In this weekly feature, I will endeavor to provide each and every one of you with some suggestions for making the most of your Thirsty Thursdays. Sure, you could simply go to the local bar with your friends and knock a few back. But, where is the fun in that?

This week, we take a look at a game that you some of you may be familiar with to some capacity. Some call it “Kings”; others call it “Volcano.” We call it “The Best Card Game Ever.”

Yes, that’s the actual name of the game. Modesty must not have been its creator’s strong suit.

Requirements:
-- One Standard Deck of Cards (Please make sure it’s complete!)
-- Five players are a suggested minimum, but the more you can squeeze around the table, the better.
-- Your brew of choice. However, to add some spice to the game, it’s encouraged that there be more than type of alcoholic beverage available on-hand.
-- A toilet for when you or one of your friends inevitably gets smashed and needs to toss their proverbial cookies. Better yet, keep a bucket readily available, because sometimes the bathroom is simply too far away.

The Rules:
Cards that range from one to seven are “drink” cards. The number on the card determines how long the person must drink. However, if the card is red, the person who pulled the card must pick someone else to drink. If it’s black, the card-puller must drink.
Example: I pull a red seven from the deck. This means I must pick someone to drink, and they must drink for seven seconds. If I had pulled a black seven, I would’ve had to drink for seven seconds.

Eight -- Wingman. Whoever draws this card must choose a wingman. Henceforth, when one person drinks, the other must drink as well.

Nines – Questions. The person who pulls this card must ask the person next to them a question. That person must answer with a question. The questions continue until someone messes up.

Tens – Thumbmaster. The person who pulls this card can, at any time, put their thumb on the table. The last person to slam down their thumb must take a shot. The cardholder can use this card at any time in the game, so it’s best to keep an eye out for everyone’s thumbs.

Jacks – Everyone drinks. Self-explanatory!

Queens – Categories. The person who pulls this card names a category (for example, Japanese car companies), and then, everyone goes around in a circle naming something within said category (Mitsubishi). The first person to mess up drinks.

Kings – The Communal Cup, AKA Dead Man’s Chalice. Every time someone pulls this card they must pour a bit of their drink into the communal cup. Whoever draws the fourth King must drink everything in the communal cup.

Aces – Make a rule. If you pull an ace, you can create a rule that will stay in effect for the entire game.

Examples: Whenever someone says “What?” they must drink. Whenever Jim drinks, Cindy must drink too.

Joker – The Jokes On You. You must take a sip from everyone’s cup. Yes, everyone in the room.

Why so serious?