Looking for an entertaining game to play with your friends or family? Never Have I Ever is a popular party game that can spark laughter, revelations, and bonding moments.
In this game, players take turns saying a statement starting with “Never have I ever” and then complete the sentence with something they have never done before. If someone in the group has done that action, they take a sip of their drink or put a finger down.
The goal of the game is to be the last person standing or to have the most fingers up at the end. But how do you play Never Have I Ever, and what are the official rules?
In this article, we will explain everything you need to know to enjoy this game to the fullest. We will also share some strategies to increase your chances of winning and provide answers to some common questions. Let’s dive in!
Key Takeaways for “Never Have I Ever Drinking Game”
- Social Interaction: The game promotes bonding and camaraderie among players. It’s a fun way to learn more about your friends’ past experiences and share a few laughs over shared memories or surprising revelations.
- Play Responsibly: While the game can involve alcohol, it’s essential to prioritize safety. Set limits, drink water in between rounds, and ensure no one is driving after participating. It’s always okay to opt for non-alcoholic beverages or play a non-drinking version of the game.
- Varied Game Dynamics: “Never Have I Ever” can be played in different settings and formats. It can be a quiet game among close friends or a lively party game. The questions can range from light and humorous to deep and introspective, depending on the group’s comfort level.
- Respect Boundaries: Always be considerate of others’ feelings and boundaries. If someone is uncomfortable answering a question or participating in a particular round, respect their decision without pressuring or judging them.
- Endless Possibilities: The game’s beauty is in its simplicity and the virtually limitless number of questions or statements that can be used. This ensures that no two games are ever entirely the same, making it a favorite for many gatherings.
How to Play?
Gather your players
Ideally, you should have at least three players to make the game more interesting. You can play with a bigger group, but keep in mind that the game may take longer and become more chaotic.
Set up the game
Give each player a drink or a set of fingers (or both). You can use any beverage you like, as long as it’s not too strong or alcoholic. Make sure everyone knows the Never Have I Ever rules before you start.
Start the game
The first player begins by saying “Never have I ever” followed by something they have never done before. For example, “Never have I ever skydived“.
Watch the reactions
If any other player in the group has done skydiving before, they have to take a sip of their drink or put one finger down (depending on the version you’re playing). If nobody reacts, the person who made the statement has to drink or put a finger down.
Take turns
The game continues clockwise, with each player taking a turn to make a statement. You can’t repeat a statement that has already been made in the same round.
Keep playing
The game goes on until there’s only one person left with fingers up or until everyone has put all their fingers down. The last person standing is the winner, or you can count the remaining fingers and declare the person with the most as the winner.
Strategies to Win
If you want to increase your chances of winning at Never Have I Ever, here are some tips to consider:
Be strategic with your statements
Try to make statements that are likely to catch other players off guard. Think about the group you’re playing with and what their experiences might be.
For example, if you know that most people in the group are vegetarian, you could say, “Never have I ever eaten a steak“.
Keep track of what others say
Pay attention to what other players reveal about themselves. If you notice that several people have never traveled outside their country, you could use that information to your advantage and say, “Never have I ever been to Europe“.
Be honest (but not too honest)
Don’t be afraid to make statements about things you have done before, but try not to reveal too much personal information that could make others uncomfortable or judge you. Remember, the goal is to have fun, not to embarrass or offend anyone.
Pace yourself
If you’re drinking during the game, be mindful of your limits and don’t overdo it. Drinking too much can affect your judgment and make you say things you regret or lose the game quickly.
Use reverse psychology
Sometimes, making statements about things you have done before can throw off other players who expect you to say the opposite. For instance, if you say, “Never have I ever stolen something“, some players might assume you’re lying and put a finger down when they shouldn’t.
FAQs
Can I make statements about things I have done before?
Yes, you can. The goal of the game is to trick other players into thinking you haven’t done something when you actually have.
However, be mindful of revealing too much personal information or saying things that might make others uncomfortable or judge you.
What happens if I forget to say “Never have I ever” at the beginning of my statement?
If you forget to start your statement with “Never have I ever”, other players might assume you’re making a regular statement and not react accordingly. However, they can remind you to follow the rules, or you can take a sip of your drink or put a finger down as a penalty.
Can we change the rules of the game?
Yes, you can adapt the rules of Never Have I Ever to fit your preferences or the occasion. For example, you could use different penalties instead of drinking or putting fingers down, such as doing a dare or answering a personal question.
Can we play Never Have I Ever with kids?
Yes, you can play a kid-friendly version of Never Have I Ever by using statements that are appropriate for their age and experiences. You can also use non-alcoholic beverages or skip the drinking aspect altogether.
Conclusion
Never Have I Ever is a fun and engaging game that can liven up any party or gathering. By following the official rules and using some of the strategies we’ve shared, you can increase your chances of winning and have a memorable experience with your friends or family.
Just remember to play responsibly and respect everyone’s boundaries and comfort levels. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your players, drinks, and fingers, and let the game begin!