Party game classic
Taboo: Rules for the Word-Guessing Game
In Taboo, you describe a term to your team without using the word itself or the five forbidden words.
- Players
- 4 to 16
- Duration
- 20 to 40 minutes
- What you need
- Taboo cards or your own terms, timer
- Vibe
- Wordy, team, pace
Rules
Taboo in 4 steps
Prefer zero prep? Open Luminary in the App StoreAn opponent reads along and makes sure no taboo word slips out. That builds pace and leads to tongue-twisting descriptions.
Teams and cards
Form two teams. Each card has one term and five forbidden words.
Describe without the taboo words
One player describes the term to their team without using the word itself or the five forbidden words.
Checked by the opponents
An opponent reads along. If a forbidden word slips out, it counts as a fault and the next term comes up.
Points against the clock
Each term guessed within the time limit scores a point. Then the describing team switches.
Variations
- Without cards, using terms and taboo words you make up yourselves.
- Describe with only one word for pros.
- A wrong taboo word costs a point rather than just the term.
Tips for your round
- Think of synonyms beforehand that aren't taboo words.
- Short, clear descriptions get you more terms per round.
FAQ
Taboo FAQ
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