Party Games for Adults to Play at the Pub
A great night at the pub is about more than what is in your glass. The right pub games turn a quiet catch-up into an evening of laughter, friendly rivalry and stories you will be retelling for weeks. This guide gathers the best party games for adults to play at the pub, from traditional bar games to no-equipment word challenges you can start at any table.
None of these games are about drinking, and none involve betting. They are simply good fun for groups of friends, colleagues or family members who want something to do between rounds of conversation.
Traditional Pub Games
Many British pubs still keep the classic games that have been played in bars for generations. Ask behind the bar to see what is available.
Darts
The most famous pub game of all. A standard game of 501 sees players count down from 501 to exactly zero, finishing on a double. For beginners, Around the Clock is easier: each player must hit the numbers 1 to 20 in order. Always stand behind the line and make sure nobody walks near the board while someone is throwing.
Pool
Pool tables are a fixture in many pubs. Eight-ball is the standard game, with one player taking solids or reds and the other stripes or yellows before sinking the black to win. House rules vary, so agree on them before the first break.
Dominoes
A quiet classic, often played by regulars at a corner table. Simple block dominoes are easy to learn: players take turns matching tiles end to end, and the first to play all their tiles wins. Fives and threes adds a scoring twist for more experienced players.
Cribbage
A card game scored with pegs on a wooden board. It takes a few rounds to learn but rewards practice, and many traditional pubs still keep a board behind the bar.
Shove ha’penny
Players flick coins or flat discs along a polished board, aiming to land them between marked lines. It is a test of a gentle, steady touch and is wonderfully nostalgic.
Table skittles and bar billiards
Some pubs, especially in the South and West of England, still have table skittles, where a ball on a chain is swung at wooden pins, or bar billiards, a table game with pegs and holes in the playing surface. If you find one, give it a go.
No-Equipment Word Games
These games need nothing more than your voice and a bit of imagination, which makes them perfect for a busy pub table.
Twenty Questions
One person thinks of a person, place or object. Everyone else takes turns asking yes or no questions to work out what it is within twenty questions.
The Alphabet Game
Choose a category such as films, foods or countries. Go around the table naming something in that category for each letter of the alphabet. If someone hesitates too long, they are out for that round.
Word Association
One person says a word, and the next person must immediately say a related word. Hesitate, repeat a word or make a link nobody understands, and you are out.
Two Truths and a Lie
Each person shares three statements about themselves, two true and one false. The group guesses which is the lie. It is a brilliant icebreaker for new colleagues or mixed groups.
Would You Rather
Take turns asking fun dilemmas, such as would you rather only eat pies or only eat puddings for a year. Keep questions light and inclusive so everyone can join in.
Pen and Paper Games
Grab a pen from the bar and a few napkins or beer mats, and you have everything you need.
Napkin Pictionary
Split into two teams. One person from each team draws a word or phrase on a napkin while teammates guess against the clock. No letters or numbers allowed.
Categories
Pick a random letter and five categories, such as animals, cities, bands, foods and sports. Everyone has one minute to write an answer for each category starting with that letter. Unique answers score extra points.
Consequences
A classic storytelling game. Each player writes part of a story, folds the paper to hide it and passes it on. When the paper is unfolded, the mismatched story is usually hilarious.
Beer Mat Quiz
Each person writes a quiz question on the back of a beer mat. Shuffle the mats and take turns reading them out. It is a quick, homemade version of a pub quiz.
Acting and Guessing Games
If your group does not mind a bit of performance, these games bring plenty of laughter.
Charades
Act out a film, book or song title without speaking while your team guesses. Agree on standard gestures first, such as how to show the number of words.
Who Am I?
Write a famous name on a sticky note and stick it to someone’s forehead without them seeing. They ask yes or no questions to work out who they are.
Just a Minute Challenge
Players try to talk on a random subject for sixty seconds without hesitating or repeating themselves. Others can challenge if they hear a slip, and the challenger takes over the topic.
Card and Table Games
A pack of cards or a small travel game fits easily in a pocket and can keep a group entertained for hours. Many pubs also keep a shelf of board games for customers to borrow.
- Uno – Fast, simple and easy for mixed groups to pick up.
- Rummy – A classic card game where players collect sets and runs.
- Trivia card games – Small boxes of quiz cards are ideal for a team challenge.
- Connect Four or Jenga – Both turn up regularly in pubs with a games shelf and are great for quick rounds.
Choosing the Right Game for Your Group
The best game depends on the size of your group and the atmosphere in the pub. For two to four people, darts, pool, dominoes and cribbage work beautifully. Larger groups of six or more usually have more fun with team games such as napkin Pictionary, categories or charades, where everyone can contribute. If the pub is loud, choose games that rely on writing or drawing rather than talking. On a quiet afternoon, slower games like cribbage and dominoes suit the mood perfectly.
Tips for Playing Games at the Pub
Ask first. Check with staff before setting up games, especially if the pub is busy. Some may have house rules about darts and pool.
Be considerate. Keep noise at a friendly level and make sure games do not block walkways or other tables.
Keep it inclusive. Choose games that everyone can join, regardless of how much they know or whether they are drinking alcohol.
Pace yourselves. Games are a great way to spend an evening without drinking more than you planned. Alternate with soft drinks and order some food.
Look after the equipment. Return darts, cues and board games to the bar when you finish, so the next group can enjoy them.
Final Thoughts
From darts and dominoes to napkin drawings and word challenges, these pub games prove that a good night out is about the company you keep. Pick a game, gather your friends around the table and let the friendly rivalry begin.