What is the 40 Hands Drinking Game?

The 40 Hands drinking game is a wild, fun, and competitive challenge that has become a party favorite. With two 40-ounce bottles taped to your hands, the goal is simple: finish both bottles before you can take them off. 

It sounds easy, but with no use of your hands for anything other than drinking, the game quickly becomes a hilarious test of endurance. Whether you're playing for laughs or just to see who can finish first, 40 Hands always leads to unpredictable moments. It's the kind of game that gets everyone involved, laughing, and cheering each other on. 

But if you’re looking for something with a little less chaos while still keeping the fun going, Pick Me Up is another great option. It keeps the party energy high without the physical demands of 40 Hands, offering a great balance of social fun and light-hearted challenges.

How Do You Play the 40 Hands Drinking Game?

To play 40 Hands, you’ll need a few supplies: two 40-ounce bottles per player, duct tape, and a group of friends ready for some fun. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the game:

1. Gather Your Supplies: Each player gets two 40-ounce bottles of beer (or any beverage of choice). You’ll need enough duct tape to secure the bottles tightly to both hands.
2. Tape the Bottles: Once everyone has their 40-ounce bottles, tape one bottle to each player’s hand. The tape should be tight enough so that the bottles won’t come off unless they are finished. Players are not allowed to use their hands for anything except drinking.
3. Start the Game: The game begins when the players are ready, and the timer starts once the bottles are secured. Players must drink the entire contents of the bottles before they can remove them. No cheating allowed—both hands are taped to the bottles the entire time.
4. Finish the Bottles: The player who finishes their two 40-ounce bottles first wins. However, this is much harder than it seems, as drinking two large bottles while your hands are tied up can be surprisingly difficult.
5. Rules and Challenges: Players are not allowed to use their hands to help with any tasks outside of drinking. If they want to do something like walk around or use the bathroom, they need to do it one-handed. The game continues until everyone has finished or until someone gives up.

Why is the 40 Hands Game So Popular?

The 40 Hands drinking game is known for its simple yet demanding concept. It’s a great icebreaker for parties and a fun way to bring out the competitive side of your friends. The game’s popularity comes from its chaotic nature everyone gets messy, and the competition is intense. Plus, watching people try to handle two taped bottles while managing to drink them and still perform basic tasks is a spectacle in itself.

While it’s mainly popular for its drinking challenge, it also encourages a lot of social interaction and laughter. The tension builds as everyone tries to finish their bottles without dropping them or spilling beer everywhere. This mix of physical challenge and social fun makes the game a hit at parties.

Creative Ways to Spice Up 40 Hands

While the classic version of 40 Hands is fun, you can always introduce some new twists to make the game even more entertaining. Here are some ideas to switch things up:

1. Add a Time Limit: Introduce a time limit to increase the pressure. Players who don’t finish their bottles within a certain time frame (say, 20 minutes) must take a shot or do a dare.
2. Vary the Drinks: Instead of using beer, you can change up the beverages. You can use different types of alcohol, like hard cider or mixed drinks, to make the game more challenging.
3. Add Physical Challenges: Make players perform silly tasks, like doing a dance or jumping jacks, while they try to finish their bottles. This forces players to focus on both their physical endurance and the fun aspect of the game.
4. Swap Bottles: If you're feeling adventurous, swap the drinks between players after a set amount of time. This will keep the game fresh and force everyone to adapt to new types of alcohol.

Pick Me Up: A Fun Game for Any Party

If you’re looking for a party game that’s a little less intense but still tons of fun, consider trying Pick Me Up. This game involves a different approach to drinking games, with a focus on making people laugh and enjoy each other's company. Pick Me Up is easy to learn and doesn't require much setup, making it an excellent alternative to 40 Hands when you need a break or want something less physically demanding.

In Pick Me Up, players are given cards or challenges, and the goal is to accomplish the task without making mistakes. Whether it’s performing a funny dance or answering a trivia question correctly, Pick Me Up keeps the energy high and the laughter rolling. It’s an ideal game for anyone looking for fun without the competitive pressure of 40 Hands.

Final Thoughts on 40 Hands

The 40 Hands drinking game is not for the faint of heart. It requires a mix of endurance, focus, and the ability to have fun while being challenged. It’s a party classic that always brings out the laughter and creates memorable moments. If you’re up for the challenge and want to create some unforgettable memories, 40 Hands is the game to play. And if you’re looking to add another layer of fun, Pick Me Up is the perfect alternative or complement to your night of drinking games.

Whether you’re trying 40 Hands or just looking for something lighter like Pick Me Up, both games are sure to keep the party going. Just remember to play responsibly and ensure everyone enjoys the game safely.