Edward 40 Hands is equal parts drinking game and dumb dare. You tape a 40 ounce bottle to each hand, and you are not allowed to cut them loose until both are empty. That means no phone, no bathroom, no nothing until you drink your way to freedom. It is a rite of passage, and it is very funny to watch.
Edward 40 Hands at a glance
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Players | Any number, everyone at once |
| You need | Two 40 oz bottles per person, duct tape |
| The catch | Hands are taped until the bottles are empty |
| Time | Depends how fast you drink 80 oz |
| Difficulty | A test of willpower and bladder |
Chaos
4/5
Difficulty
1/5
Buzz level
5/5
Setup effort
2/5
Our take, 1 (low) to 5 (high).
What you will need to play
You do not need much to get going, but a few cheap staples make the night run smoother. Here is the kit we reach for.
What you need
- Two 40 ounce bottles of malt liquor or beer per player
- A roll of strong duct tape
- A sense of humor and a clear next few hours
- A designated free-handed friend to help with anything you physically cannot do
How to play
- Tape up. Have someone tape a full 40 to each of your hands. Wrap it well, this is the whole point.
- No freedom until empty. Your hands stay taped until both bottles are completely finished. Both of them.
- Deal with the consequences. Need the bathroom? Want to check your phone? Too bad. Drink faster.
- First one free wins. The first person to empty both 40s and get cut loose is the champion.
- Everyone else keeps drinking until they earn their hands back.
House rules people add
- Lightweight version: use 40 oz of beer split into two bottles instead of malt liquor, or use two tallboys taped on instead.
- The buddy rule: one un-taped person acts as everyone’s hands for emergencies. Choose them wisely.
- No pouring out. Tipping the bottle into a plant to cheat is an instant loss and eternal shame.
Pro tips
- Go before you start. Bathroom first. You will thank yourself.
- Pace, do not race, if you value walking straight. 80 ounces is a lot of beer.
- Pick your bottle wisely. Something you actually like drinking, because you are stuck with it.
Two 40s taped to your hands and no freedom until they are empty.
Pros and cons
Pros
- A proper challenge with a clear goal
- Cheap, just two 40s and some tape
- Hands-free comedy for the whole room
- Easy to start, hard to finish
Cons
- Two 40s is a lot of beer, so pace it
- No bathroom breaks until you finish
- Not for a casual or light session
Frequently asked questions
How much do you drink in Edward 40 Hands?
Two 40 ounce bottles, which is 80 ounces total, roughly the equivalent of about seven standard beers. That is why pacing matters and why the lightweight versions exist.
Why is it called Edward 40 Hands?
It is a play on the film Edward Scissorhands. Instead of scissors taped to his hands, you have two 40s, and you are stuck with them until the job is done.
