Drinking Party Supplies Checklist for Your Next Pregame

Quick answer

For a pregame that runs smoothly, focus on three things: a game that fits your group, enough drinkware and mixers, and a setup that keeps spills and confusion low. Start with a core game like Drink IF... for easy drinking rules or BAD JUDGMENT for conversation-heavy play, then add cups, ice, and a clear table zone. If you want variety, bring a second game so the group can switch when energy dips.

What belongs on a drinking party supplies checklist

A useful checklist splits into four buckets: the game itself, drinkware and mixers, surface protection, and optional extras. The game drives everything else, so pick it before you buy cups or ice. If your group likes simple drinking prompts, a card game like Drink IF... keeps rounds moving with one reader and a clear rule: if the statement applies to you, you drink. If your group prefers talking and voting, BAD JUDGMENT turns scenarios into group votes and conversation.

For drinkware, plan one cup per person plus a few spares, and match the cup to the drink. Red cups work for mixed drinks but not for hot drinks. If you serve cocktails, add a jigger or a marked measuring cup so pours stay consistent. Ice is the most forgotten item; buy more than you think you need, especially if the pregame runs over two hours. Mixers should include at least one non-alcoholic option so guests can pace themselves or skip alcohol without sitting out.

• Game: one core game plus one backup if your group is larger than six.
• Drinkware: one cup per guest plus two spares, and a bottle opener.
• Mixers: soda, juice, and a non-alcoholic option for pacing.
• Ice: one full cooler or two large bags for a two-hour pregame.
• Surface protection: a tablecloth or tray to catch condensation and spills.
• Trash and recycling: a bag near the table so cups do not pile up.

How many games and cards do you actually need?

One game covers a group of four to six for about 45 to 60 minutes. For seven or more guests, bring a second game so people can split into two tables or rotate. Card count matters less than rule clarity: a game with 400 cards like BAD CHOICES gives you more rounds before repeats, while a smaller deck may cycle faster. If you plan a longer night, check the card count before you buy and decide whether repeats will bother your group.

Do not buy a second game just to have a backup. Instead, match the second game to a different energy level. A drinking-prompt game keeps the pace fast and physical; a voting or conversation game slows things down and gives people a break from drinking. That contrast is what keeps a pregame from burning out in the first hour.

Setup steps that prevent mid-game interruptions

Set up before guests arrive. Put the game at the center of the table with the deck stacked and the rules card visible. Place cups, ice, and mixers on a side table so the game area stays clear. If you use a drinking game, agree on a drink size before the first round; small sips keep the game social instead of overwhelming. Keep water and snacks within reach, and put a trash bag under the table so empty cups do not become a mid-game chore.

Lighting matters more than people expect. A dim room makes card text hard to read, so add a lamp or a phone flashlight if needed. If you play outside, secure the deck with a chip clip or a small weight so wind does not scatter cards. These small fixes remove the most common reasons a pregame stalls.

Budget trade-offs: where to spend and where to save

Spend on the game and ice; save on cups and decorations. A game you will replay is worth more than themed napkins that get thrown away. If your budget is tight, buy one strong core game and use household cups instead of buying a new set. If you host often, a second game and a dedicated cooler pay off over multiple pregames. Avoid buying multiple drinking games at once; two similar prompt games compete for the same role and one will sit unused.

Consider the total cost per guest rather than the sticker price. A game that costs more but supports eight players and repeated use is often cheaper per night than a cheaper game that only works for four. Check the player count and card count in the product details before you commit.

Decision rules for your pregame checklist

• If your group is 4–6 and wants fast drinking prompts: Choose a read-and-drink game like Drink IF... because the rule is one sentence and rounds start immediately. One core drinking game is enough for this size.
• If your group is 7+ or you host often: Add a second game with a different format, such as a voting game like BAD JUDGMENT, so two tables can run at once or the group can switch pace. Two games with different energy levels beat two similar drinking games.
• If you want variety without buying two base games: Pick a bundle like Drink IF... + After Dark Expansion Set so you get the base rules plus extra cards in one purchase. Expansion sets are the cheapest way to add replay value.
• If some guests are not drinking: Include a non-alcoholic mixer and a conversation or voting game so those guests can play without drinking. A non-drinking option keeps the whole group in the game.
• If your budget is under $20: Buy one core game and skip themed cups and decorations; use household cups and a tray instead. Spend on the game and ice first.

Product facts to guide your choice

• Drink IF… Adult Drinking Game for Parties + After Dark Expansion Set | Funny Icebreaker & Conversation Starter Card Game for Friends and Groups | Great for Game Night and Pregames| Fun Gift for Adults: Drink IF... Adult Drinking Game for Parties + After Dark Expansion Set includes the base game and the After Dark expansion, with rules where one player reads a card and anyone the statement applies to takes a drink. The expansion adds variety for repeat hosts, so you get more rounds before the group sees repeats. The simple read-and-drink rule means no teaching time, which suits mixed groups.
• Drink IF… Adult Drinking Game for Parties | Funny Icebreaker & Conversation Starter Card Game for Friends and Groups | Great for Bachelor Party, Game Night and Pregames| Fun Gift for Adults: Drink IF... Adult Drinking Game for Parties is the base game with the same fast-paced drinking-prompt format, available as a single set. If you only need the core experience and want the lowest entry point, the base set covers the same easy rules without the expansion cards.
• BAD JUDGMENT Party Game – Adult Card Game for Friends & Game Night | Funny Conversation & Icebreaker Board Game for Parties, Pregames, Social Gatherings & Fun Gift Ideas: BAD JUDGMENT Party Game is a voting game where players earn 7 points by voting on who in the group best fits each scenario, and the stated purpose is conversation and laughter rather than competition. This is the better pick when your group wants to talk and learn about each other instead of drinking on every prompt. It also works for guests who are pacing their drinks.

Is this checklist right for your pregame?

Best for

• Hosts planning a pregame for 4–8 guests who want a clear shopping list.
• Groups that want one or two card games with simple rules and fast rounds.
• Buyers comparing a drinking-prompt game against a conversation or voting game.

Not for

• Large parties of 15+ where card games cannot reach every player; choose a group activity or multiple tables instead.
• Guests looking for a family-friendly game night; these titles are built for adult drinking and conversation.
• Anyone who wants a fully planned event with catering and decor; this checklist covers supplies and game setup only.