Predicament bondage is a fascinating type of BDSM play in which the sub plays an active role in their situation. Essentially, the sub is faced with a choice between two or more types of discomfort or distress. Here’s what predicament bondage means, plus some ideas for exploring couples and tips for making the most out of your next session.
What is Predicament Bondage?
Predicament bondage is when the sub must choose between different types of discomfort or distress – in other words, they’re in a predicament. Unlike typical bondage, predicament bondage:
- Allows subs to be more engaged in the session. They’re not just recipients, but actively choosing their torment
- Creates a psychological element: which unpleasant outcome is the lesser of two evils?
That said, predicament bondage can manifest in many different ways. Here are some examples:
- Pain or Pain: In this scenario, the sub must choose between two uncomfortable or even painful outcomes
- Unrestrained Bondage: In this scenario, the sub must remain still or in a certain uncomfortable position. If they move or change positions, they get punished
- Pain for Pleasure: In this scenario, the sub has a choice between remaining comfortable or experiencing pain or discomfort to receive pleasure
In all three scenarios, the underlying theme is that the sub gets to pick their poison, so to speak.
Read More: 25 Punishments for Subs and When to Use Them
Predicament Bondage Ideas
We encourage you to come up with your own ideas tailored to the needs and desires of you and your partner, but here are a few ideas to get you started.
1. Balance Challenge
In this scenario, the sub is challenged to balance something. For example, they could stand with their arms outstretched and be tasked to balance glasses of water or ping pong balls on the backs of their hands. If they spill the water or drop the balls, they get punished.
Thus, they’re forced to choose between an uncomfortable position (holding their arms straight and still for a long time) or getting punished. The dom (or domme) could tease them to make it even more challenging.
2. Overhead Ties
Tie a rope overhead, either with an eyebolt or even through the gap at the top of a closed door, then attach it to a sensitive area on the sub – their labia, their nipples, their penis, their testicles, their pubic hair (clamps come in handy for this). There are a couple of unique ways to add a predicament to this scenario:
- Discomfort: Tie the rope so that the person must remain in an uncomfortable position, such as on their toes, to avoid the rope pulling on their sensitive area. Thus, they must choose between the discomfort of standing on tiptoe or having their sensitive areas tugged.
- Pain for Pleasure: Place a vibrator, dildo, or other toy on the bed or floor, and tie the sub so they can hover just above the toy without feeling the rope’s tug. If they want to feel pleasure, they must lower themselves onto the toy and endure the pain to do so. You could up the ante by telling them they must cum within a certain time or they’ll be punished.
3. Statue
The sub must remain completely still. If they move, they get punished. In this scenario, the predicament lies in the discomfort (or boredom) of remaining motionless at length or the discomfort of punishment. You can make it more interesting by making the person stand still on one leg – or simply by teasing them while they lie still on the bed.
Top 10 Fetish Tests to Discover Your Kinks
4. Crouching Weights
In this scenario, a weight is tied to a partner’s sensitive areas (such as their nipples, labia, cock, or balls). The weight is placed on the floor and the rope is kept short, so the person must choose between crouching uncomfortably or standing and having the weights pull on them.
5. Not-So-Wet Watersports
The sub can be commanded to drink a lot of water (or other beverage) but not allowed to relieve themselves. Eventually, their bladders will be full, and they’ll desperately want to urinate – but they can’t, or they’ll be punished. This idea is good with a time limit, since eventually, they’ll need to use the restroom.
6. Tippy Toe Torture
Have the sub stand on their tiptoes, then place something uncomfortable under their feet: toys, a spiky hairbrush, eggs – anything that will inflict discomfort or pain. They must choose between aching calves or the agony of resting their feet on the object.
7. Anal Hook and Collar
Have the sub wear a collar and lie on their stomach, then insert an anal hook. Use a rope to tie the anal hook to the collar, just taut enough that they must crane their neck backwards to release the tension on the rope. If they rest their head, it will pull the anal hook deeper, so they must choose between an uncomfortable neck position or the anal hook deeper into their derriere.
8. Post Orgasm Torture
In a previous scenario, we discussed positioning a vibrator or other toy so the submissive must endure some kind of discomfort to feel pleasure. This is the reverse. Tie the sub so that their genitals are directly stimulated by a vibrator or other toy. If they move off the toy, the rope tugs on their balls or nipples (or whatever). Bring them to orgasm and watch them squirm as they face either the uncomfortable tugging or the agony of post orgasm torture.
Of course, these are just a few ideas for predicament bondage. We encourage you to come up with your own ideas that are unique to your desires and kinks!
Predicament Bondage Tips and Safety
As always, be sure to have fun while playing safe! Here are some tips:
- Never force your sub to endure more discomfort than they can take. Be attentive and use a safe word. If you’re unsure, ask
- Don’t set subs up to fail. Any challenges should be reasonable. The idea is to reinforce obedience and connection, not to simply punish the sub. Predicament bondage should be fulfilling for both partners
- Be careful when setting hooks to support ropes; make sure they’re secure and your gear can be trusted
- Talk before you play. Find out what each partner wants out of your predicament bondage sessions. Share ideas and set limits to ensure the play is enjoyable for all involved
- Look through your house (including your kitchen) for creative ways to engage in predicament bondage: spatulas, ice, windows, shower heads, and the backyard patio might all spark inspiration for fun and innovative predicament bondage ideas
Predicament Bondage Gear and Toys
Here are some favorites for predicament bondage:
