Rules - Called Shots

Comparing the skills of beirut (beer pong) players is complicated, because under normal circumstances it is impossible to determine if a shooter was aiming for the cup they hit. Calling the shot eliminates any doubt that the shooter hit the cup they were aiming for.

Mind Games

Like competitors in most games, most beirut (beer pong) players believe they are good shooters. In beirut (beer pong), every player is bound to have a lucky shooting streak that they build up in their own mind to make them a great shooter. However, many of these players are beginners that are shooting at the entire cup setup, not a target cup. If these same players were required to call their shot, they might not be so quick to declare themselves as an "Awesome at beirut (beer pong)".

Superior Inferiority

One interesting possibility in beirut (beer pong) is that it may be advantageous to have a wider range of shooting error. Very skilled shooters tend to miss small, leading to many rim shots when they miss. However, shooters that miss by a slightly larger margin may tend to hit a greater number of collateral cups, because they miss their shots by a margin large enough to hit a cup adjacent to their target cup. While this is an interesting possibility, purest will argue that these players are not as skilled as a shooters that miss more, but hit more rim shots on their target cup.

Expert Analysis

The only truly accurate way to determine the shooting skill of a player is to require called shots. Statistically lucky shooters will become separated from statistically accurate shooters. Only by mastering the game of beirut (beer pong) with called shots can a player declare themselves as an expert.

Call Me Long Time

The biggest drawback of called shots, is the increased time of play. It becomes harder to hit cups, so naturally the length of games increases. In practice shooters may find that it is not much more difficult to call their shots. Many shooters already call their shots mentally before shooting. Some players may even find that their game improves when they are forced to call a target cup.

Called Shot Rule

For those that would like to play with called shots, substitute the following rule.

  8  Offense

8.1  Definition [Variation]

A player shall have shot the ball when, having been designated the shooter, they propel the ball forward with the intention of sinking it in one of the opposing team's cups. Prior to shooting the ball, the shooter shall be required to declare the cup they intend to sink the ball in. If the shooter sinks the ball in any cup other then the cup previously declared or, the ball contacts any cup other that the cup previously declared before sinking in the cup previously declared, the shot shall be deemed a missed shot, and the cup shall remain on the table. If the ball slips from the shooter's hand while their hand is in a shooting motion, the ball shall be deemed in play. If the ball slips from the shooter's hand while their arm is not in a shooting motion, the ball shall be deemed not in play.

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Disclaimer: Beirut (beer pong) can be played with alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, or no beverage at all. If you choose to play beirut (beer pong) with alcoholic beverages, you should be of legal drinking age and drink responsibly.