Bondage is not only a fundamental aspect of hard S/M sexuality. While restraint techniques have their established place there, a glance at afternoon talk shows or the internet proves that unconditional surrender, submission, and power games also exert their allure in completely ordinary sexual relationships. The certainty of being able to do "everything" with a partner, or the pleasurable tension of being completely defenseless, fuels the imagination. More and more people are exploring these new experiences and developing true mastery in intricate sexual games. Those who engage in bondage must overcome serious concerns: What will happen to me if I am bound with handcuffs, tied up with ropes, or perhaps even gagged? How can I avoid pain, injury, or even life-threatening situations?.