Yard of Ale

Origin: The yard glass is a roughly 90 centimetre drinking vessel with a bulb at the bottom, known in England since the 17th century. Coach drivers were handed their beer in one through the window without dismounting. The attempt almost always fails on the same physics: tilt it and air shoots into the bulb, sending the beer into your face.

Setup: A yard glass, or a jug with a narrow neck instead, filled with one to three litres. Play outside or keep a towel ready.

How to play:

1. Tilt the glass slowly, never in jerks
2. Rotate it as it empties so the air flows in evenly
3. No putting it down, the clock runs to the last drop

Drinking and scoring:

• Manage it and your name goes on the wall
• Spill it and you buy a round
• Put it down and you hand over to the next person and finish yours calmly

Common sense: Three litres in one go is too much for most. Half a yard or an alcohol free filling gives the same spectacle without the hangover.