An applied anthropological study was done of college student drinking games for insight into their role and function. Historical evidence suggests that drinking games have existed since ancient times, that such games encourage heavy drinking, and that despite awareness of the dangers associated with high levels of alcohol consumption, drinking games are common. The study was conducted through a set of extensive structured interviews with a sample group of self-declared game players. Results of the interviews suggested a tentative set of theories for the motivation to play drinking games. Particularly, students play games to facilitate social functioning; they participate in order to get drunk; males play to exert power and control over others; players participate to gain a closer relationship with someone; players wish to establish relationships and to establish their place in the order of the group; and students in established friendship groups move on from competitive games to non-competitive games. Analysis also suggests that drinking games are seen by the players as a "no loss option" group activity. Most participate to meet a social need, and those who fail to meet that need can blame their failure on drunkenness rather than take responsibility for their actions. (7 references) (JB)