Drinking games among American college students, although popular, contribute significantly to excessive drinking and alcohol-related problems. Drinking games appear to facilitate socialization, and are especially prevalent among younger students. This article reviews the qualitative and quantitative research on drinking games. Findings from qualitative studies suggest that students participate in drinking games to intoxicate themselves and others, to facilitate socialization, and for competition. Quantitative studies have identified motives for initiating and stopping drinking games, as well as age and gender differences in participation. Research findings highlight the importance of educating students about the risks associated with playing drinking games. Specifically, students should be alerted about the heightened risk of extreme intoxication and consequences that can result from playing drinking games. Women are at particular risk for experiencing sexual assault in the drinking game context. Alternative socialization opportunities should be provided to the students to counteract the inherent social advantages of drinking game participation.