Mastering the Cup Game

Rhythmic pastimes like the cup game, involving hand claps and tapping an object on a solid surface, have entertained people for generations. Recently, actress Anna Kendrick showcased the cup game in the movie 'Pitch Perfect', reigniting its popularity. Whether you wish to join friends during breaks or seek a rhythmic way to pass the time, learning the cup game takes only minutes.

Check your cup's durability. A robust cup is essential for the cup game. Plastic cups produce satisfying sounds but ensure they're sturdy enough. Glass or ceramic cups, while offering a pleasant sound, pose a risk of breakage, so opt for sturdy ones to prevent accidents.

Prepare your workspace. Before starting the cup game, ensure your playing area is clear. Remove any obstacles that might interfere with your movements, such as food or drinks, and consider the stability of your playing surface.

Position your cup. Place your cup directly in front of you, with your hands poised on either side. This setup allows for easy clapping and maneuvering of the cup during gameplay.

Choose a song to accompany your game. While not necessary, playing a song like 'When I'm Gone' can help synchronize your movements with others. Alternatively, you can opt for different songs with similar rhythms.

Double-clap your hands. With your cup positioned in front of you on a stable surface, clap your hands twice over the cup. Ensure your hands are on either side of the cup for proper execution.

Perform three taps on the cup.

Following the initial clap, execute a three-beat drum roll on the cup's top surface using your fingers. This action creates a distinct rhythmic sound and adds variation to your performance.

Clap once again. After completing the drum roll taps, proceed to clap once more above the cup, synchronizing with the music's beat or maintaining a steady rhythm if there's no music playing.

Tap the cup onto the table. Following the clap, swiftly lift the cup with your right hand and, in rhythm with your claps and taps, firmly tap the cup back onto the table about 6 inches (15 cm) to the right of its original position.

Clap your hands and retrieve the cup. Clap once loudly, then use your right hand to pick up the cup from the table. Ensure your hand is positioned inside the cup, with the thumb pointing toward the table.

Clap the cup's mouth and tap its bottom on the table. Clap the cup's mouth against your left palm with your right hand, then lightly tap the cup's bottom against the table. This action creates a bouncing motion between your left palm and the table.

Clap the cup's bottom and switch hands. Lift the cup with your right hand and clap its bottom against your left palm. After clapping, transfer the cup to your left hand while releasing it with your right.

• Left-handers should use their right hand to clap the cup's bottom and then switch the cup from their left to right hand.

Slap the table and place the cup back on it. With your now free right hand, lightly slap the table slightly to the left of directly in front of you. Then, use your left hand to clap the cup against the table slightly to the right of directly in front of you.

• Left-handers will perform the mirror image of these final motions: left hand slaps the table slightly to the right of directly in front of them, right hand claps the cup to the table slightly to the left of directly in front of them, with both arms crossing in front.
• After placing the cup back on the table, your arms should be crossed in front of you, with your right hand to the left and your left hand to the right while still holding the cup.
• Return your hands to either side of the cup to prepare for the next round of the game.
• You can continue playing the cup game for as long as the music plays or as long as desired.

Continue the sequence and pass your cup for group play. In the traditional version, each participant passes their cup to the person on their right. Increase the pace of the game as you play. Any players who drop or fumble the cup should step out until only one winner remains.

• Confidence is key for a successful cupper.
• Enlist a friend's help to learn the rhythm faster.
• Gradually increase your speed during practice sessions. This will allow you to impress your friends with your remarkable speed over time!