Different techniques are used in different drinking games. With regard to the Shotgunning drinking game, cans of beer are the most appropriate alcohol sources. This is due to literal "Shotgunning" involving by piercing a hole on the side of the beer can, and then requiring a competitor to drink directly from the hole. A hole is most effective when pierced made near the bottom of a can.

In competing, one is not allowed to spill the beer when making holes. This means that competitors should have knowledge in making holes in the cans. For instance, it is advised that competitors should make a hole while holding the can in a horizontal position. If the can is held vertically when making a hole, beer would spill out. Once the hole is made, the competitor should drink as quickly as possible to outdo fellow competitors.

Competitors may be required to drink an entire six pack package of beer cans in this drinking game. However, rules may vary. For a competitor to completely finish participation, he or she should drink all the content from all cans. Speed is the most important factor for winning. This game is designed in such a way that a competitor should be fast in making holes and drinking.

To make good holes with speed, a sharp object should be used such as a pen knife. This drinking game is most prevalent in parties for excitement purposes as well as bets. Thus, the game should involve at least two competitors. The more competitors the game has, the more exciting it will be. If a competitor does not have a sharp object for piercing, then he or she will end up wasting too much time.

Depending on rules, competitors may all start at a go or one by one. In most cases, this drinking game requires one competitor drinking at a time. Duration a competitor takes to make a hole as well as drink is noted. The competitor who uses least time in both instances without breaching any rule becomes the ultimate winner. Other competitors should always observe time taken by fellow competitors and try to break that record.

To ensure that beer comes out of the hole fast, the competitor should ensure to place the can with the hole against the mouth while lifting the head. As the competitor does this, he or she opens the can to allow air into the can for faster exit of beer from the can. Atmospheric pressure is necessary for fluid to come out of containers rapidly.

It is advised to eat foods that are free from fluids before drinking. Dry foods would ensure that the stomach does not have lots of fluids for a competitor to drink more beer. This drinking game requires competitors who can endure competing in a venue full of people. Thus, a competitor should not give up as a result of pressure from audience since audience may take sides on competitors.

Caution: when a hole is made in a can, there may be metallic edges that can cut one's mouth. Thus it is necessary to drink carefully to avoid being cut. To further this end, a participant should ensure he or she goes to the drinking games party with a sober person in case of any emergencies.