If you've spent any time drinking at a university, you've probably heard of a tradition known as the Boat Race. It's a time-honoured test of fortitude, a contest held between four (give or take) party-goers for bragging rights and, occasionally, free bzzr.

The rules are simple: the contestants line up, each with a full pint of whatever's on tap. House rules vary, but usually it's the same beer for all contestants, and tuffcups make it a hell of a lot easier.

1. Each contestant places his/her pint on the table.

2. A referee (preferably an attractive member of the opposite sex) says "go"

3. In order, starting from one end of the table, each team starts chugging. Each contestant pounds back the pint as fast as possible, turns the empty glass upside down over their head to prove it's empty, then slams it down on the table. Once they're done, the next person on their team goes.

4. The team that has their last contestant's glass hit the table first is the winner.

On many campuses, especially in sports teams and fraternities, Boat Racing is a highly competitive affair. One UBC fraternity has held weekly boat-racing competitions for many years, attracting competitors from all over campus. The engineering Fwat, in particular, has consistently had devastating teams.

Many variations exist, most commonly the two- or three-lap boat race (one lap = one pint) but the main idea is the same everywhere. Occasionally, a couple of people will get cocky and race a foursome, where the two people chug two each.

A few tips for beginners:

• Sipping = losing. Chug, or better still, open your throat and pour it straight down.
  
• Lighter bzzr is easier to race with, unless you're one of those lucky few who can chug stout.
  
• This goes without saying, but a bzzr you chug will hit you much faster than a bzzr you sip, and you're not as likely to realize you've had too much. If you're going to race, race responsibly.
• Get your fastest member to the the anchor. Just like in sprints, it's the most important spot.