

Table etiquette

• Keep rounds under five minutes so people can join late.
• No game that requires everyone to be quiet in a busy pub.
• Drinking forfeits are optional, and always should be.
• Have one game that works with two people for when the group thins out.

Browse funny cards

How to write it so it lands

• Short rounds mean latecomers can join without a rules explanation.
• Keep one two-player game in reserve for the end of the night.

Where to shop next

• Car journey games
• Waiting room games
• Games for a pub table
• Kids' party games by age
• Games for older relatives
• Best board games for families
• Charades word lists
• Pictionary word lists
• Old fashioned party games
• Rainy day activities for families
• Classic British pub games
• Pub quiz round ideas
• Planning the party? Birthday party ideas
• How to make a balloon arch
• Photo booth prop ideas
• All guides

Frequently asked questions

What games can you play in a pub with no equipment?

Word games like Categories and the Name Game, guessing games like Who Am I on a beer mat, and beer mat flipping all need nothing you cannot find on the table.

What is the beer mat flip game?

Balance a beer mat on the table edge, flick it upwards and catch it in the same hand. Add another mat each successful round.