Left Right Center (LRC) is a classic party game known for its simplicity and ability to generate laughter and friendly competition. It’s the perfect icebreaker and guaranteed to liven up any gathering, from casual get-togethers to more elaborate celebrations. The core gameplay involves passing around chips and rolling a specially marked die, with directions dictating where the chips are passed. But what if you want to take this already fun game to the next level? That’s where the drinking game version comes in! It adds a layer of excitement and – let’s be honest – a bit of spirited fun that can make your night unforgettable.
This article serves as your comprehensive guide to mastering the Left Right Center drinking game. We’ll break down every aspect, from gathering your supplies and understanding the basic rules to customizing the game with creative drinking challenges and ensuring everyone plays responsibly. We’ll also explore variations and tips to keep the game engaging and the laughs flowing, alongside providing insights on how you can implement the application in your social events. Prepare to transform your next game night with this detailed, step-by-step guide, complete with practical advice and a focus on responsible enjoyment.
Gathering Your Supplies
| Item | Quantity/Size | Estimated Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canning Jars | 12 (Pint) or 7 (Quart) | $15 – $25 | Ball or Kerr are recommended brands. Inspect for chips/cracks. |
| Canning Lids | 12 (Pint) or 7 (Quart) | $8 – $12 | Must be new for each canning batch. Use two-piece lids. |
| Canning Rings | 12 (Pint) or 7 (Quart) | $5 – $8 | Reusable, but replace if rusty or damaged. |
| Large Stockpot | 8-12 Quart | $30 – $70 | Stainless steel or enamel-coated is ideal. Must be deep enough for jars. |
| Jar Lifter | 1 | $10 – $20 | Essential for safely lifting hot jars. |
| Wide-Mouth Funnel | 1 | $8 – $15 | Facilitates filling jars without spills. |
| Bubble Remover/Headspace Tool | 1 | $5 – $10 | Removes air bubbles and measures headspace. |
| Clean Kitchen Towels | 4-6 | $10 – $20 | For wiping jar rims and cleaning up spills. |
Before you can unleash the chaos and fun of the Left Right Center drinking game, you’ll need to gather the necessary supplies. While the basic game doesn’t require much, the drinking game version introduces a few additional elements to enhance the experience. Don’t worry; it’s still relatively inexpensive and easy to put together. Let’s explore what you’ll need, and where you might be able to acquire them.
First and foremost, you’ll need the dice. The traditional LRC dice are specifically designed with “Left,” “Right,” and “Center” markings (often with a dot or other symbol representing “Center”). You can use regular six-sided dice, but you’ll need to designate which numbers represent which direction – usually 1 and 2 for Left, 5 and 6 for Right, and 3 and 4 for Center. Clearly marking them with a permanent marker is a good idea. You can even find custom-made LRC dice online for a more authentic feel. This will save time and allow you to focus on the core aspect of this game.
Next, you’ll need chips. These serve as the points or stakes in the game. Poker chips are ideal, but you can also use pennies, buttons, small candies, or anything else small and easily divisible. The number of chips per player will depend on how long you want the game to last and how competitive you want it to be. A good starting point is 10-20 chips per player. Remember, the person with the most chips at the end wins – or survives the longest, depending on how you choose to play.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, you’ll need drinks! This is, after all, a drinking game. You can choose beer, wine, mixed drinks, or any other beverage of your preference. It’s crucial to have a variety of options available, including non-alcoholic alternatives to ensure everyone can participate comfortably and responsibly. Always make sure you have enough ice and mixers on hand to keep the drinks flowing.
Understanding the Basic Game Rules
| Piece | Movement |
|---|---|
| Pawn | Moves one square forward (two on its first move). Captures diagonally one square forward. En passant capture possible. Promotes upon reaching the opposite end of the board. |
| Rook | Moves horizontally or vertically any number of squares. |
| Knight | Moves in an “L” shape: two squares in one direction (horizontal or vertical) and then one square perpendicular to that. The only piece that can jump over other pieces. |
| Bishop | Moves diagonally any number of squares. Remains on its original color squares throughout the game. |
| Queen | Moves horizontally, vertically, or diagonally any number of squares. The most powerful piece. |
| King | Moves one square in any direction. Castling is a special move involving the King and a Rook, under specific conditions. |
To effectively play the drinking game version of Left Right Center, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of the original game’s rules. The drinking game simply adds a layer of consequence to the directional rolls, making the tension and excitement amplify. This section will serve as a refresher for those familiar with the base game and an introduction for newcomers.
The game begins with each player receiving an equal number of chips. Players sit in a circle, and a designated “roller” begins the game by rolling the LRC dice. The direction indicated on the die – Left, Right, or Center – dictates where the chips are passed. If the die lands on “Left,” each player passes all their chips to the person on their left. If it lands on “Right,” chips are passed to the right. “Center” means everyone passes their chips to the person directly across from them.
After the chips have been passed, the roller picks up the die and rolls again. This process continues, with chips constantly circulating around the circle. The key is to avoid ending up with the chips when the roller rolls “Center,” as this results in a penalty (more on penalties later when we discuss drinking rules!). The game continues until only one player has all the chips – that player is the winner! The strategy lies in predicting where the chips will go and trying to avoid accumulating them when a center roll occurs.
To give you a feel for a possible scenario, imagine 4 players: Alice, Bob, Carol, and David. Alice starts as the roller and has 10 chips. She rolls “Left,” and each player passes their chips to the left. Now, Bob is the roller. He rolls “Center,” so everyone passes their chips across the circle. Finally, Carol is the roller and rolls “Right”. This continuous flow of chips across the circle adds a dynamic element to the game.
Defining Drinking Rules and Penalties
| State | Minimum Drinking Age (M.D.A.) | Penalties for Underage Possession (First Offense – Examples) | Penalties for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) – First Offense (Examples) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 21 | $212.50 fine, possible community service, driver’s license suspension (up to 6 months) | $600 – $2,100 fine, up to 1 year jail time, driver’s license suspension (90 days to 1 year) |
| Arizona | 21 | $150 – $500 fine, possible driver’s license suspension | $1,000 – $3,000 fine, up to 10 days jail time, driver’s license suspension (60-90 days) |
| California | 21 | $250 – $1,000 fine, possible alcohol education program | $390 – $1,000 fine, 48-96 hours community service, driver’s license suspension (6 months) |
| Colorado | 21 | $50 – $100 fine, possible community service, driver’s license suspension (6 months) | $150 – $1,000 fine, 6-18 months driver’s license suspension, possible jail time (up to 1 year) |
| Florida | 21 | $50 – $250 fine, possible driver’s license suspension | $500 – $1,000 fine, up to 6 months jail time, driver’s license suspension (6 months) |
This is where the real fun begins! Once you understand the basic game rules, you can transform Left Right Center into a drinking game by assigning specific actions to each die roll. The possibilities are endless, and you can tailor the rules to suit your group’s preferences and drinking tolerance. However, it’s vitally important to always prioritize responsible drinking – more on that later.
A common starting point is to assign a “sip” for Left rolls, a “pass a drink” for Right rolls, and a “shot/timed drink” for Center rolls. A “Dot” (often found on LRC dice, representing a small dot mark, or the ‘4’ and ‘3’ sides of standard dice) can be assigned as a penalty drink for everyone else besides the roller. This adds an extra layer of unpredictability and can lead to hilarious consequences. For example, the roller could take a sip, the person to their right has to pass their drink, the person across the circle takes a shot, and everyone else takes a penalty drink!
You can also create more elaborate penalties. For example, a Left roll could require the player to name their favorite band, a Right roll could involve singing a line from a popular song, and a Center roll could be a full shot of a specific drink. The Dot could be anything from doing a silly dance to answering a trivia question. The more creative and humorous the penalties, the more entertaining the game will be. Remember, the goal is to have fun, so choose penalties that align with your group’s sense of humor.
Variations and Customization
The beauty of Left Right Center is its adaptability. While the core rules remain the same, there’s a vast playground for variations and customization to keep the game fresh and exciting. Whether you’re a seasoned LRC player or a newcomer, experimenting with different rulesets can significantly enhance the overall experience. Think of this section as your toolbox for maximizing the fun.
One popular variation is the “Double Chip” rule. When a player rolls “Center,” instead of losing all their chips, they lose only half. This extends the game and provides a second chance for those who find themselves accumulating chips. Another variation is the “Steal” rule, where a player can steal chips from the person on their left or right after a specific die roll (like “Center”). This introduces an element of strategy and can lead to dramatic shifts in the chip count.
You can also introduce themed variations. For instance, if you’re having a movie-themed party, you could assign penalties related to specific films – such as reciting a famous quote or acting out a scene. A sports-themed variation could involve answering sports trivia questions or performing a silly athletic activity. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination. To help you get started, here’s a table illustrating possible rule variations:
| Variation | Rule Change | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Double Chip | Lose half chips on Center | Extends game, less dramatic penalties |
| Steal | Steal chips after Center roll | Adds strategy & unpredictability |
| Themed | Penalties related to a theme | Enhances immersion & entertainment |
| Team Play | Players form teams | Encourages teamwork & collaboration |
Responsible Gaming and Transitions
Playing a drinking game responsibly is paramount. The primary objective should always be to ensure everyone enjoys themselves safely and comfortably. It’s crucial to set clear boundaries and promote moderation throughout the game. Ignoring the importance of responsible gaming can lead to regrettable consequences and negatively impact the overall experience.
Always provide plenty of non-alcoholic alternatives. Water, soda, juice, and other non-alcoholic beverages should be readily available to ensure everyone can participate without pressure to drink alcohol. Encourage players to pace themselves and to take breaks when needed. Designate a “sober buddy” for each player who is drinking, someone who will look out for their well-being and ensure they don’t overdo it. Furthermore, never pressure anyone to drink if they don’t want to. Respect individual choices and boundaries.
Regarding transportation, ensure everyone has a safe way to get home. This might involve arranging designated drivers, calling taxis or ride-sharing services, or providing overnight accommodations for those who have consumed too much alcohol. Never let anyone drive under the influence. It’s a serious offense with potentially devastating consequences. Planning ahead can prevent serious incidents and ensure everyone’s safety.
Finally, transitioning from Left Right Center to another game can keep the energy up. As the article suggests, “Pick Me Up” is an excellent option because it builds on the interaction and laughter established during LRC. Other alternatives include card games, charades, or even just casual conversation. The key is to have a variety of options on hand to cater to everyone’s preferences and keep the party flowing.
Conclusion
The Left Right Center drinking game provides a fantastic way to elevate a standard gathering into an unforgettable experience. By understanding the foundational rules, creatively customizing the drinking penalties, and prioritizing responsible gameplay, you can guarantee a night of laughter, friendly competition, and lasting memories. Remember to tailor the rules to your group’s preferences, always prioritize safety, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations to keep the game fresh and exciting. Ultimately, the goal is to create a fun and inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable and can enjoy themselves responsibly.
The ability to adapt and improvise is key to a successful game night. Don’t be afraid to throw in unexpected twists or challenges to keep things interesting. And most importantly, have fun! Left Right Center is, at its heart, a game about connection and shared enjoyment. Embrace the chaos, laugh at the silly penalties, and create memories that will last long after the chips have been counted and the drinks have been consumed. You can use this skill by adapting it to different celebrations like birthdays and holidays, and adapting the “theme” of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many chips should each player start with?
Generally, 10-20 chips per player is a good starting point. This allows for a decent length of play without making it feel too drawn out. You can adjust this based on how long you want the game to last and how competitive you want it to be.
Can I use regular dice instead of LRC dice?
Yes, you can! Simply assign numbers to represent Left, Right, and Center. For example, 1 and 2 for Left, 5 and 6 for Right, and 3 and 4 for Center. Marking the dice clearly is essential.
What are some good non-alcoholic drinks to have available?
Water, soda, juice, sparkling cider, and mocktails are all great options. Having a variety ensures everyone can participate comfortably.
What’s the best way to ensure responsible drinking?
Provide plenty of non-alcoholic options, encourage pacing, designate a sober buddy for each player, and ensure everyone has a safe way to get home. Never pressure anyone to drink.
How can I make the game more interesting?
Try variations like “Double Chip” or “Steal,” introduce themed penalties, or play in teams. The possibilities are endless!