Fingering 🖕 – Detailed rules for the drinking game
Game preparation:
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Number of players: 3-10 players (ideal for larger groups).
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Required materials:
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Alcoholic beverages (e.g. beer, wine, or mixed drinks).
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A pint glass, tankard, or large bowl to serve as the "cup" and large enough for each player to place a finger on the rim.
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Each player brings a small amount of their own drink, which is poured into the cup.
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Objective of the game: The goal is to correctly estimate how many fingers are left, and the last player remaining must empty the cup.
Game play:
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Set up:
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At the beginning, one player provides their pint glass or a pitcher , which serves as the "cup." Each player adds a small amount of their own drink to fill the cup.
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All players gather around the cup and the game can begin.
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Gameplay:
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The player who suggested the game begins. All players place a finger on the rim of the cup.
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The player whose turn it is counts "Three – Two – One" and then calls out a number . This number is the player's estimate of how many fingers will remain at the end of the count.
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After the count, all players decide whether to leave their finger on the cup or take it away .
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Example: If a player says “3,” he estimates that 3 fingers will remain on the cup when all players remove their fingers.
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Once all players have made their decision, the number of fingers is checked.
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Correct Estimate: If the player's estimate is correct, he is out of the game and does not have to drink.
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Incorrect guess: If the player's guess is incorrect, he must drink (a sip or a shot, depending on the game rules).
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The game continues:
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The game continues clockwise . In the next round, each player places their finger back on the cup and again estimates the number of remaining fingers.
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The game continues until only one player remains – the loser.
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The loser has to drink the entire contents of the cup!
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Additional rules and variations:
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Two-Man Fingers: A variant for two players in which each player uses both index fingers (for a total of four fingers). The game is then played as if there were four players, with the players taking turns placing their fingers on the cup.
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Balk: A balk occurs when the player whose turn it is begins the "three-two-one" count but doesn't call the number immediately or waits too long. The player loses their turn and must drink.
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Slow Pull: A "slow pull" occurs when a player decides to remove their finger from the cup too late or too slowly . This is generally acceptable unless it is considered too late or there are fewer than 3-4 remaining players.
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Social: A "social" occurs when all players suddenly lift their fingers from the cup at the same time . In this case, all players take a sip of their own drink at the same time.
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Idiot Cup: If a player calls out an impossible number (e.g., "0" while keeping their finger on the cup or "5" while only 4 players remain), that player must drink the entire cup – this is the "Idiot Cup."
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Penalties: A player who calls the number out of turn or breaks other rules must also drink the cup or accept another pre-agreed penalty, e.g. an unpleasant drink or a funny challenge.
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Advanced Non-Celebration: If a player can eliminate themselves from the game without making a mistake, they may not celebrate (no fist pumping, smiling, or anything similar). If this does happen, the player must excuse themselves and re-enter the game.
Perfect for:
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Groups that enjoy quick decisions and observation skills.
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Players who want to challenge each other and have a relaxed but exciting time at the same time.
Conclusion: " Fingern " is an exciting and entertaining drinking game that focuses on observation , strategy , and speed . It provides tons of fun as players try to fool their fellow players and guess the correct number of remaining fingers themselves. Ideal for parties and social gatherings, where each player can test their estimation and observation skills simultaneously!
