Drinking Table Rules
Rule 1: At the drinking table, if the relationship is deep, drink it all in one gulp; if the relationship is shallow, just take a sip. However, when drinking, you must never say this phrase out loud.
Rule 2: Keep a low profile and wait for the right moment to show your strength. Do not act overly confident as soon as you sit at the drinking table.
Rule 3: Let others toast each other first before it's your turn to offer a toast.
Rule 4: It's acceptable for multiple people to toast one person, but never the other way around unless you are the leader.
Rule 5: When offering a toast to someone else, if you do not raise your glass, how much you drink can depend on the situation, such as the other person’s alcohol tolerance or their drinking attitude. Never drink less than the other person since it is you who is offering the toast.
Rule 6: When offering a toast and raising your glass, simply say, "I'll finish mine, you drink at your leisure," showing magnanimity.
Rule 7: If your position is lower, remember to frequently fill the leader’s glass. Do not blindly offer to drink on behalf of the leader. If you must, ensure that the leader truly needs someone to drink for them, and pretend that you are drinking because you want to, not just for the leader's sake. For instance, if Leader A cannot handle their alcohol well, you could subtly intercept those who are about to toast Leader A.
Rule 8: When picking up your glass (beer glass), hold it with your right hand while supporting the bottom with your left. Always keep your glass lower than others'. If you are the leader, be considerate and don't place your glass too low, otherwise, how will those below you conduct themselves?
Rule 9: If there is no special figure present, when clinking glasses, follow the clockwise order to avoid favoritism.
Rule 10: When raising a glass to toast, have something to say. Otherwise, why should I drink your toast?
Rule 11: Do not discuss business at the table. Once everyone drinks well, the business is almost done. Everyone understands this clearly. Otherwise, they wouldn't open up and drink with you.
Rule 12: Do not pretend, say the wrong things, or make mistakes. Do not argue either. The best response is to penalize yourself by drinking more.
Rule 13: If, purely hypothetically, there is not enough alcohol, place the bottle on the side of the table and let people serve themselves. Don't go around filling everyone's glass one by one foolishly. What if those at the end have none left?
Rule 14: There will always be one last "bottoms-up" round, so never let your glass be empty. You can't escape it.
Rule 15: After drinking, be mindful not to speak incorrectly, tell lies, lose composure, drool, throw chopsticks around, point fingers aimlessly, slurp soup loudly, or pass gas or burp. If you can't hold it, excuse yourself to the restroom. No one will stop you.
Rule 16: Do not repeatedly claim, "I cannot drink" if you do intend to drink. This prevents others from calling you insincere. Whether you believe it or not, people can usually tell if someone can drink or not.
Rule 17: If a leader drinks with you, it's a gesture of respect towards you. Regardless of how much the leader asks you to drink, finish your drink first as a sign of respect. Remember to use both hands and keep your glass lower.
Rule 18: Peanuts are a good snack for drinkers. Staying sober and showing concern after drinking is important. Offering a cup of yogurt, hot water, or a warm towel shows attentiveness.
If you cannot drink:
1. Do not initiate toasts. Follow a defensive strategy.
2. Place two large glasses on the table in front of you—one with liquor and the other with mineral water. Use a small cup to toast and drink water frequently. When most guests are 80% drunk, substitute water for liquor and take the initiative.
3. After toasting, do not swallow immediately. Find an opportunity to wipe your mouth with a napkin and spit the alcohol into it.
4. Eat some fatty or starchy foods before sitting down to drink, which helps prevent drunkenness.
5. Control the pace and avoid drinking too fast.
6. Do not mix different types of alcohol, as it makes you drunk easily.
7. When the leader is serving food, do not spin the lazy Susan. Spinning the dish while the leader serves food is a major faux pas at the drinking table.
8. When you are 60% drunk, drink the vinegar in your dipping dish and ask the server to refill it.
9. During every toast, fill your glass completely, then pretend to fumble with the cup and spill some, reducing the amount you need to drink each time.
10. Before drinking, have half a cup of tea ready. After drinking alcohol, do not swallow it immediately. Quickly grab the tea cup and drink water, using this time to spit the alcohol back into the cup. Once full, change the water—it works!