Beer Pong Set Up and Supplies

Looking to play the ultimate beer pong game? This supply list will help you on your way. Once you have all your supplies, we will go over how to set everything up to run smoothly.

The first item you will need is your table. Now there are a lot of ways to go about it. You can make or build your own beer pong table but this can get very pricey and time consuming as well. You don’t want ruin any of your household tables; so, don’t use those. A regulation table needs to be eight feet long and around twenty seven and half inches high. This size of a table makes it little difficult to store when you not using it. My recommendation would be to purchase a professionally made table. They are not that expensive usually under $130.00. These tables are portable and break down to about the size of a briefcase with a carrying handle for easy storage. The table is made especially for playing beer pong with clear markings for the cup layout and placement. These tables are also water resistant and are very durable and sturdy and have cool graphics and usually come with a holder for the balls as well.

Now you will need some balls for playing. You can purchase balls that say that they are made “especially for beer pong” on them but, don’t be fooled, they are the same as any ping pong ball. There are generally two sizes of balls 38 mm. and 40 mm. These are your standard size ping pong balls; although, the 38mm balls are becoming rarer because since 2000, they are no longer used in ping pong competitions. Not all balls are created equal though. Ping pong (or table tennis) balls are marked with a 3 star rating. The rating is based on roundness, size, seam, and weight. The 3 star balls are of the highest quality; while 0 star balls of the lowest. These ratings benefit beer pong also. Balls with a 1 to 3 star rating have less of a chance to fill with liquid because of a pin hole. Balls without the seam throw and bounce better a well. Three star balls are more expensive; don’t break the bank if you don’t have to. A 1 or 2 star ball will play just as well. Make sure to buy more than one ball, as they are very easily lost or crushed.

Cups are usually 16 ounces in size and made of plastic. Most games are played with six or ten cups on each side of the table plus two cups for rinsing also called dip cups. So you would at least start off with twenty four cups. This way you have a couple extra ones on hand. The cups can be purchased pretty much at any market or big box store. If you are a frequent or serious gamer, reusable plastic cups are available. These cups have different sayings, logos, and designs on them and are a little more expensive. The design or the phrase on the cup is totally up to you.
Last but not least on the list the beer (or water). Depending on the situation and the type of game play people use water to save money. This is also a good idea if it’s going to be family game and players are under the age of twenty one. The game does not have to be played with only beer. But if you plan on having a party with many players and teams involved I would just get a quarter barrel of beer. The type of beer used is all personal preference.

Once all of our supplies are in check it is time to set up and play some beer pong. You will need an area large enough for the table and some clearance space for movement. If at all possible stay off carpeted areas; no matter how hard you try to stay clean, the floor will get wet. Now that the table is ready to go and presuming you have a professional beer pong table, there will be two triangles on each of the beer pong table this is where you place the cups. Six or ten cups are to be placed in each triangle. Then fill the cups about 1/3 with beer or water. On the outside of the triangle will be a marked area for the dip cup on each side of the table. This cup gets filled to about 4/5ths of the way with warm water.
You are finally ready to play some professional beer pong. Now you have a complete supply list and table set up reference. This game can be for anyone who wants to play. Just remember you can always use water if you are a minor or simply not an alcohol drinker. So let’s have some fun and make sure to play responsibly.