Chestnut trees overhead, a cool Maß on the table and good friends all around — the Biergarten is conviviality itself. With the right Biergarten drinking games, a relaxed afternoon at the beer garden turns into a session full of laughs. In a Biergarten, what counts are games you can play discreetly at your own table without disturbing the neighbouring tables, and that fit the Bavarian pub tradition. If the September Biergarten afternoon turns into a full Oktoberfest party, the Oktoberfest drinking games take over, with stein-holding and finger wrestling. Here you'll find the best Biergarten drinking games with full instructions, plus tips for a sociable afternoon under the open sky.
What makes a good Biergarten drinking game? A game you can play quietly and without much gear at the pub table — usually with beer mats, dice, or just the group itself. Skill games, dice games and guessing games are ideal, as they fit the relaxed, down-to-earth Biergarten atmosphere.
💡 By the way: this is exactly why we built the wooden mini skis — combined with a glass and a binding, they become the original wearable ski. More on that below ↓
Biergarten Classics with Beer Mats & Dice
Beer Mat Flipping
The pub classic of all classics. Everyone rests a beer mat half over the edge of the table, flicks it up with the side of the hand and tries to catch it out of the air. The more mats you catch in a row, the more sips you get to hand out. Whoever misses drinks themselves. A game that fits perfectly at the Biergarten table, since the gear is already lying there anyway.
Mäxchen (Liar's Dice)
Two dice, one cup, plenty of bluffing. You roll under cover and have to call out a higher number to the next player than the one before you — bluffing if you have to. If someone doesn't believe you, they call your bluff: if the previous player was telling the truth, the doubter drinks, otherwise the bluffer does. Ideal, because all you need is a dice cup and you can play it quietly at the table.
Meiern (the Dice Variant)
Related to Mäxchen, but with a fixed ranking of dice combinations (the highest is the "Mäxchen" itself: a two and a one). Again, the rule is: call higher than the previous player, or bluff convincingly. Whoever's wrong when the dice are revealed drinks. A pub classic that connects generations.
Great reel from an Apres-Ski party on the Axamer … – @apresallstars
Good to know: the wooden mini skis only reveal their full charm with a glass and a binding — that's when they become the original wearable ski.
More Biergarten Drinking Games for the Table
Finger Wrestling, Light Version
The classic Bavarian strength sport in a sociable variant: two players hook one finger together (or pull on a small leather strap) and try to pull the other across the middle of the table. Whoever gives in takes a sip. Please play only playfully and carefully — it's about the fun, not sprained fingers.
Sociable Guessing & Betting Games for the Table
Between the skill games, guessing and betting games loosen up the round and get everyone talking:
The Pub Quiz
A guessing game for the relaxed round: taking turns, everyone asks a question about beer, Bavaria and the Biergarten — "How many litres does a Maß hold?" (one litre), "What belongs to a proper Brotzeit?", "What's the standard German word for Radi?" (Rettich, radish). Whoever gets it wrong takes a sip. A game that delivers the odd aha-moment along the way.
The Stein-Holding Contest
A skill classic: who can hold a (well-filled) Maßkrug out at arm's length, horizontally, the longest — without shaking or setting it down? Whoever gives up first takes a sip. Caution: only play with a stable stance and enough distance to your neighbours.
Guessing Questions About the Group
Someone asks a guessing question about the group: "How many Maß will we drink together today?", "Who among us has already been to Oktoberfest?" Everyone guesses, and whoever is furthest off drinks. A simple game that gets the round talking.
Biergarten Etiquette: Sociable but Considerate
The Biergarten thrives on its relaxed, open atmosphere — and that's exactly what you should preserve. Unlike a private garden party, here you sit shoulder to shoulder with strangers, often with families and regulars' tables right next to you. So the rule is: drinking games should stay quiet and discreet at your own table, without disturbing the neighbours. Throwing games and action games have no place in a full Biergarten — that's exactly why beer mat flipping, dice games and guessing games work so much better. Also pay attention to the landlord's house rules, since not every pub is happy about guests bringing their own gear. And one thing that really matters in Bavarian tradition: a Maß comes with a Brotzeit. Eating a solid base means you'll celebrate more relaxed and for longer. With this kind of consideration, the Biergarten visit becomes a pleasure for everyone.
Good to know: the wooden mini skis only reveal their full charm with a glass and a binding — that's when they become the original wearable ski.
Tips for a Sociable Biergarten Afternoon
- Play quietly: discreet table games instead of loud action — show consideration for the neighbouring tables.
- Brotzeit as your base: a full stomach helps you last longer. A hearty Brotzeit belongs on the table.
- Plenty of water: with sun and beer, keep drinking water in between.
- Mind the house rules: not every landlord allows guests to bring their own gear — ask first.
- Play alcohol-free too: all the games work just as well with non-alcoholic beer or a spritzer.
Tip from experience: labelling one of the four blank discs on the Miniski Roulette with your own inside jokes turns every evening into its own game.
Even More Drinking Game Inspiration
You'll find more rules over at the best drinking games and the drinking games without equipment. For at home, check out the drinking games for the garden party and the barbecue evening.
FAQ
Which drinking games fit the Biergarten?
Discreet table games like Beer Mat Flipping, Mäxchen, Meiern, the Pub Quiz and guessing questions. They fit the relaxed pub atmosphere and don't disturb the neighbouring tables.
Which drinking games work without much gear?
Beer Mat Flipping only needs the mats already on the table, Mäxchen and Meiern just a dice cup, and the Pub Quiz as well as the guessing questions need nothing at all except the group.
What should you keep in mind at the Biergarten?
Consideration for the neighbouring tables (play quietly, no action games), the landlord's house rules, a solid Brotzeit as a base, and enough water when it's sunny.
What is Mäxchen or Meiern?
A dice bluffing game: you roll under cover and call out a (real or made-up) number to the next player, which has to be higher than the previous one. Whoever doesn't believe it calls the bluff — whoever is wrong drinks.
Are you allowed to play your own drinking games at the Biergarten?
Generally yes, as long as you stay quiet and considerate. If you're bringing your own gear, it's worth a quick check of the house rules or asking the landlord.
Do the games work without alcohol too?
Yes, all the Biergarten drinking games work just as well with non-alcoholic beer, a spritzer or water. That way everyone can join in.
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