dickpong

Official Rules of Dickpong

No one’s quite sure how this game came to be—it just showed up one day and now here we are. Play your way, but if you’re looking for the official playbook, this is it.


Welcome to the absurdly entertaining world of Dickpong—the game that happens when you mix the physical play of pickleball with the social fun of beer pong, using DVD cases as paddles and setting the net at, well, "dick height." Whether you've lost your copy of Jurassic Pork and only have the case left, or you're just looking for a new way to embrace chaos, Dickpong offers a hilariously good time. This rulebook provides an in-depth guide to playing Dickpong, ensuring fair play and maximum enjoyment for all participants.

2.1 DVD Paddles

  • Description: Standard DVD cases (with or without discs) are used as paddles.
  • Condition: Must be intact without cracks or sharp edges.
  • Customization: Players may decorate their DVD cases but cannot alter their size or structure.

2.2 Ping Pong Balls

  • Specifications: Standard 40mm white or orange ping pong balls.
  • Quantity: A minimum of two balls is recommended per game.

2.3 The Net

  • Height: Approximately 3 feet from the ground, colloquially known as "dick height."
  • Length: Should span the width of the playing area.
  • Material: Any standard net (pickleball, badminton) is acceptable.

2.4 Playing Surface

  • Dimensions: Approximately 20 feet in length and 10 feet in width.
  • Surface Type: Flat surfaces such as grass, concrete, or indoor flooring.
  • Markings: Boundary lines can be marked with tape, chalk, or cones.

2.5 Cups and Beverages

  • Cups: Standard 16 oz (473 ml) plastic cups.
  • Arrangement: Typically arranged in a triangle formation (6 or 10 cups).
  • Beverages: Beer is traditional, but any beverage—including non-alcoholic—is acceptable.

3.1 Court Dimensions

  • Length: 20 feet (6.1 meters) from baseline to baseline.
  • Width: 10 feet (3 meters) from sideline to sideline.
  • Service Lines: Optional lines 5 feet from the net on each side.

3.2 Setting Up the Net

  • Height Adjustment: Ensure the net is securely fastened at "dick height."
  • Stability: The net should be taut and not sagging.

3.3 Arranging the Cups

  • Formation: Cups are arranged in a tight triangle at the back of each side.
  • Positioning: The base of the triangle aligns with the baseline.
  • Filling Cups: Fill each cup with the agreed-upon beverage.

3.4 Starting Positions

  • Teams: Two teams of one or two players each.
  • Placement: Players stand behind their cups, within the boundaries of the court.

4.1 Objective

Goal: Eliminate all of the opposing team's cups by landing ping pong balls into them while defending your own cups.

4.2 Serving

  • Initiation: Determine the first serve by a coin toss or "Eye-to-Eye" shot.
  • Method: The serving player hits the ball over the net using the DVD paddle, aiming for the opponent's cups.
  • Alternate Serves: Teams alternate serves after each point.

4.3 Rallying

  • Volleys: Players can rally the ball back and forth using their DVD paddles.
  • Maximum Hits: Each team is allowed up to three consecutive hits before the ball must cross the net.
  • No Hands: Players cannot touch the ball with any part of their body.

4.4 Scoring

  • Cup Removal: When a ball lands in a cup, that cup is removed, and the defending player consumes its contents.
  • Multiple Cups: If multiple cups are hit in a single turn, all affected cups are removed.
  • Winning: The first team to eliminate all opponent cups wins the game.

4.5 Re-Racks

  • Definition: Rearranging the remaining cups into a new formation.
  • Limit: Each team is allowed one re-rack per game.
  • Timing: Re-racks can only be requested at the beginning of a turn.

4.6 Bounce Shots

  • Double Cup Removal: Bounce shots result in the removal of two cups.
  • Defensive Swatting: Defending players may swat away bounce shots after the ball contacts the playing surface.
  • Restrictions: No goaltending—players cannot interfere with shots directly aimed at cups.

5.1 Player Eligibility

  • Age Requirement: All players must be of legal drinking age in their jurisdiction.
  • Sobriety: Players must be in a condition to play safely.

5.2 Turn Order

  • Alternating Turns: Teams alternate turns regardless of scoring.
  • Player Rotation: Within teams, players alternate shots each turn.

5.3 Interference

  • No Touching: Players cannot touch the ball when it's on the opponent's side.
  • Net Contact: Touching the net with any part of the body or paddle results in a fault.
  • Penalties: Interference results in loss of turn or cup penalties.

5.4 Penalties

  • Foot Faults: Stepping over the baseline during serve results in a warning; subsequent offenses may lead to loss of turn.
  • Unsportsmanlike Conduct: May result in warnings, point deductions, or disqualification.
  • Equipment Tampering: Altering equipment unfairly leads to immediate disqualification.

5.5 Timeouts

  • Allocation: Each team is allowed one 60-second timeout per game.
  • Usage: Timeouts can be used for strategy discussions or equipment checks.

6.1 Celebrity Shots

  • Definition: Once per game, a team may invite a non-participating person to take a shot.
  • Restrictions: Cannot be used during redemption or overtime.

6.2 Redemption

  • Opportunity: After the last cup is eliminated, the losing team has a chance to tie by hitting all remaining cups without missing.
  • Sequence: Players shoot in the same order as during the game.

6.3 Overtime

  • Setup: Each team sets up three cups in a triangle formation.
  • Gameplay: Normal rules apply; the first team to eliminate the opponent's cups wins.
  • Multiple Overtimes: If tied after overtime, repeat the process until a winner is determined.

7.1 Respect for Opponents

  • Behavior: Maintain friendly and respectful interactions.
  • Language: Avoid offensive or aggressive language.

7.2 Dispute Resolution

  • Discussion: Resolve disputes through calm discussion.
  • Third-Party Mediation: If necessary, involve a neutral party to make a ruling.

7.3 Code of Conduct

  • Fair Play: Abide by the rules and avoid cheating.
  • Integrity: Accept outcomes gracefully and with good sportsmanship.

8.1 Optional Rules

  • Death Cup: If a previously made cup (that hasn't been consumed) is hit again, the game ends immediately.
  • Island Rule: Calling "island" allows a player to target a single isolated cup for a bonus.

8.2 Customizations

  • Paddle Alternatives: Players may agree to use other items similar in size to DVD cases.
  • Net Adjustments: Teams can agree on net height modifications for different skill levels.

9.1 Alcohol Consumption

  • Responsibility: Drink responsibly and know your limits.
  • Alternatives: Non-alcoholic beverages are acceptable for those who prefer or need to abstain.

9.2 Equipment Safety

  • Regular Checks: Inspect paddles and balls for damage before play.
  • Safe Environment: Ensure the playing area is free of hazards.

9.3 Player Health

  • Hydration: Stay hydrated with water alongside any alcoholic beverages.
  • Medical Conditions: Players with health issues should consult a doctor before playing.

Q1: Can we play with more than two players per team?

A: Yes, but turn order must be maintained, and rules should be adjusted accordingly.

Q2: What if the ball hits the net during a serve?

A: A net serve results in a fault; the serving team loses their turn.

Q3: Are trick shots allowed?

A: Yes, as long as they comply with the standard rules and don't involve illegal interference.

Dickpong is more than just a game; it's a celebration of embracing the absurd and making the most out of what life throws at you—literally. With DVD cases as paddles and a net at "dick height," it's the perfect blend of humor, skill, and camaraderie. Whether you're in a frat house basement where questionable life choices thrive or just looking for a good time, Dickpong offers an unforgettable experience. Now grab that Jurassic Pork DVD case, set up your cups, and let the games begin!