Draft:Race Cage

Race Cage (a.k.a. Rage Cage)

Genres	Drinking game
Players	Typically 4–12
Setup time	Less than 5 minutes
Playing time	Varies (around 10–30 minutes)
Chance	Medium
Skills	Reflexes, Accuracy, Hand-Eye Coordination

Race Cage (also known as Rage Cage) is a popular drinking game that involves rapid passing, bouncing of table tennis balls, and drinking cups of beer. The game is a social and often high-energy activity that is particularly popular at parties and gatherings, especially among college students.

Objective

The objective of the game is to bounce a table tennis ball into a cup as quickly as possible before the player to your right succeeds in doing so, forcing them to drink a cup from the center of the table. The game continues until all cups in the center are consumed.

History

Originally known as Race Cage, the game evolved over time, becoming more widely known as Rage Cage due to the intensity and excitement players experience during gameplay. The exact origins of the game are unclear, though it is believed to have gained popularity on college campuses in the United States in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Setup

To play Rage Cage, players will need:

• Two ping pong balls
• Numerous plastic cups (typically 10-20)
• A table large enough to accommodate all players
• Beer or another beverage of choice to fill the cups

The cups are arranged in the center of the table, usually in a cluster. Two empty cups are initially used for the gameplay.

Rules

1. Players sit or stand in a circle around the table. 2. Two players, sitting opposite each other, start with an empty cup and a ping pong ball. 3. The objective is to bounce the ping pong ball into the cup as quickly as possible. 4. Once a player successfully bounces the ball into the cup, they pass the cup and ball to the player on their right. 5. If a player makes the ball in on their first try, they can pass the cup and ball to any player, skipping others. 6. If a player to your right successfully bounces the ball into their cup before you do, they stack their cup on top of yours. You must then take a cup from the center, drink its contents, and continue bouncing. 7. The game ends when all cups in the center have been consumed.

Variations

There are many variations of Rage Cage, depending on the region or group of players. Some players incorporate additional rules such as:

• Reversal Rule: If a player makes the ball in the first attempt, they can reverse the direction of play.
• Shotgun Cup: If a player drinks the last cup from the center, they may be required to "shotgun" a beer.

Popularity

Rage Cage has remained a popular drinking game at social events due to its fast-paced nature and the excitement it generates. Like other drinking games, it is often associated with college parties but is played by a variety of age groups in different settings.

Health and Safety Concerns

As with any drinking game, there are health and safety concerns associated with Rage Cage. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to negative physical and mental health outcomes, including alcohol poisoning, impaired judgment, and long-term liver damage. Players are encouraged to consume alcohol responsibly and be aware of their own limits.

It's important to note that participation in drinking games like Rage Cage can increase the risk of binge drinking, as the game's fast-paced nature can pressure participants to consume alcohol rapidly. Alternatives such as playing without alcohol or using non-alcoholic beverages can make the game safer and inclusive for all players.

Cultural Impact

Rage Cage has become a well-known part of the broader culture of drinking games in the United States and beyond, along with games such as beer pong, flip cup, and Kings. It often serves as a social bonding activity, helping break the ice in group settings. The intensity and competition of the game have made it a favorite at parties and gatherings, especially among young adults and college students.

The game's influence has even spread through online communities and social media, where videos of Rage Cage tournaments and tips for improving one's performance are shared. Variants of Rage Cage have emerged in different regions, reflecting the adaptability of the game's core mechanics to suit different preferences and environments.

Criticism

Rage Cage, like many drinking games, has been subject to criticism, particularly regarding its promotion of excessive drinking. Critics argue that it encourages dangerous drinking habits and creates a peer pressure environment where participants may consume more alcohol than they would normally. Some university campuses have launched initiatives to discourage the playing of drinking games like Rage Cage, citing concerns about student health and alcohol abuse.

See Also

• Beer pong
• Flip cup
• Kings (drinking game)
• Quarters (drinking game)
• Binge drinking

External Links

• Wikihow
• [Responsible Drinking Guidelines]
• [A Brief History of Drinking Games]

Category:Drinking games Category:Party games Category:Alcohol-related games Category:American games