Irish Poker Drinking Game is a fun and straightforward way to pass an enjoyable afternoon with friends. Easy to learn and convenient enough for anywhere playback, all it requires is standard deck of cards and enough people.
Irish Poker games involve each player being dealt four cards face down and using these to form their best five-card hand, similar to Texas Hold’em.
Each player then discards two cards, leaving only two for use in the final betting round. Once that round has concluded, the game has ended and the winner is determined by having created the strongest poker hand.
“Bottoms Up” is another common variation of this game that allows for increased odds of success by forcing each player to surrender two cards during the initial betting round. This strategy can help increase winning odds.
How to Play Irish Poker Drinking Game
In this drinking game, the first round is conducted by giving each player an unknown card face down and asking them to guess its color based on its shape alone. If they guess correctly, they select four other players who must consume alcohol during that round; otherwise they take two drinks themselves as punishment.
Players in the second “betting” round must decide if their second face-down card is higher or lower than their initial one, and if they select an accurate card they must select four other players who must also drink.
Selecting the correct card can be straightforward, but you need to carefully consider the gap between the first and second cards. If it’s less than six cards apart, select an outside suit such as hearts or diamonds for optimal results; otherwise go in-between for greater success.
The third “betting” round requires you to guess the value of the third face-down card that has been face down for you – again selecting either red or black as your colour of choice.
There are some general rules for this round, though you are free to alter them as necessary. For example, usually high cards such as an Ace can be played low.
Alternatively, an extreme version allows drinks to be assigned their respective values; such as two drinks are counted as “two”, three count as three etc.
Some people have attempted this idea as a poker drinking game, only to find the rules too restrictive. Therefore, it is crucial that these drinking rules be adjusted so everyone has fun while keeping things fair.
Make the most of social gatherings when there is a large group by taking advantage of the social environment and having fun together as part of an ensemble. Plus, this activity provides a great way to pass time while meeting new people!
