https://arxiv.org/abs/2404.10002
Abstract (emphasis mine):
The concept of a ‘Ballmer Peak’ was first proposed in 2007, postulating that there exists a very specific blood alcohol content which confers superhuman programming ability. More generally, there is a commonly held belief among software engineers that coding is easier and more productive after a few drinks. Using the industry standard for assessment of coding ability, we conducted a search for such a peak and more generally investigated the effect of different amounts of alcohol on performance. We conclusively refute the existence of a specific peak with large magnitude, but with p < 0.001 find that there was a significant positive effect to a low amount of alcohol - slightly less than two drinks - on programming ability.
This applies to a lot of physical activities as well. I have a friend who’s a really good bowler, and every one of his 300 games (perfect score for you non-bowlers) has been when he’s had exactly 2 drinks. He can’t do it with less because he gets too nervous - and more means he gets too sloppy and loses his edge.
We joke and call beer “bowling juice”.
I’ve also found another peak somewhere after 6, I lost count. I couldn’t stand straight but I went like 34 kills to 6 deaths in a vr shooter.