The Most Popular Pub Game in the UK, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the pub game you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 9, 2024 06:48
Gathering in a pub with friends for an evening of games is a cherished tradition across the UK, offering a spirited way to engage with others and enjoy some friendly competition. With numerous games to choose from, each providing a unique mix of entertainment and challenge, participants often debate which one stands out as the most enjoyable and engaging.
By providing a live ranking of these popular pub games, we aim to give enthusiasts and newcomers alike a clearer picture of what the majority enjoys most. This not only helps guide your choices on game night but also adds a layer of fun as you see your favorite games rise or fall in the rankings based on community votes.
What Is the Most Popular Pub Game in the UK?
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135votesDarts is undoubtedly the most popular pub game in the UK. It's easy to play, requires minimal equipment, and can be played by anyone regardless of age or skill level.Darts is a popular pub game in the UK that involves players throwing small pointed projectiles, known as darts, at a circular board fixed to a wall. The objective of the game is to score points by hitting specific areas of the board. Darts requires accuracy, precision, and strategy to outscore opponents.
- Game Type: Indoor Pub Game
- Number of Players: Usually played between two players or teams of two
- Equipment: Dartboard and darts
- Board Structure: Circular with numbered sections and a bullseye in the center
- Scoring System: Different sections of the board carry different point values
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221votesPool is also a popular game in the UK, especially among young adults. It requires skill, strategy, and hand-eye coordination.Pool, also known as pocket billiards, is a popular pub game in the UK. It is a cue sport that involves using a long wooden stick called a cue to strike a set of colored balls on a flat cloth-covered table with pockets. The objective of the game is to pot or pocket the balls in a specific order, either by using a combination of different colored balls or by potting all the balls of a specific color. Pool requires a combination of skill, strategy, and precision to succeed.
- Table Size: Typically 7, 8, or 9-foot tables
- Table Cloth: Smooth and usually made of felt
- Balls: A standard set of 16 balls in various colors and a white cue ball
- Cue Stick: Long wooden stick used to strike the balls
- Game Modes: Different variations include Eight-ball, Nine-ball, Straight Pool, and more
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317votesDominoes is a classic game that has been played in pubs for centuries. It's easy to learn and can be played by anyone, making it a popular choice among friends and family.Dominoes is a popular game in Haiti that is played with rectangular tiles. The game involves multiple players, each taking turns to place tiles on a table. The objective is to be the first player to play all the tiles in their hand.
- Number of players: 2-4 players
- Number of tiles: 28 tiles
- Tile dimensions: 2 inches x 1 inch x 0.4 inches
- Tile material: Usually made of bone, wood, or plastic
- Tile design: Rectangular shape divided into two squares with dots ranging from 0 to 6 on each square
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421votesThere are many different card games that are played in UK pubs, including poker, blackjack, and bridge. These games require skill, strategy, and a bit of luck.Cards is a popular game in Haiti that is played with a standard deck of playing cards. It is a trick-taking game where players compete to win the most tricks or points. The game is usually played with 4 players, with partners sitting across from each other. However, variations of the game can accommodate different numbers of players.
- Number of Players: 4 or more
- Deck: Standard 52-card deck
- Objective: To win the most tricks or points
- Card Ranking: A > K > Q > J > 10 > 9 > 8 > 7 > 6 > 5 > 4 > 3 > 2
- Trick-Taking: Players must follow suit if possible, and the highest card of the leading suit or the highest trump wins the trick
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518votesShove ha'penny is a traditional pub game that involves sliding coins across a board. It's a fun and easy game that can be played by anyone.
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616votesSkittles is a game that involves knocking down pins with a ball. It's a popular game in many UK pubs and can be played by people of all ages.Skittles is a popular fruit-flavored candy known for its vibrant colors and chewy texture. Each Skittle is small, round, and coated with a hard shell that gives it a satisfying crunch before revealing its fruity center. The candy comes in a variety of flavors, including strawberry, orange, lemon, lime, and grape, all of which contribute to its irresistible taste. Skittles are often enjoyed as a sweet treat for snacking, sharing, or even as a topping for desserts like cakes and ice creams.
- Flavors: Strawberry, orange, lemon, lime, and grape
- Texture: Chewy with a crunchy shell
- Colors: Vibrant and diverse range of colors
- Size: Small, round candies
- Suitable for: Snacking, sharing, and dessert toppings
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712votes
Bar billiards
David GillBar billiards is a game that involves hitting balls into pockets on a table. It's a popular game in many UK pubs, especially in the south of England.Bar billiards is a popular pub game in the UK that combines elements of billiards and bagatelle. It is played on a unique table with a slate bed and covered pockets, which requires players to use a cue to strike balls into the pockets with precision. The game is typically played with two or four players, and the objective is to score points by potting balls into specific holes while avoiding certain obstacles. Bar billiards is known for its strategic gameplay and requires skillful ball control.- Table Size: Approximately 6ft x 2ft
- Playing Surface: Slate bed with a cloth covering
- Pockets: Covered, except for one bare hole called the 'bar hole'
- Balls: Typically nine small balls and one white cue ball
- Scoring: Points system based on potting specific balls into designated holes
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82votesCribbage is a card game that involves scoring points based on the cards in your hand. It's a popular game in many UK pubs, especially among older players.Cribbage is a two-player card game that involves strategy and calculation. It is considered one of the most difficult card games to master due to its complex scoring system and unique playing mechanics.
- Number of players: 2
- Deck of cards used: Standard 52-card deck + cribbage board with pegs
- Objective: To score points by forming combinations and reaching certain point milestones
- Deal: Six cards dealt to each player, four cards used for scoring and a hand of two kept hidden in the 'crib'
- Scoring combinations: Pairs, runs, flushes, and combinations that add up to 15
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97votes
Table football
Harold Searles ThorntonTable football, also known as foosball, is a game that involves spinning rods to move miniature players on a table. It's a popular game in many UK pubs, especially among younger players.Table football, also known as foosball, is a popular pub game in the UK. It simulates a game of soccer, where two players or teams use miniature replicas of football players mounted on rotating rods to kick a small ball into the opposing goal. The game is played on a table with a playing surface that resembles a football field, complete with markings and goals at each end.- Player Configuration: 2-4 players
- Dimensions: Length: 120-150 cm, Width: 60-75 cm, Height: 75-90 cm
- Table Weight: 50-100 kg
- Playing Surface Material: Laminated or wooden
- Goals: 2 goals with a net on each end of the table
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1012votesQuiz nights are a popular pub activity that involves teams competing to answer trivia questions. It's a fun and social way to spend an evening in a pub.Quiz nights are a popular pub game in the UK where participants engage in trivia and general knowledge quizzes in a social setting. These events generally take place in pubs or bars, providing an opportunity for individuals or teams to test their knowledge and compete against others.
- Number of participants: Varies, typically teams of 2 to 6 people
- Trivia topics: Wide range of subjects, including general knowledge, history, music, sports, and more
- Question format: Multiple-choice, true/false, or open-ended
- Host: Quiz master or presenter who asks the questions and keeps score
- Prizes: Often include cash, drinks, or vouchers for the winning team or individuals
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular pub game
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Number of participantsThe number of players who actively participate in the game regularly should be taken into account to gauge its popularity.
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Frequency of playConsider how often players engage in the game. Games played more frequently are likely to have a higher level of popularity.
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Social engagementAssess the extent to which the game attracts social interaction and encourages a sense of community among players.
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AccessibilityEvaluate how easy it is for new players to understand and participate in the game, as accessibility has a direct impact on popularity.
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Regional preferencesIdentify if the game is more popular in specific regions of the UK, or if it has a widespread following throughout the country.
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History and traditionExamine the extent to which the game is deeply rooted in British pub culture, as long-standing games often have a more solid and enduring popularity.
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Availability of equipment and playing spaceConsider how easily pubs can accommodate the game in terms of necessary equipment and playing area, as this can impact its overall popularity in the pub setting.
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Media coverage and visibilityReview the extent to which the game is highlighted in media, such as articles, television shows, or social media platforms. More visibility often translates to higher popularity.
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Competitive events and tournamentsAnalyze if the game has organized leagues, competitions, or tournaments which help to boost its popularity among both players and spectators.
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Skill level and learning curveEvaluate the balance of skill and chance in the game, as games with a good balance between these two factors often attract a larger audience.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular pub game in the UK. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or pub game is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1709 views
- 162 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each pub game once every 24 hours. The rank of each pub game is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular pub game in the uk
Pub games have been a staple of British culture for centuries. From darts to pool, there's always been a game to play at your local watering hole. But which pub game is the most popular in the UK? According to our StrawPoll data, it's none other than the classic game of darts. With its simple yet addictive gameplay, darts has been a favourite among Brits for generations. But don't count out other pub games like pool, snooker, and even bar billiards - they all have their own devoted followings. No matter what your game of choice may be, there's always a place for you at the pub.
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