For fans of the wizarding world and party game enthusiasts alike, Quidditch Pong offers a fantastical, high-energy variation on the classic game of beer pong. Inspired by the high-flying sport from the Harry Potter series, Quidditch Pong integrates the magic of Hogwarts with friendly competition, imaginative flair, and a dash of athletic skill. Whether you’re a seasoned seeker or a muggle newcomer, this version of beer pong—complete with three golden hoops of varying height—is sure to enchant your next game night.
What is Quidditch Pong?
Quidditch Pong is a creative, themed spin-off of traditional beer pong, incorporating the aesthetic and rules of Quidditch, the broomstick-based sport played at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Instead of aiming for rows of solo cups at the end of the table, players must now shoot through three Quidditch-style hoops before landing their shots into cups, mimicking the Chasers’ task of scoring the Quaffle through goalposts.
It’s a game that combines skill, coordination, and fandom in equal parts. Plus, it’s entirely adaptable—perfect for adult parties, themed events, or family-friendly Harry Potter nights using non-alcoholic beverages.
The Inspiration: From the Pitch to the Party Table
In the wizarding world, Quidditch is a dynamic, full-contact sport played in mid-air on broomsticks. Each team consists of seven players: three Chasers, two Beaters, one Keeper, and one Seeker. Chasers score by tossing the Quaffle through one of three raised hoops, while the Keeper guards the goals.
Quidditch Pong borrows its core mechanic from this iconic part of the game—the triple-hoop scoring system—to replace beer pong’s standard cup arrangement. It’s more than a novelty; the hoops add a new level of difficulty and visual drama, capturing the thrill of Quidditch for grounded muggles and wizards alike.
Setting the Stage: What You’ll Need
To play Quidditch Pong, you’ll need a few magical items—most of which can be found in the non-enchanted aisles of craft stores or online. From golden hoops that mimic real Quidditch goalposts to shimmering ping pong balls that could easily pass for enchanted Quaffles, the setup process is just as fun and creative as the game itself. With a little imagination (and maybe a splash of gold spray paint), you’ll transform an ordinary table into a wizarding pitch fit for a Hogwarts House showdown.
Essential Equipment
- Standard pong table or long flat surface (6 to 8 feet)
- Twelve 16-oz plastic cups (6 per team, or more if you want elongated gameplay)
- Ping pong balls (2–4, preferably gold-colored for extra flair)
- Three Quidditch-style hoops per side
- Varying heights: one low (approx. 8 inches), one medium (12–15 inches), one tall (18–24 inches)
- Hoops can be crafted using hula hoops, embroidery hoops, or wire rings mounted on wooden dowels, PVC pipe, or adjustable stands
- Varying heights: one low (approx. 8 inches), one medium (12–15 inches), one tall (18–24 inches)
- Optional: House banners, broomsticks, wizard hats, music from the movie soundtracks
Drink Options
- Alcoholic: Beer, cider, cocktails
- Non-Alcoholic: Butterbeer (cream soda and butterscotch syrup), pumpkin juice, soda, lemonade
Optional Rule Enhancers
- A Golden Snitch ball or card with a bonus challenge
- Custom House rules based on Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff
- Penalty potions (mystery drinks of random flavor)
Rules of Play: How to Cast Your Shots
The rules of Quidditch Pong retain the backbone of traditional beer pong but add magical layers of challenge and immersion. While the core mechanic—landing a ball into a cup—remains familiar, the addition of hoops, house-based abilities, and optional spells creates a richer, more thematic experience. Players must now channel their inner Chasers, focusing not only on accuracy but also precision through the varying heights of the hoops. Every shot feels like a goal attempt at a Quidditch match, especially when house pride and spell-like challenges come into play. The result is a game that’s equal parts strategy, showmanship, and sheer magical fun.
Team Setup
- 2 teams, typically of 2 players each
- Each side arranges 6 cups in a triangle formation (3-2-1) behind the Quidditch hoops
- Three hoops are placed in front of the cups—positioned so they must be aimed through, not around
Gameplay Overview
- Turn Order: Each team takes turns attempting to throw ping pong balls through the hoops into the opposing team’s cups.
- Scoring a Shot:
- The ball must pass through a hoop before landing in a cup to count.
- If it misses the hoop, it’s no good—even if it lands in a cup.
- The ball must pass through a hoop before landing in a cup to count.
- Difficulty Bonuses:
- You can award extra effects or points for going through the highest hoop, just like a Chaser targeting the trickiest goal.
- Tall hoop: 2 cup removal
- Mid hoop: 1 cup
- Low hoop: standard rules
- Tall hoop: 2 cup removal
- Optionally, award style points or house points for trick shots.
- You can award extra effects or points for going through the highest hoop, just like a Chaser targeting the trickiest goal.
- Blocking (Keeper Rule – Optional):
- Assign a “Keeper” who can swat at shots—but only within a limited time window (e.g., 2 seconds) after the throw, and without standing up or crossing the table line.
- Great for competitive groups who want a Quidditch challenge.
- Assign a “Keeper” who can swat at shots—but only within a limited time window (e.g., 2 seconds) after the throw, and without standing up or crossing the table line.
- Golden Snitch Round:
- When a team is down to 1 cup, they can attempt a Golden Snitch shot from behind the back or from a designated “Seeker Zone.”
- If successful, it ends the game in a last-minute win, much like catching the Snitch.
- When a team is down to 1 cup, they can attempt a Golden Snitch shot from behind the back or from a designated “Seeker Zone.”
- House Rule Enhancers:
- Gryffindor: Can call one “bravery re-throw” per game
- Slytherin: Can assign a “deception shot” (blindfold opponent once per match)
- Ravenclaw: Can take one “logic challenge” (answer a trivia question to regain a cup)
- Hufflepuff: Gains one “loyalty block”—can cancel one enemy trick shot
- Gryffindor: Can call one “bravery re-throw” per game
Building the Quidditch Hoops
You don’t need a wand to create your own goalposts—just a little creativity, a few everyday materials, and perhaps a pinch of Hogwarts spirit. With some simple supplies like embroidery hoops, wooden dowels, and gold paint, you can conjure up striking Quidditch-style hoops that look like they were plucked straight from the Hogwarts pitch. Whether you’re crafting them for a themed birthday party or a casual game night with fellow fans, making the goalposts is part of the fun—and a great way to bring the magical world to life right in your living room.
DIY Hoop Instructions
Materials:
- 3 embroidery hoops or plastic rings (4–6 inch diameter)
- Wooden dowels or PVC pipe (varying lengths: 8″, 12″, 24″)
- Weighted bases (small planters with plaster, stands, or simple wooden bases)
- Gold spray paint (for that Golden Snitch aesthetic)
Steps:
- Attach hoops securely to dowels using hot glue, zip ties, or brackets.
- Paint gold and let dry.
- Mount onto stable bases and position at the table edge with enough space behind for cup arrangement.
The result: a stunning visual centerpiece that instantly transforms your game into something worthy of the Great Hall.
Event Ideas and Themed Variations
Quidditch Pong isn’t just a game—it’s a full-blown party experience that brings the magic of the wizarding world to your table. From the moment guests see the triple-hoop setup and house-themed decor, they’re transported into a playful, competitive atmosphere where spells fly (figuratively), house rivalries ignite, and laughter is guaranteed. Whether you’re hosting a Harry Potter movie marathon, a themed birthday bash, or a casual get-together with friends, this game becomes the centerpiece of the event—inviting everyone to step into the roles of Chasers, Keepers, or even Seekers. It’s not just about who wins—it’s about creating unforgettable, magical moments together.
Here are ways to take it to the next level:
1. House Cup Tournament
- Host a mini tournament with brackets.
- Players represent one of the four Hogwarts houses.
- Track wins as “House Points” and award the Cup to the winning team.
2. Magical Costumes & Challenges
- Require wizarding garb—robes, hats, scarves.
- Use spell-themed challenges:
- “Expelliarmus”: opponent skips a turn
- “Petrificus Totalus”: one player must throw stiff-limbed
- “Accio Ball!”: retrieve missed balls with a magic word
- “Expelliarmus”: opponent skips a turn
3. Non-Alcoholic Versions for All Ages
- Use Butterbeer (cream soda + butterscotch), pumpkin juice, or even chocolate milk.
- Swap penalties for trivia questions or physical challenges (e.g., broom balancing).
Tips for First-Time Players
- Practice shots through hoops before gameplay starts.
- Align cups well behind the hoops—make sure there’s no easy bypass.
- Encourage creative trick shots, especially for bonus rounds.
- Keep the atmosphere light, fun, and immersive with Harry Potter music or quotes.
Why Play Quidditch Pong?
Quidditch Pong strikes the perfect balance between creativity, competition, and community. It’s a brilliant conversation starter, a showcase of fandom, and a crowd-pleasing twist that brings generations together—from Gen Z TikTokers to millennial Potterheads.
Its flexibility makes it accessible to all: you can escalate the challenge with complex rules or keep it simple for casual enjoyment. Plus, the physical component of aiming through the hoops adds a layer of skill and unpredictability absent from regular beer pong.
Most importantly, it invites players to step into the magical world of Hogwarts, if only for an evening, and reimagine what a party game can be.
Conclusion
So next time you’re planning a party, a Harry Potter movie marathon, or a game night that needs a touch of magic, ditch the red solo cups and bring out the broomsticks. With a few simple props and a good imagination, Quidditch Pong can transform your gathering into a legendary match worthy of the Wizarding World.
Whether you’re playing to win the House Cup or just showing off your Chaser skills, this is a game where fun, fantasy, and festivity collide. Accio ping pong ball—it’s game time!
Ready to bring some Hogwarts magic to your next party? 🎉👉 Download the Quidditch Pong Rulebook and start setting up your enchanted table now!
