Beer Pong Reracks Rule – Official Beer Pong Rules #16

Ah, the Beer Pong Reracks Rule. All official beer pong rules include info about reracks. The “rack” in beer pong is the beer pong cup formations (positions of the cups on the table.)

Get ready for an all-inclusive list with pictures, video, descriptions, and beer pong tips for the various beer pong cup formations.

How To Play Beer Pong Reracks Rule

#1. Usually, a team gets one re-rack twice per game.
#2. If it’s a one-on-one game, each team usually gets one re-rack

Important note: Official beer pong rules state that you can’t ask for a re-rack if you’re “dialed in” and hit two cups in a row. 

 

Beer Pong Names & Cup Formations

1 Cup Beer Pong Reracks Rule: Cup Formation

Centered Beer Pong Rerack Cup Formation

The Centered Re-Rack cup formation doesn’t really count as a re-rack. This is because you’re only moving the beer pong cup back into the original position, had it not slid or been knocked out of position the round before.

 

2 Cup Beer Pong Reracks Rule: Cup Formation

Gentlemen’s Beer Pong Rerack Cup Formation

• It gives the other team one last re-rack, even when they already used up all of their re racks. For this reason, the name comes from “gentleman’s kindness.”
• A team can only ask for a Gentleman’s Re-Rack when they’re down to their last 2 cups.
• Almost all house rules allow a team to request a Gentleman’s Re-Rack, even if the team already used up their 2 re-racks.
• Obviously, bringing the cups closer together improves the odds of scoring in at least one of the cups.

3 Cup Beer Pong Reracks Rule: Cup Formations

There are several 3 Cup Beer Pong Cup Formations.

Triangle Beer Pong Rerack Cup Formation

The Triangle Beer Pong Rerack cup formation refers to moving the cups close together in (duh) a triangle shape. This is the most common of the 3 cup beer pong reracks rule.

Play Button Beer Pong Rerack Cup Formation

More and more people are starting to use the Play Button Beer Pong Rerack cup formation as part of their official beer pong reracks rule tradition.

• It’s halfway between the “straight line formation” and the “triangle.”
• In the Play Button, two of the cups are touching each other in a straight line.
• Then, the third cup still forms the top of the pyramid, but it does not touch the other two cups.

ReRacks Rule Beer Pong Tips:

• Spend time practicing to figure out which works best for you, the Triangle or the Play Button.
• Then make sure to include it in your own house rules. After all, your partner might prefer the traditional Triangle Beer Pong Rerack Cup Formation. This should play a huge role in your strategy.

Stop Light Beer Pong Rerack Cup Formation

Experienced teammates frequently use the Stop Light re-rack to sink a few cups in a row. In fact, smart beer pong players use this cup formation all the time as their secret weapon.

Tips:

• Practice the Stop Light formation with your partner until you’re both pros. Then, when you’re on the verge of losing, use this cup formation to make a comeback. Sink those 2 back to back cups for balls back – and win the game like the champs you’re meant to be.
• This re-rack cup formation is especially perfect for players who are just naturally good at horizontal shots. If this is you, this cup formation should be a no-brainer.

Thin Red Line Beer Pong Rerack Cup Formation

I know, I know, this rack doesn’t look like it would be helpful. But some beer pong players actually like it so that they can accurately call out cups. (If cup-calling house rules are being played. See our beer pong house rules for more on this.)

Tips:

• If you happen to have a handle on judging distance and depth perception but don’t have such a great horizontal aim, take advantage of this beer pong reracks rule cup formation. Hey, even the best beer pong players have their weak spots.
• With this re-rack, your shooting style is less of an issue. So take note, newbies!

3-Cup Beer Pong Cup Rerack Formation

This variation is the same as the Triangle beer pong cup rerack formation, except for the triangle is reversed.

Tip:

• This formation is another great cup formation if you have great depth perception but so-so horizontal aiming.
• This formation works well because, while your shot may sway to the left or right, you still have a good shot at hitting one of the three cups.

Back to Overview

4 Cup Beer Pong Reracks Rule: Cup Formations

And along we move to the 4 cup formations! The first one is a favorite of mine and has two names.

Four Squared (or simply “squared”) Beer Pong Re-rack Cup Formation

This re-rack is my favorite beer pong cup formation since it’s good for players who’re better at distance shots and players who’re better at horizontal aiming. Since it’s basically just two straight lines, both types of players have a good chance of making a shot.

The 4 cups in a square like this is a huge advantage. No matter which cup you eliminate, the three remaining cups will always stay touching. That means no satellite cups to distract your shot.

Tips: 

• Okay, this is another great beer pong reracks rule variation for newbies. So use it to your advantage!
• But this is also good for experienced beer pong players.
• You and your teammate probably have different strengths and weaknesses. Since this is good for distance shot pros and horizontal pros, it’s a win-win for both of you.

The Diamond Beer Pong Re-rack Cup Formation

Much like the previous formation, this re-rack gets rid of any pesky satellite cups.

Tip: To really boost your chances of landing cups, shoot at side angles, creating nice straight lines. See our beer pong tips section for more on this.

Harpoon Beer Pong Re-rack Cup Formation (Or the “Flag” Beer Pong Re-rack Cup Formation)

This is another great technique for players who’re better at making distance shots.

The harpoon, or flag beer pong re-rack takes advantage of a linear layout.

Beer pong players have never agreed on the right cup that forms the flag or harpoon shape. Is it dumb and only there for the sake of making a flag shape, or is it valuable?

Tip:

• Since the harpoon pong is kind of a controversial beer pong re-rack cup formation, practice it several times!
• You don’t want to ask for a Harpoon cup formation then find out you suck at it.
• Likewise, you should practice to find out if it’s your newest secret weapon.

Mini Zipper Beer Pong Rerack Cup Formation

Is it just me, or is “Mini Zipper” a sweet name for a formation? Regardless, this rhomboidal shape is actually quite basic, just like the Diamond or Square layouts.

Tip: If you need a basic layout that’s a perfect all-around, you can’t go wrong with the Mini Zipper, Diamond, or Square formation.

Rhombus Beer Pong Re-Rack Cup Formation

While this is a risky re-rack formation, it’s fun to use when you’re in the zone. It also gives you more of a challenge, for two main reasons:

1. The Rhombus beer pong re-rack cup formation mixes distance and width. It’s a double whammy since it isn’t just one or the other.
2. Additionally, there’s more of an emphasis on your ability to manage depth perception.

Yeah, it’s trickier. But don’t get stuck in the boring habit of choosing the safe beer pong re-rack cup formations every time.

Tips:

• Use this early in the party, since you’ll be more sober.

(It’s not the kind of re-rack you want to request when you just made out with a random person who for some reason is wearing a toga and a “Happy Saint Patrick’s Day” hat. And you also don’t know where your shoelaces went. My college days party days really did provide me with valuable information for my blogging career.)

The Line Beer Pong Re-Rack Cup Formation

Like the other linear re-racks, this formation is perfect for players with good depth perception, as well as a team who’s on a winning streak that night.

Tips:

• Pair this play with the Balls Back Rule and put an end to the game in no time.
• Make sure you have the depth perception skills to match this challenging beer pong re-rack cup formation.

The 2-1-1 Beer Pong Re-rack Cup Formation
(Little June Beer Pong Re-rack Cup Formation)

In case you don’t already know, this formation is also known by the name of everybody’s favorite male body part. Just look at it. See what I mean? Well, 2-1-1 is a great code for when kids (or prudes) are around.

Beer pong players prefer this 4 cup rerack variation because it plays on that great straight line shooting element. It also provides a wider area in the back for cups that are more distant and probably a bit more difficult.

Tips:

• Lol like a schoolgirl whenever you call it.
• Great for intermediate beer pong players, since it helps them improve their depth perception.
• Use this as a kind of stepping stone to the “Line” cup formation. The two cups in the back make it a little easier to land a shot.

5 Cup Beer Pong Reracks Rule: Cup Formations

The 2-1-1 XXL Beer Pong Rerack Cup Formation
(Also known as the “Big June Beer Pong Rerack Cup Formation”)

This re-rack is just a larger version of the “2-1-1” cup formation. The added distance makes this beer pong rerack cup formation even more challenging than the “2-1-1.”

However, it still gives you more of a chance for distance shooting accurately. It also allows you to discover whether the age-old “bigger is better” saying is true or not. 

The tips for the 2-1-1 XL beer pong rerack cup formation are exactly the same as the regular 2-1-1:

• Lol like a schoolgirl whenever you call it.
• Intermediate players, this is the perfect re-rack for you to improve your skills.
• Use this as a kind of stepping stone to the “Line” cup formation. The two cups in the back make it a little easier to land a shot.

The Sword Beer Pong Re-Rack Cup Formation
The Wizard Staff Beer Pong Re-Rack Cup Formation

Okay, so you’re obviously trying to make a comeback if you’re asking for a re-rack with 5 cups left. As with other straight line formations, this layout helps you get into your rhythm and zone out your noisy friends. Like the 2-1-1 variations, this layout increases your ability to continue to sink cups, even when you’re shooting at a distant target.

Above all else, this is the best nerdtastic formation out of all the various beer pong re-rack cup formations. Wizard Staff? Yeah. You gotta give it credit for that.

The Kidney Beer Pong Re-Rack Cup Formation

You can tell that your opponent is a pro if they ask for this re-rack. They know that if there are two straight lines, their chances are better and that they can show off when they sink that final cup in back.

Tip:

• Practice landing shots with the Kidney formation. Then show off your mad beer pong playing skills by calling for this re rack.
• Keep in mind that the 2 straight lines aren’t very hard to land, so don’t psych yourself out. It’s just the final cup in the back that’s tricky.

Reverse House Beer Pong Re-Rack Formation

Like the Kidney, this formation creates two easy line shot groupings with one cup in the back. Lock in with two straight lines and then show off with that final cup. Or, you can really show off by starting with that cup further back. Just don’t miss. Chances are that if you are asking for a re-rack with 5 cups still standing, you can’t afford to miss a shot.

Tips:

• Look like a badass by starting with the cup further back only if you have the skills to actually land a shot.

Five Beer Pong Re-Rack Cup Formation

Thumbs Down Beer Pong Re-Rack Cup Formation 

Use this formation to get yourself into a rhythm and take advantage of the two straight lines side by side. Perfect for those of you with great depth perception but not too bad for those of you who prefer side by side shooting either.

Tip:

• This beer pong reracks rules cup formation is great for anyone, but especially for intermediate players. You get to practice distance shooting while having the safety blanket of the side-to-side cups.

Trapezoid Beer Pong Re-Rack Cup Formation

This 5 cup beer pong re-rack is flexible and perfect for both beginners and advanced players alike. For beginners, it’s wide enough to accommodate those who can’t aim horizontally. Pro players can also have fun with this one, using the Trapezoid set-up to shoot from several angles.

Tips:

• Beginners, this is another great cup formation for you to master before using the more advanced formations.
• Basically, the Trapezoid beer pong re-rack cup formation is a friend to anyone who has trouble aiming horizontally.

 

Staggered Beer Pong Re-Rack Cup Formation
(Side Trapezoid Beer Pong Re-Rack Cup Formation)

It’s no wonder the Staggered beer pong re-rack cup formation keeps getting more popular. It’s a fantastic option because it creates groupings and prevents satellite cups. As a result, you’ve got a good chance of landing a few shots in a row. Since it’s vertical, the Staggered beer pong re-rack cup formation caters to players with excellent depth perception.

Tips:

• If you have stellar depth perception, take advantage of the Staggered (Side Trapezoid) variation!

Crosshairs Beer Pong Rerack Cup Formation

At first, the Crosshairs beer pong rerack cup formation looks like it’s a “novelty layout.” But it’s actually a great strategy for players who tend to shoot the same cup over and over. Players can aim normally with a small change in direction up, down, left, or right.

Tip:

• Not to repeat myself, but I just really like the Crosshairs beer pong rerack cup formation.  It is THE formation for you if you have the habit of landing the same cup over and over. You only have to adjust slightly each time and with a little bit of practice, you’ll be using the Crosshairs set-up to crush your competition in no time!

 

 

 

House Beer Pong Re-Rack Cup Formation

Remember the Reverse House cup formation? As you can see, the House beer pong re-rack cup formation is almost exactly like it, as there are two lines with one single cup on the end. Except for this time, the loner cup is closer to you.

Of course, there’s also the benefit of a 4 square cluster.

Tip:

• All I can say for this one is to practice so you can see which is best for you, the regular House or the Reverse House cup formation.

6 Cup Beer Pong Re-Racks Rule: Cup Formations

The Shield Beer Pong Rerack Cup Formation

First up in the list of 6 cup formations is the Shield re-rack. It’s similar to the Diamond formation but creates two nice clean straight lines. (Which I find to be easier.)

Tip:

• Get this formation down before you start requesting the Diamond cup formation. Then, when you’ve mastered the Shield, the Diamond will be a cinch.

The Zipper Beer Pong Rerack Cup Formation

Similar to the “side trapezoid” 5 cup rerack, the Zipper beer pong re-rack places the cups as close to each other as possible, while still keeping 2 straight lines. The angled side placement of the cups creates a padded area for those players who aren’t great at aiming horizontally.

Tip:

• As mentioned above, this is good for you if you struggle to aim horizontally.

The Pyramid Beer Pong Re-Rack Cup Formation

A basic re-rack, this set-up places the cups in close proximity and a familiar layout for less stress.

I’m not sure why there are so many names for this. But for whatever reason, there are four different ways of referring to this pyramid-like set-up. Obviously, one is the Pyramid beer pong re-rack cup formation.

The other three are:

• The Triangle Beer Pong Re-Rack Cup Formation

• The 3,2,1 Beer Pong Re-Rack Cup Formation

• The Mid Rack Beer Pong Re-Rack Cup Formation

Tip:

• I see the Pyramid beer pong re-rack as being a mix. It’s good for players with great depth perception.
• It’s also pretty good for you if you have decent horizontal aiming, too. The trickiest part for you will be the lone cup closest to you.

7 Cup Beer Pong Rerack Cup Formations

The Honeycomb Beer Pong Rerack Cup Formation

There are two other names for this formation, which are:

Inner Circle Beer Pong Re-Rack Cup Formation
Flower Stargate Beer Pong Re-Rack Cup Formation

This well-organized layout puts the cups in a super easy to hit formation.

Tip:

• If you and your teammates need to make a comeback, choose the Honeycomb beer pong re-rack cup formation. My reasoning for this is that you won’t have to deal with any crazy variations.

Marching With Leader Beer Pong Re-Rack Cup Formation

For those of you with good depth perception, the Marching With Leader re-rack cup formation is excellent. You have the advantage of distance that fits you so well as well as fairly easy to land side-to-side cups.

Tip:

• This is an all around easy-to-hit formation, so give it a whirl in practice, no matter your level. Chances are, you’ll find it easy.

Triangle Plus One Beer Pong Re-Rack Cup Formation

The name speaks for itself with the familiar triangle layout plus a single cup lined up straight in the front. Perfect for newbies and expert players alike.

Tips:

• Well, there you have it. Newbies – take note of the Triangle Plus One beer pong reracks rule set-up variation and use it.
• Advanced players should use this one toward the end of the night, when you’re feeling more than a little tipsy. (Of course, it’s cool to use it whenever you want to ensure an easy score.)

8 Cup Beer Pong Re-Racks Rule: Cup Formations

And along we go to 8 cup formations. There are only two cup formations, the Tree Beer and the Marching Beer.

The Tree Beer Pong Rerack Cup Formation

This formation makes me think of a Honeycomb/Triangle hybrid. And obviously based on the name, it looks like a Christmas tree.

Tips:

• You should always be playing beer pong during the holidays. Get your extended family to loosen the hell up! I bring up the holidays, of course, because the shape looks like a Christmas tree.
• Also, it’s easy to land a cup in this formation – it’s good for both depth perception and horizontal aiming.

Marching Beer Pong Re-Rack Cup Formation

If you’re asking for a re-rack at 8 cups, you’re probably facing a huge domination by your opposing team. You need a re-rack that will allow you to win quick as hell. To make things easy, ask for the Marching cup formation.

The two rows of four create an easy grouping. Dial it in and forget the world around you. Focus, or you’ll be wasted in no time.

Tip:

• Losing? Ask for the Marching set-up.

9 Cup Beer Pong Reracks Rule: Cup Formations

Super Diamond Beer Pong Rerack Cup Formation

All diamond formations have the benefit of keeping cups close together. This one is different in that, with 9 cups, there is no way to avoid satellite cups without asking for a re-rack four cups later. Sorry, guys. If you’re asking for a re-rack at 9 cups, you might be out of luck.

Tip:

• All I can say is…stay focused at the beginning of the game to prevent this from happening.
• But if it does, shake it off and don’t lose hope.

10 Cups Full Rack Cup Formation

Beer Pong Full Rack Cup Formation

If you live under a rock and still don’t know how to set up a Full Rack, here it is! Create a triangle from your cups with four rows, each increasing in number from one to four. See below for a better illustration.
Back to Overview

Why You Should Make the House Beer Pong Reracks Rule Obvious First 

• The reason you should make house rules known is that not everyone agrees on those rules.
• Make sure everyone’s aware of the house rules before the game starts. That will prevent drunken arguments later on in the night!
• If you’re a player on someone else’s turf, double check how many reracks they allow. Then set a strategy for that particular set of house rules.

More Tips for Winning with Beer Pong Reracks Rule Strategies

• When playing a 10 cup beer pong match, wait to call-re-racks until there are 5 cups or less on the table.
• Know all of the beer cup formations and what you’re good at so you can increase your chances of winning!
• Print out our PDF quick and easy guide.
• Practice, practice, practice

Back to Overview

Why Good Beer Pong Equipment is Crucial to Success

Before diving into beer pong cup formations, I want to make sure you have the best beer pong equipment. You’ll need:

• Regulation Beer Pong Table
• Balls for Beer Pong 
• Red Solo Plastic Cups
• Beer Pong Rack
• Beer, and lots of it!

If you’re hosting, it’s so important to have this stuff ready to go.

Since there are plenty of bargain beer pong sets and equipment available, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to get the supplies you need.

You Got It, Champ!

There are a whopping 34 different beer pong reracks rule cup formations on this list. But we’re always looking to add new ones!

The reason you should make house rules known is that not everyone agrees on those rules.
Make sure everyone’s aware of the house rules before the game starts. That will prevent drunken arguments later on in the night!

Watch the “Beer Pong ReRacks Rule Video”
If you’re a player on someone else’s turf, double check how many reracks they allow. Then set a strategy for that particular set of house rules.
Back to Overview
Know house rules. Because of games like this!

Watch the Video How to Play Beer Pong ReRacks Rule

Important note: These Beer Pong Reracks rule pictures have been taken from the perspective of  you standing on the opposite side of the beer pong table and aiming to hit your opponents cups. 

If you’re looking for more beer pong rules, check out our Official Beer Pong House Rules List where we covered 24 beer pong rules in-depth so you can add them to your house rules.