What You'll Need
Power Hour is simultaneously the simplest and most demanding drinking game you can play. There's almost no setup, no strategy, no winners or losers. Just 60 minutes, 60 shots of beer, and whatever happens after.
- Beer — you'll need roughly 5-6 beers per person for the full hour (at 1 oz per shot = 60 oz total)
- Shot glasses (1 per player)
- A timer that goes off every 60 seconds — or a Power Hour playlist (60 songs that change every minute, widely available on Spotify/YouTube)
- 2 to however many people fit around your table
Math check: 60 shots of 1 oz = 60 oz of beer = roughly 5 standard 12 oz beers over the course of an hour. Paced, that's manageable. The challenge is the regularity — every 60 seconds, no exceptions.
Setup
Set up shot glasses in front of each player. Have enough beer nearby to last the hour without getting up. Start your timer or Power Hour playlist.
The Power Hour playlist option is strongly recommended — when the song changes, everyone drinks. It's a social cue that removes the need to watch a timer and adds a musical atmosphere.
How to Play
Every 60 seconds, every player takes one shot (approximately 1 oz) of beer. That's it. No cards, no decisions, no competition. Just the clock.
The social challenge is staying together — everyone drinks at the same time, on the same beat. The playlist version where songs flip every minute is the cleanest way to play.
Rules (Such As They Are)
- You must drink every minute, on the minute. Missing a shot means you "owe" it — you can't skip and drink double next time (though double-drinking as a penalty for a missed round is a popular house rule).
- No going over 1 oz per shot. Power Hour is paced, not a race.
- Bathroom breaks are allowed but you're still responsible for making your shot when the timer hits.
Century Club
The advanced version: 100 shots in 100 minutes. Significantly more beer. Only recommended for experienced players who've successfully completed a standard Power Hour.
Winning
There's no winner in Power Hour. Completion is the goal — making it all 60 minutes without missing a shot or giving up. Anyone who makes it through all 60 shots can legitimately say they survived a Power Hour.
Some groups give "awards" — First to Bail, Most Enthusiastic, Best Dancer During Power Hour Playlist, etc.
Tips for Surviving Power Hour
- Eat a big meal beforehand. A full stomach dramatically changes how 5 beers in an hour affects you. Do not do Power Hour on an empty stomach.
- Drink water between shots. The 60 seconds between shots is enough time for a few sips of water. Over 60 rounds, hydration makes a massive difference.
- Use a lighter beer. 5% ABV craft IPAs and 4% light lagers result in very different Power Hours. If you're playing to actually survive, use something light.
- Count your shots. After 20, 40, and 60, celebrate milestones. Mental checkpoints help.
- Have a playlist ready. The "Hour of Power" playlist on Spotify is a classic — automatically timed with a new song every minute, plus motivational moments at key milestones.
Variations
Power Hour with Music Themes
Pick a theme — 80s pop, one specific artist, movie soundtracks. Every song change = shot. Adds a trivia/music appreciation layer.
Penalty Power Hour
Add house rules that trigger extra shots: someone says a banned word = extra shot, phone check = extra shot, etc.
Team Power Hour
Split into teams. If a team member misses a shot, the whole team does a penalty shot. Accountability makes it social.
Non-Alcoholic Power Hour
Use soda, juice, or a non-alcoholic beer. Still builds camaraderie, the regularity is still fun, and nobody ends up on the floor. Perfect for mixed groups.
Power Hour involves significant alcohol consumption. Please drink extremely responsibly and know your limits. This game is intended for adults 21 and older in the United States. Never drink and drive.