Advice for rookies?

I had typed out a response earlier today and it threw an error. That said it pretty much the same thing as Holly's. I would be willing to be most other replies would be about the same. Communication with your partner before during and after is key to a good experience. Go only as fast as the slowest person involved and be sure to respect and follow everyone's rules. Oh and in that regard make sure you discuss such things up front with your perspective playmates. Just one of many pitfalls that can ruin an otherwise good time is finding out that the folks you decide to swing with refuse to wear (or require) condoms and you feel differently once everyone is naked. Be honest and open then expect the same. Sometimes getting all of that out and discussed before even meeting up saves wasted time. It also would be a red flag if certain things were discussed and then not followed or attempts were made to not follow or change minds when it comes time for sexual activity. Do not be afraid to call a halt to things if they do not feel right or you need to take it slower.

BTW I realize I took an approach on the less than positive things but a lack of honest communication can lead to a bad time. It does happen and it seems some people it happens to more than others especially when starting out. That said when things go right you may just have that "puppy pile" where everyone having fun with everyone else assuming everyone is into it. Keep in mind even if everyone is Bi there needs to be a basic attraction for that to happen and if everyone is not Bi keep those limits even if in close quarters.

1. Things we should make sure to talk through with each other before our first encounter.

Cover all of the bases when it comes to likes and preferences. Know your partner well and see yourself as their advocate. Don't push for play just because it may be the first time. Be sure you all mesh with who you are going to play with and don't compromise. Also, be willing to pull out and stop play at any time. No one really knows how they will react their first few times out.

1. Things we should talk through with the new play partners before an encounter.

Talk about everything being sure to show mutual respect for one another's boundaries. You need to cover types of play you will and will not do as well as what types of language you all are comfortable with. Degrading speech my be part of your play or it may be offensive to you.

1. Words of advice from people who have had threesomes and foursomes--what's it really like, what to watch out for, etc.

Keep up with your partner the first time out. If it is another couple, take turns and don't play at the same time so that you can watch for how they are doing and also to see how you handle things.

1. Limitations, boundaries, rules, that are more common, that we might run into, and/or that perhaps we should consider.

Cover those things in your conversation before play. If someone oversteps, stop play.

1. Are there sexy warmup, icebreaker games that might start the encounter and ease everyone into more?

It could be any game that you all like to play. There area wealth of sex game and swinger game apps out there in addition to card games if you want to go that route. Be comfortable doing whatever you do.

1. Guides to best positions for 3-somes and bi 4-somes?

Look them up on line and make your own wish list. Talk about them with prospective partners before you try them. If you aren't a contortionist some of them are difficult to pull off.

1. How realistic/practical is a "puppy pile" (3 or 4 (or more) people rolling around together and just engaging with whatever passes in from of them)? References to other sources and offering your own words of wisdom are both welcome.

It happens pretty frequently with couples and at parties if they are into that sort of thing. Your main objective the first few times out should be making sure each of you can handle and process things well. Take some time to talk through your first experience and process it before diving again. Not all couples are built for swinging and that is perfectly fine. Often times fantasy and reality don't mesh as well as we would like.