So, you think you’re ready for a drinking game that demands serious commitment (and, let’s be real, a solid bathroom strategy)? Enter Edward 40 Hands, the ultimate party game where you and your friends channel a peculiar version of Edward Scissorhands — but with 40-ounce bottles of malt liquor duct-taped to each hand.
In this guide, you’ll get everything you need to know about Edward 40 Hands, from setup and rules to game variations and safety tips. Ready? Grab some duct tape, but maybe read through first — you’ll need those hands!
Table of Contents
Where Does Edward 40 Hands Come From?
Edward 40 Hands from Edward Scissorhands
The inspiration, of course, comes from the 1990 cult classic Edward Scissorhands, where Johnny Depp has scissors for hands, making daily life a bit of a struggle. Someone out there thought, “Why not take that concept, but, you know, swap out the scissors for 40-ounce bottles of malt liquor?” And voilà! You’ve got yourself a game that’s half endurance test, half comedy show, and entirely hilarious.
Edward 40 Hands in How I Met Your Mother
If you’re a fan of How I Met Your Mother, you know the gang loves a good, ridiculous challenge — and it was only a matter of time before the infamous Edward 40 Hands drinking game made an appearance. In Season 7, Episode 16 (“The Drunk Train”), Marshall takes on the Edward 40 Hands challenge in one of the show’s funniest moments. True to form, he duct-tapes two 40-ounce bottles of beer to his hands, ready to prove his prowess like a college party legend.
How to Set Up the Edward 40 Hands Drinking Game
Equipment Needed
To start your Edward 40 Hands adventure, you’ll need:
- Two 40-ounce malt liquor bottles per player
- Duct tape (preferably heavy-duty, because you don’t want those bottles slipping!)
- Scissors (helpful for freeing hands once you’re done, but leave them in a safe spot)
Best Malt Liquor for Edward 40 Hands
For the full experience, select your malt liquor of choice. Classic picks include Pabst Blue Ribbon, King Cobra, Colt 45, Olde English 800 and Schlitz, but any 40-ounce bottles will do the job. If you’re up for a challenge, Steel Reserve has a high ABV (8.1%) that brings a stronger flavor and a quicker buzz. Get a friend to do the taping; it’s tricky with no free hands.
Game Preparation Tips
Choose a spot where spills and sticky hands won’t be a hassle, and have a friend nearby who isn’t playing (designated tapers make the game much smoother). Since you won’t be able to use your hands freely, set up snacks, water, and a “safe zone” for bottles and any other necessities close by.
Step-by-Step Rules of Edward 40 Hands
Step 1: Secure the Bottles
The game starts by duct-taping an unopened 40oz bottle of beer to each hand. Once attached, these bottles become an extension of your arms — freeing yourself comes only after you’ve conquered both bottles.
Step 2: Start Drinking!
Your mission is to drink both bottles as fast as you can, or at least before the need for a bathroom break becomes too intense. With 80 ounces of liquid, pacing is key, but racing against friends adds a fun competitive twist.
Step 3: House Rules and Winning
Decide on any extra rules before starting. Some common house rules include:
- Bathroom Break Rule: No bathroom breaks until both bottles are empty. If nature calls early, you’re either waiting it out or forfeiting the game.
- Winning: First to finish both bottles wins. However, remember that simply finishing is an achievement on its own!
How to Play Edward 40 Hands How I Met Your Mother Style
Want to give Edward 40 Hands a How I Met Your Mother twist? Here’s how to play Marshall’s version of the game and throw in a few HIMYM-inspired challenges for good measure.
Rules for Edward 40 Hands: HIMYM Style
- Tape Up and Commit: Start by duct-taping one 40oz bottle to each hand. Once the bottles are on, the game begins — you’re Marshall now, and there’s no un-taping until you’re done!
- Challenge Accepted: Like Marshall, your hands are tied, so everyday tasks will be a struggle. But to make it How I Met Your Mother authentic, add these mini-challenges:
- “Suit Up!”: If you’re not wearing anything Barney-approved, take a sip as a penalty.
- “Have You Met Ted?”: Introduce yourself to someone new while holding both bottles. The first person to make a friend gets to skip a sip.
- “Legendary Night”: For every legendary story someone shares, everyone takes a drink to celebrate.
- “Slap Bet Challenge”: Whenever someone mentions a famous HIMYM moment (like “Slapsgiving” or “Robin Sparkles”), everyone takes a big sip.
- Marshall’s Bathroom Rule: Like in the episode, the true challenge comes from holding it in! No bathroom breaks until both bottles are empty and you’re officially done. Plan accordingly — or have an escape strategy.
- Finish to Win: The first person to finish both bottles wins. But remember, the real prize is staying upright, keeping your wits, and staying in character through the night, Marshall-style.
Edward 40 Hands Game Fun Variations and Alternatives
1. Edward Mystery Hands
This version of Edward 40 Hands adds a mystery element to keep players on their toes (and occasionally cringing). Here’s how it goes:
- Setup: Instead of standard malt liquor bottles, each player has two “mystery” drinks taped to their hands. One bottle is filled with a typical 40-ounce drink, but the other is a mystery concoction, made from a mix of different drinks chosen by the host (or, for even more randomness, other players).
- Gameplay Twist: No one knows what’s in their mystery bottle until they start drinking. It could be an odd combo like “beer and pickle juice” or a surprise fruity cocktail!
2. Gloves Off Edward Hands
This version introduces “gloves” to the game — literal gloves that add a fun physical challenge:
- Setup: Each player starts with two 40-ounce bottles taped to their hands over a pair of oversized, slippery gloves. Yes, it’s awkward and unwieldy, and that’s the point!
- Gameplay Twist: Players must wear the gloves while trying to drink, which adds an extra layer of difficulty. Bonus points for thick winter gloves or rubber kitchen gloves to make it even more hilarious.
3. Edward Challenger Hands
Add a competitive twist by setting up challenges each time a player finishes a specific amount of their drink:
- Setup: Each bottle is marked with levels or lines (like “25%,” “50%,” “75%”). Every time a player reaches one of these levels, they have to complete a challenge before they can keep drinking.
- Challenge Ideas: Challenges could include tasks like:
- Balancing on one foot for 10 seconds
- Trying to eat a snack without their hands
- Reciting the alphabet backward
- Doing a silly dance for the group
Each completed challenge brings players closer to the finish, but the laughter and ridiculousness will definitely slow down their progress.
4. Edward Opposites Hands
In this wacky version, everyone starts the game with “opposite hands”:
- Setup: Instead of taping the bottles facing upward, each bottle is taped upside down! This means players have to awkwardly maneuver to get the drink out without spilling it everywhere. (Best for outdoor settings — trust us!)
- Gameplay Twist: Not only does this version test patience, but it also ensures everyone gets a little splash while trying to drink without dumping it on themselves.
Opposites Hands version is for advanced players with a good sense of humor, and it’ll definitely lead to some hilarious spills and near-misses.
5. Edward Team Hands
If you’re hosting a larger group, try turning Edward 40 Hands into a team game:
- Setup: Players are paired up, and each pair has four 40-ounce bottles taped to both of their inside hands, creating a sort of human chain.
- Gameplay Twist: Each pair has to drink without letting go of their “teammate’s” hand. They’re stuck together until all four bottles are empty, which leads to wild cooperation, teamwork, and lots of laughs as they try to drink and move around in sync.
This team-based version is perfect for group parties, where everyone can get involved and the coordination (or lack thereof!) adds to the fun.
6. Frozen Hands Edition
Add an icy twist for parties where weather or temperature permits:
- Setup: Freeze the 40oz bottles halfway for a chilly challenge that will slow down everyone’s drinking pace.
- Gameplay Twist: As players drink, the ice gradually melts, changing the drink’s taste and adding a frosty challenge. Plus, with hands taped to cold bottles, players will have to contend with frozen fingers — great for summer parties, or anytime you want a “cool” twist.
Frozen Hands version turns up the challenge while also keeping everyone refreshingly chilly, especially on warm days!
Is Edward 40 Hands Safe? Safety Tips
Have you ever tried the 9/9/9 challenge? It’s where brave souls attempt to down 9 hot dogs and 9 beers across 9 innings of a baseball game. Like any drinking game, Edward 40 Hands can be a lot of fun when done safely. However, with 80 ounces of alcohol in one sitting, it’s essential to be mindful of your limits. Here are some tips to stay safe:
- Limit Alcohol Intake: Remember, you don’t have to finish the game. Know when to tap out if you feel it’s too much.
- Stay Hydrated and Eat Beforehand: Drinking on an empty stomach increases alcohol absorption, so eat well before starting.
- Look Out for Each Other: If you’re playing with friends, check in on each other and make sure everyone is handling the challenge okay.
Edward 40 Hands Alternatives
While Edward 40 Hands is an iconic drinking game, it’s not for everyone. Fortunately, there are a few alternatives that bring similar fun without duct tape and oversized bottles.
- Edward 20 Hands: If 40-ounce bottles feel like too much, scale it down to 20-ounce bottles. You’ll still get the Edward 40 Hands experience but in a more manageable (and maybe quicker!) way.
- Solo Cup Showdown: Instead of malt liquor bottles, duct tape solo cups to each hand and fill them with the drink of choice. This variation gives more flexibility on drink type and portion size.
- Power Hour: This timed challenge involves taking a shot of beer every minute for an hour, making it a lighter alternative that still tests endurance. Perfect for a party atmosphere without the physical restriction of taped hands.
- Edward 12 Ounce Hands: A more relaxed approach, this version uses regular 12-ounce beer cans. This makes for a fun, steady-paced alternative, ideal for those who want to enjoy the game without tackling 80 ounces of alcohol.
These alternatives keep the spirit of Edward 40 Hands alive but cater to different drinking levels and comfort zones.
Edward 40 Hands is a hilarious, memorable game that turns every participant into a duct-taped drinking champion. From the first sip to the final drop, it’s an experience that’s as much a mental battle as it is a physical one. Play safe, pace yourself, and have a blast!