Types of play

Types of play this is a guide to better help you understand the BDSM lifestyle play.

Animal Role Playing -
The submissive takes on the role of an animal. Most common is probably a dog, or puppy boy / girl though horses are also popular. The ‘animal’ may imitate animal behavior, wear items such as collars, leads, bridles and so on, or carry out tasks associated with animal behavior.

Bondage -

Bondage is another umbrella term that includes any type of binding during play. Ropes, handcuffs, blindfolds, spreader bars, clamps, etc. You can also use different kinds of bondage furniture. These can be specialty pieces or the furniture you have in your own home. To try out some of the generally more expensive pieces check out your local dungeon to get an idea of what’s available. You might see some permanent structures like o-rings mounted in a beam or suspension equipment in the ceiling, larger pieces like a St. Andrew’s cross or a spanking bench or some specific pieces of furniture like medical chairs or vac beds! Make sure you do your research on the risks involved in each type of play before you try it and them discuss it with your partner.

Daddy/Mommy/Little/Age-play -

Just to be clear, littles may not necessarily be into age-play and age-players may not necessarily be littles. Littles are generally submissives who regress to a certain age (known as “little space”) and enjoy being taken care of in a parental fashion. They might like coloring, watching cartoons, being given a bath or reading a story with their partner, but this all depends on the age they regress to. Age-play includes roleplaying as a certain age and does not necessarily include age regression. You are probably most familiar with this in the form of ABDL or Adult Baby Diaper Lovers, adults who enjoy age-playing as babies, wearing diapers and roleplaying as infants. ABDL role-players may also enjoy a lactation fetish or nursing with their partner, but, again, not all age-players enjoy this.

Dominant/submissive or Master/slave -

This is a typical power play scenario that revolves around one person (the Dominant or Master) having control over certain aspects of the submissive or slave or you can even switch roles during play. Think of this as an umbrella scenario that usually includes lots of different types of play or roles.

Electrical Play -

Electric play, is the erotic practice and stimulation of the body through the use of electricity and electrical devices. There are a variety of electrical devices that can be used on different parts of the body that can generate stimulation to those who like the feeling that the electricity can provide. Electrical play can also be part of BDSM as it can be used for the application of pain onto a submissive during a scene. There is a great deal of controversy regarding electric play and what it entails and those looking to engage in this type of play should be experienced and well-informed to understand all the aspects of electric play so that it is a pleasurable and safe experience.

Flame Play -

Play which involves the use of fire in scenes. It should be noted here that using any type of fire / flame during scenes is quite dangerous and could result in permanent scarring / burning of the body. Use extreme care when using fire in scenes, as this is extremely dangerous and not to be done by a novice.

Gun Play -

Scenes involving the use of firearms. It should be noted here: Gun Play is a dangerous form of play and should not be entered into lightly. Serious consequences could occur from such play and it is not recommended, It is also considered illegal.

Humiliation Play -

Humiliation has a wide-range from being called dirty names in the privacy of your own bedroom to forced public humiliation. You can try more mild forms like wearing a plug or bondage wear under your clothes to work, going to the store together handcuffed or on a leash or involving other consenting individuals in your humiliation play by having them watch. Use your imagination and have fun!

Impact Play -

Impact play involves any type of impact to a person’s body. This might be bare handed spanking, spanking with brush or paddle, flogging, caning, etc. Impact play can be a “thud” or “sting” and doesn’t necessarily have to be painful.

Kinky Role-play -

This a general category since most people have seen these played out in the media. Kinky roleplay includes the common “Priest/Nun/Parishioner”, “Teacher/Student”, “Nurse/Doctor/Patient”, etc scenarios that are fun to play out with a kinky twist! You can have the person be a naughty schoolgirl who needs punishment, a patient in need of a “special cure”, or a parishioner who can only be absolved of sin through special tasks.

Knife Play -

Cutting the surface of the skin with sharp objects, generally a knife, for the thrill, sensation, or pain. To also create decorative scars. The same basic precautions apply as with other types of blood play. Remember to stay away from vital organ areas and genital cutting.

Medical Play -

Medical play involves a session or scene in which there are situations, objects, personnel and environments that are typically seen in the medical world and community and carried out by medical personnel such as doctors, nurses and patients of various types. Scenes can involve all sorts of medical paraphernalia and a wide variety of medical situations, depending on the desired effect of the session. Involvement in medical play usually involves interest, arousal and fetishes in medical situations and a strong attraction to medical personnel, the instruments used and the uniforms and gowns worn.

Owner/pet -

This type of scene includes one person pretending to be a type of pet (cat, dog, pony, rabbit, snake, whatever you want!) and the other person is the Owner. You can feed your pet, groom them, dress them up, have them sleep in a special pet bed or cage, etc.

Sensation Play -

Sensation play involves any play that gives a person a sensation. Some common techniques include using ice during play (on the body for short periods, putting it in your mouth, etc), playing with food like whip cream or even feeding your partner, cooling or heating toys that are capable of holding temperature, using a feather, scarf, wartenburg wheel or an e-stim toy to create fun sensations for you and your partner.

Sexual Sadism/Masochism -

Sadism is when you derive pleasure from causing someone pain and masochism is when you derive pleasure from experiencing pain. These terms get used pretty loosely, but medically they are used to describe people who rely on pain to achieve pleasure from these scenarios. It’s usually a necessary ingredient in their sexual lives. That being said it certainly is possibly to incorporate aspects of S/M in your own play through impact play, knife play, blood play, rope bondage, clamps, etc but please be aware that this type of play poses serious risks and should never be done without proper safety and emergency plans!

Table Play -

A padded table, where the submissive is restrained for play. The table has many securing points to offer different positions for play or examination. Tables can be used as racks if outfitted accordingly.

Urethral Play -

Play involving the “urethra”, the tube that runs between the bladder and the outside of the body. In men, it emerges at the end of the penis, and in women, just inside the vagina. With the exception of the very end, this tube is sterile, and anything inserted deeper than a few millimeters should be sterile as well. Note: Serious damage can occur by inserting inappropriate devices, using excessive force, or by bad technique. This form of play is extremely dangerous. Not for the novice.

Wax Play -

Wax play is self-explanatory. Find a good low-temp candle (Do NOT use normal scented candles from your local store, they will BURN you!). Emergency candles are a good low-budget option or you can find specific candles/wax in BDSM or rope stores. Prepare for a mess (you can have the person lay on a towel, mat or vinyl sheet), light your candle and let the wax melt for bit.. then have fun slowly pouring it on your partner! You can have them blindfolded, have their limbs bound, sitting or laying down, etc.

© Dom to sub love