A study was done to examine the role of college student drinking games, the consequences of playing drinking games, and the motivational nuances involved in playing these games. A typology of drinking games is presented; it includes five categories: (1) consumption games (who can consume the most alcohol during a given event); (2) skill games (the player who fails to complete a certain feat must take a drink); (3) Intelligence Quotient games (physical skill and intellectual concentration are required); (4) unity games (played by close friends in a noncompetitive atmosphere); and (5) team games (teams pitted against each other in any of the above formats). Data for this study were derived from a lengthy period of participant observations at college student parties, conducted off campus. The observer also interviewed a sample of 20 male and 20 female game players about their behavior. Observation results found that both male and female players consumed significantly more alcohol than non-game players; 60 percent of males and 85 percent of females experienced negative consequences from playing; and both men and women reported that games played a role in their socializing with the opposite sex. A figure that illustrates the relationship of significant concepts in drinking game behavior is included. (7 references) (JB)