Game On: The Story of Who Invented the Iconic Beer Pong

Introduction

Beer Pong is a popular party game that has become a staple in many social gatherings. It is a drinking game where players toss a ping pong ball into cups filled with beer on opposite ends of a long table. It is a game that has transcended generations, and today, it is played in bars, college dorm rooms, and even professional tournaments. But have you ever wondered about the history of beer pong? Who invented this iconic game that has taken the world by storm? In this article, we’ll go back in time and explore the origins of beer pong.

The Early Beginnings

Beer Pong originated from a traditional game called Table Tennis, where players hit a ball back and forth over a table. However, the game took a different turn when it was introduced to college campuses in the 1950s and 1960s. It was then when the game became known as Beer Pong, and the cups were filled with beer instead of water.

The game’s rules were simple; players would try to throw the ball into the opponent’s cups. When a ball goes in, the opposing team would have to drink the beer in the cup. The first team to clear all cups on the table is declared the winner.

Beer Pong Goes Mainstream

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Beer Pong maintained its popularity among college students. However, it was not until the 1990s when the game went mainstream, thanks to the widespread availability of cheap plastic cups, ping pong balls, and tables. Beer Pong became the game of choice for the young and the restless, and its popularity has been on the rise ever since.

Who Invented Beer Pong?

There has been much speculation about who invented beer pong, and it’s possible that the game could have been invented independently at different colleges. However, two schools are often credited with the game’s invention: Dartmouth College and Bucknell University.

The first recorded instance of Beer Pong being played was at Dartmouth College in the 1950s. However, it was Bucknell University that patented the game in 1981. Two students from Bucknell called Robert Shepherd and Joe Corcoran came up with a set of rules in response to the Dartmouth version of the game they had witnessed.

The Evolution of Beer Pong

Over the years, Beer Pong has undergone some significant changes. Players have come up with different variations and rules tailored to their preferences and skill levels. These variations are often geographical, with different regions having specific versions of the game.

One popular variation is called Beirut, which is a hybrid of Beer Pong and Flip Cup. This version of the game involves players trying to hit the opponent’s cup with a ping pong ball, and if successful, the other team has to drink and then flip the cup over. The team that flips all their cups over first is declared the winner.

Professional Beer Pong

Professional Beer Pong tournaments have become a thing in recent years, with players competing for large cash prizes. The World Series of Beer Pong is one of the most prestigious events, with players all over the world competing for hefty prize money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is Beer Pong only for college students?
A. No, anyone can play Beer Pong.

Q. What equipment do I need to play Beer Pong?
A. Beer Pong requires a long table, plastic cups, a ping pong ball and, of course, beer.

Q. How do you win Beer Pong?
A. The team that clears all cups on the table first is the winner.

Conclusion

Beer Pong has come a long way since its inception, and it has become a cultural phenomenon. Although the game’s roots are uncertain, it is clear that Beer Pong has become a fixture in social events worldwide. The game has undergone some changes, but its core principle remains the same; to have fun while socializing with friends and family over beers. So the next time you find yourself at a party, raise a cold one and raise your cups for the game that started it all – Beer Pong.