A legendary ceremony that emphasizes the ability to focus. Flawlessly perform three rounds of gestures and toasts, or drink and start over.
Cardinal Puff is a ceremonial drinking challenge with roots in the British Air Force. The player must perform a series of actions over three rounds. The catch is that in the first round you do everything once, in the second round twice, and in the third round three times. The slightest hesitation, slip of the tongue, or forgotten tap means: 'Finish your drink and start from scratch.' Only the best can become honored Cardinals.
The player stands or sits with a glass of beer/drink. Others act as strict judges. If the player makes a mistake, the judges shout 'MISTAKE!' and the player must finish the glass (or take a large gulp) and start from the first round.
Round One (Singles): Say 'I drink to the health of Cardinal Puff for the first time.' Tap the edge of the table 1x with your right index finger, then 1x with the left. Tap your right knee 1x with your right index finger, then the left knee with the left. Tap the bottom of the glass 1x on the table. Take 1 sip and set the glass down using only one finger (index) and your thumb.
Round Two (Doubles): Say 'I drink to the health of Cardinal Puff-Puff for the second time.' Tap the table 2x with your index and middle fingers (right then left). Do the same 2x on your knees. Tap the bottom of the glass 2x on the table. Take 2 sips and set the glass down using two fingers and your thumb.
Round Three (Triples): Say 'I drink to the health of Cardinal Puff-Puff-Puff for the third and final time.' Tap the table 3x with three fingers (right then left). Do the same 3x on your knees. Tap the bottom of the glass 3x on the table. Take 3 sips (or finish it) and set the glass down using three fingers and your thumb.
Important details: You must use the correct hands in the given order. Do not lean your elbows on the table while drinking. You must always pick up and set down the glass with the prescribed number of fingers.
If the performer completes the third round without a single mistake, they become a Cardinal and the ritual ends.
On a mistake, the whole glass isn't finished; instead, the performer must take one 'penalty gulp' in addition to the sips already taken in that round.
The player must stand on one leg during the ritual. This tests stability even in the first round.