Official Rules for Ride the Bus Drinking Game

Ride the Bus is a classic drinking game that combines elements of luck, memory, and strategy to create an exciting and sometimes chaotic experience. Whether you’re at a party or just hanging out with friends, this game is sure to liven up the atmosphere. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the official rules for ride the bus and how to play, ensuring everyone has a great time.

Objective of the Game

The main goal of Ride the Bus is to avoid being the player who accumulates the most cards in the final round, which is known as “riding the bus.” The game consists of several rounds where players must make correct guesses to discard their cards.

What You Need

To play Ride the Bus, you’ll need:

• A standard deck of 52 playing cards
• 3 or more players
• A flat surface to place the cards
• Drinks for each player

Setting Up the Game

Before you start, shuffle the deck thoroughly. Designate one player as the dealer, who will handle the cards throughout the game. Players should sit around a table or in a circle for easy access to the cards.

Game Structure

Ride the Bus is divided into two main phases: the Guessing Phase and the Bus Phase.

Guessing Phase

1. First Round: Red or Black
   • The dealer goes around the circle, asking each player to guess whether the top card of the deck is red or black.
   • If the player guesses correctly, they can give out a drink to another player.
   • If the player guesses incorrectly, they must take a drink themselves.
2. Second Round: Higher or Lower
   • In the second round, each player guesses whether their next card will be higher or lower than the card they currently have.
   • A correct guess allows them to give out a drink, while an incorrect guess requires them to take a drink.
3. Third Round: Inside or Outside
   • Players must guess whether the next card will fall inside or outside the numerical range of their first two cards.
   • As before, correct guesses mean giving out a drink, and incorrect guesses mean taking a drink.
4. Fourth Round: Suit Guess
   • In this round, players guess the suit of the next card.
   • Correct guesses allow the player to give out two drinks, while incorrect guesses require them to take two drinks.

Building the Pyramid

Once the guessing rounds are complete, it’s time to build the pyramid. The dealer will create a pyramid of cards face down on the table, consisting of five rows:

• 1 card in the top row
• 2 cards in the second row
• 3 cards in the third row
• 4 cards in the fourth row
• 5 cards in the bottom row

Each row corresponds to a different number of drinks, with the top row representing one drink and the bottom row representing five drinks.

Pyramid Phase

• Starting from the bottom row, the dealer flips each card over one at a time.
• Players can match the cards in the pyramid with cards in their hands.
• If a player has a matching card, they can place it on top of the pyramid card and make another player take drinks equal to the row number.
• Players can bluff by placing a card face down, but if challenged, they must reveal it. If caught bluffing, they must take double the drinks.

Bus Phase

The player with the most cards left in their hand after the pyramid phase is declared the loser and must “ride the bus.”

1. Riding the Bus
   • The dealer shuffles the remaining deck and deals a line of cards face down.
   • The player must flip over each card, one by one, guessing whether the next card is higher or lower.
   • For every incorrect guess, the player must take a drink.
   • The bus ride continues until the player guesses all cards correctly or finishes the line.

Additional Rules for Ride The Bus and Tips

• Bluffing: Players can bluff during the pyramid phase, but getting caught means double the drinks.
• Ties: If there’s a tie for the most cards at the end of the pyramid phase, both players must ride the bus.
• Optional Rules: Add house rules or variations to make the game more interesting, such as reverse card effects or special rules for jokers.

Safety and Responsibility

Ride the Bus is a drinking game meant for entertainment. It’s essential to play responsibly and know your limits. Ensure everyone playing is of legal drinking age and never pressure anyone to drink more than they are comfortable with. Always prioritize safety and fun over competition.

Are there any recommended drinks or rules for a themed Ride the Bus game

For a themed “Ride the Bus” drinking game, here are some recommended drinks and rules to enhance your experience:

Recommended Drinks

1. Beer: A classic choice that allows for longer play without too much intoxication.
2. Cocktails: Themed cocktails can add a fun twist. For example, you might create a “Bus Rider” cocktail with a mix of vodka, blue curaçao, and lemonade for a vibrant look.
3. Shots: Incorporate shots for higher stakes, especially for the top card in the pyramid phase, which could be a shot of a stronger liquor.
4. Non-Alcoholic Options: For those who prefer not to drink alcohol, consider mocktails or flavored sparkling water.

How can I make the game more challenging for experienced players

To make “Ride the Bus” more challenging for experienced players, consider implementing the following modifications and variations:

Increased Difficulty Rules

1. Multiple Guesses: Require players to make multiple guesses in each round. For example, in the “Red or Black” round, players could guess the color of the next three cards instead of just one. If they get any wrong, they must drink.
2. Stacked Penalties: Increase the drinking penalties for incorrect guesses. For instance, instead of one drink for a wrong guess, players could take two or three drinks, scaling with the round’s complexity.
3. Timed Guesses: Introduce a timer for each guess, adding pressure. Players must make their guess within a set time limit (e.g., 10 seconds). If they fail to guess in time, they must drink.
4. Wild Cards: Designate certain cards (like Jokers or specific face cards) as “wild cards” that can change the rules. For example, drawing a wild card might mean everyone else drinks, or the player can skip their next guess.
5. Reverse Order: Change the order of play after each round, making it harder for players to keep track of who is next and adding an element of surprise.

Themed Challenges

1. Trivia Questions: Before each round, players must answer a trivia question correctly to avoid drinking. If they answer incorrectly, they take a drink.
2. Physical Challenges: Incorporate physical tasks for incorrect guesses, such as doing a silly dance or a quick exercise (like push-ups) before they can continue playing.
3. Memory Game: After a few rounds, add a memory component where players must remember the cards that have already been played. Incorrect recalls lead to drinks.

Advanced Gameplay Variations

1. Custom Decks: Use a custom deck where each card has a specific action associated with it. For example, a 2 might require everyone to drink, while a King might allow the player to assign drinks.
2. Team Play: Split players into teams, where each team collaborates on guesses. This can create a more strategic element and increase competition.
3. Endurance Rounds: After the pyramid is completed, implement a series of endurance rounds where players must guess correctly in rapid succession. Failure to do so results in escalating penalties.

These modifications can elevate the challenge and excitement for experienced players, ensuring that the game remains engaging and unpredictable.

In conclusion, Ride the Bus is a game of chance, skill, and plenty of laughter. With its simple setup and engaging gameplay, it’s the perfect choice for any social gathering. So gather your friends, shuffle the deck, and get ready to ride the bus!