Official Regulations Governing the Sport of Beer Pong

Official Certification Seal

The sport of Beer Pong, whilst considered by some to be merely a recreational pastime, has in recent years developed into a competitive endeavor requiring precise execution, strategic acumen, and adherence to established regulations. This document serves as the authoritative reference for the proper conduct of Beer Pong matches under standardized conditions.

The rules contained herein have been compiled through extensive consultation with practitioners of the sport across various regions and establishments. Whilst certain local variations may exist and indeed flourish in different jurisdictions, the regulations set forth in this document represent the consensus standard for competitive play.

It is the sincere hope of the compilers that this comprehensive codification shall serve to promote fair play, reduce disputes, and enhance the overall enjoyment of all participants in this venerable tradition.

Article I: Apparatus and Preliminary Arrangements

Section 1.1: Required Apparatus

The following equipment shall be deemed necessary and requisite for the proper conduct of a regulation match:

• Playing Surface: One (1) regulation table measuring at least 2.5 metres in length and 60 centimetres in width, constructed of materials suitable for competitive play.
• Cups: Twelve (12) disposable cups of uniform size and construction, optionally see cleansing vessels below.
• Balls: A minimum of two (2) regulation table tennis balls, approximately 40 millimeters in diameter.
• Liquid Contents: Fermented malt beverage or alternative potable liquid as mutually agreed upon by participating parties.
• (optional) Cleansing Vessels: Two (2) cups containing potable water for the purpose of ball sanitation between attempts.

Section 1.2: Geometric Configuration of Cups

Each competing team shall arrange six (6) cups in a triangular formation at their respective end of the playing surface, adhering to the following specifications:

• The triangular formation shall be oriented with its apex directed toward the opposing team’s position.
• The base of said triangle shall consist of three (3) cups arranged in linear fashion.
• The complete formation shall follow a three-two-one pyramidal arrangement.
• All cups shall maintain physical contact with adjacent cups.
• Each cup shall be filled to a level between one-quarter and one-third of its total capacity.

Article II: Primary Objective and Victory Conditions

The fundamental objective of the competitive engagement known as Beer Pong is the systematic elimination of all cups belonging to the opposing team prior to the elimination of one’s own cups. Victory shall be declared in favor of the team that successfully projects a spherical object into all six (6) of the opposing team’s cups before suffering similar elimination.

Upon the successful entry of a ball into a cup, the defending team bears the obligation to consume the liquid contents of said cup in its entirety and subsequently remove it from the active playing surface.

Article III: Procedures of Play and Turn Progression

Section 3.1: Determination of Initial Possession

The right of first projection shall be determined through one of the following methods:

• Eye-to-Eye Method: One representative from each team shall attempt a projection whilst maintaining unbroken visual contact with their opponent. The party achieving successful entry first shall be awarded initial possession.
• Alternative Methods: In lieu of the eye-to-eye method, teams may employ a coin toss or the game commonly known as “rock-paper-scissors” to determine which team shall commence play.

Section 3.2: Turn Structure and Alternation

The progression of play shall adhere to the following procedural framework:

1. Each team shall be entitled to two (2) projection attempts per turn, with one (1) attempt allocated to each team member.
2. Teams shall alternate possession in sequential fashion throughout the duration of the match.
3. Both members of the team in possession shall complete their respective attempts before possession transfers to the opposing team.
4. Projectiles must be retrieved and optionally subjected to sanitation procedures between turns.

Section 3.3: Successful Projection Outcomes

• When a ball comes to rest within a cup, said cup shall be removed from active play.
• The defending team bears the responsibility of consuming the liquid contents of any cup thus eliminated.
• Eliminated cups shall not be reintegrated into the geometric formation.
• In the event that both team members achieve successful projections into the same cup during the same turn - a “grenade” modifier is applied (see Article VI: 6.1).

Article IV: Regulations Pertaining to Projectile Trajectory

Section 4.1: Permissible Projection Methods

• Arcing Trajectory: The ball is propelled in a parabolic arc toward the target cups. This method is most commonly employed.
• Direct Trajectory: The ball is propelled in a substantially linear path with minimal vertical deviation.
• The projecting party’s elbow and/or wrist must remain posterior to the edge of the playing surface at the moment of release.
• Participants are expressly prohibited from extending their torso over the playing surface during projection.

Section 4.2: Bounce Shot Provisions

• The defending team is authorized to deflect or intercept bounce shot attempts.
• Deflection is permissible only after the ball has made contact with the playing surface.

Article V: Reformation of Receptacle Configuration

Participating teams are authorized to request the reformation of remaining cups into a consolidated geometric arrangement once during a match.

Section 5.1: Standard Reformation Protocols

• Each team shall be entitled to request one (1) reformations per regulation match.
• Reformation requests may only be submitted at the commencement of a team’s turn.
• Reformation requests are expressly prohibited during the middle of a turn sequence.
• The final remaining cup shall maintain its position and is not subject to reformation procedures.

Article VI: Extraordinary Circumstances and Special Provisions

Section 6.1: Grenade Provision

In the circumstance wherein both team members successfully project their respective balls into the same cup, during the same turn, the Grenade provision is activated - during this provision the made cup and all immediately adjacent cups are made, the opposing team must consume the contents of these adjacent cups and remove them from play.

Section 6.2: Trickshot Rollback Opportunity

Should a ball circle the rim of a cup without descending therein, and subsequently roll in the direction of the projecting team, said ball may be retrieved and re-projected immediately without prejudice - however, this must be performed as a trick-shot.

Trickshots commonly involve projecting the ball “behind the back”, “under the leg”, or “bouncing of a wall”.

Article VII: Interference and Defensive Measures

Section 7.1: Authorized Defensive Interventions

• Pneumatic Expulsion: Participants may employ respiratory force to expel a ball from a cup, provided said ball is rotating around the rim and no physical contact is made with the ball.

Section 7.2: Offensive Interference Prohibitions

• The projecting team is prohibited from interfering with the playing surface, cups, or members of the defending team.
• Verbal or gestural distractions are generally permissible, provided they do not involve physical contact.
• Excessive distractions may be deemed interference at the discretion of house authorities.

Section 7.3: Table Interference Provisions

• Should any party cause cups to fall or shift position, said cups shall be removed from play and their contents consumed by the defending team.
• Successful entry resulting from table interference shall be deemed invalid.
• All participants are advised to exercise caution to avoid contact with the playing surface.

Section 7.4: Own Goals

• If a team, at fault of their own, by any means, lands a ball in their cup - that cup is to be removed from play - and the contents are to be consuemd.

Article VIII: Redemption Procedures

Upon elimination of the final cup in regulation play, the team facing defeat shall be granted a rebuttal opportunity, also known as redemption.

Section 8.1: Redemption Protocols

Upon a team’s final cup being made - they are given a redemption attempt, following the protocol below.

1. The losing team must elect a single person from the team to perform the “redemption” shot.
2. The selected team member gets a single chance to project a ball into the opposing team’s cup.
3. If the selected team member successfully lands a ball in the opposing team’s cup, the opposing team must consume the contents of the cup and remove the cup from play. a. both teams remain in play, the game continues.

Article IX: Codes of Conduct and Sportsmanship

Section 9.1: Standards of Sporting Behavior

• Participants are encouraged to maintain ball sanitation through consistent use of cleansing vessels.
• Unnecessary delays in match progression are to be avoided.
• House regulations and determinations made by the proprietor of the playing surface shall be respected without exception.
• Post-match cleanup is the obligation of all participants.

Section 9.2: Dispute Resolution

• All disputes shall be addressed through calm and reasoned discourse.
• In cases of ambiguity, re-projection is recommended.
• The proprietor of the playing surface or a neutral third party may render final judgment.
• House regulations should be established and agreed upon prior to commencement of play.