There are a few shows that have had drinking games tailored to them after-the-fact, like “M*A*S*H,” “Cheers,” and “Family Matters” (drink whenever Urkel says “Did I do thaaat?”) …OK, that last one I made up, but will adhere to from now on. I wanted “Three Sheets” to be the first show that was a drinking game on purpose.
While in Ireland shooting our very first episode, I joined Mike Kelly for a pint (or more) and brought up the drinking game idea. He loved it. We kicked around some rules, and they’re still in effect today. On that trip we also went to Wales, Belgium and Champagne. While in Belgium I met a bartender from the bar Delirium, who showed me an amazing selection of Belgian beers. When I burped, he did the sign for “good burp.” It immediately became a rule to the drinking game.
Here are the rules for the drinking game. They first appeared in the Costa Rica episode, where I said, “Three Sheets is not a drinking game. But, if it were, these would be the rules…” However, I leaked the rules on my website before that episode aired.
Rule 1: When I drink, you drink.
Rule 2: The first person to spot Pleepleus the monkey gets to make someone else drink.
Rule 3: When I mention my friend, Steve McKenna, or when his photo pops up, everyone drinks. (I know it makes the Kentucky and New York episodes - where Steve joined me - difficult. Deal with it!)
Rule 4: When I burp, the last person to give the "Good Burp" sign (thumb on your forehead, pinky in the air) drinks. When the show is on, it’s only my burps that count as part of the game. But when you’re not watching the show it applies to anyone who’s drinking.
Rule 5: If someone in the show "Jim-The-Cops" (spills their beverage while drinking) it’s a social. However, if YOU Jim-The-Cop, you have to buy someone a drink. If you're watching at home, or a friend's house, it’s your turn to make a run to the fridge. If you Jim-The-Cop while in a chugging contest (as sophomoric as that is), you get three seconds added to your time.
Rule 6: If you ever spot me holding a drink improperly, you can make someone drink. Here are the proper positions:
FOO FOO DRINK: This would be a drink that masks the taste of alcohol with the taste of sugar. They are sweet, blended, brightly colored, or have an umbrella in them. In this case, my pinky should be up in the air.
MAN-GRIP DRINK: This is a general drink, like a Beer, Jack & Coke, Vodka Cranberry, where the sweetness doesn't hide the taste of alcohol. In this case, all of my fingers should be in contact with the glass.
GENTLEMAN DRINK: Think Frank Sinatra. This is a straight-up spirit, like Bourbon, Scotch, Tequila, or anything else that is not cut (except by water, vermouth, or club soda). All fingers should be on the glass except for the index finger-- It should be pointing out with confidence.
