How to Play Taboo

The Taboo Game is a fast-paced word guessing party game that gets everyone laughing. One player tries to get their team to guess a secret word — but can’t use the most obvious “taboo” clues listed on the card. That twist makes for frantic, funny, and creative descriptions as the timer ticks down.

Objective

Score more points than the other team by guessing words correctly while avoiding saying the forbidden “taboo” words.

Age Range

Ages 12 and up. Younger players can join in with simplified rules (fewer taboo words or custom cards).

Game Length

Each round lasts about 1 minute. A full game usually takes 20–30 minutes, depending on how many rounds you play.

What You Need

• Official Taboo box set (cards, squeaker/buzzer, timer, scorepad, and game-changer die in newer editions)
• DIY version: index cards, a word list, and a timer (kitchen timer or phone).

Why We Like It for Families

I can still remember the sound of the buzzer — and the gleeful joy of being the one to hit it when someone slipped and said a forbidden word. On the flip side, it’s soooo hard not to say the taboo words… they’re the exact words you really want to use, but can’t. That tension is what makes the game hilarious.

• Fast and funny — every turn is a mini performance.
• Great for groups — works with large gatherings.
• Creative thinking — makes you find clever ways to describe simple words.
• Customizable — you can make your own word cards with themes (holidays, school, inside jokes).

Skills Built While Playing

• Quick thinking — come up with creative descriptions on the fly.
• Teamwork — players rely on listening and group problem solving.
• Vocabulary & communication — stretch beyond the obvious words.
• Focus under pressure — keep cool against the buzzer and timer.

How to Play Taboo

Step 1: Gather 4 or more friends and a Taboo game box

You’ll need at least four players, but more is better. Open the box and set out the cards, squeaker, timer, and scorepad.

Step 2: Divide into two teams

Split into two roughly even groups. Each team will take turns guessing while the other team monitors for mistakes.

Step 3: Decide who goes first

There’s no official rule for who goes first in Taboo — so pick any method you like. Flip a coin, play rock-paper-scissors, let the youngest player start, or use our fun Who Goes First tool to decide.

Step 4: Choose the first clue-giver

The starting team picks one player to be the describer/clue-giver. This player will hold the card and give clues while their teammates guess.

Step 5: Play the first turn

The first team begins play:

• Draw a card & start the timer: The clue-giver draws the top card and tries to get their team to guess the bolded word without saying any of the “taboo” words.
• Give clues: Describe the word as best you can without breaking the rules.
• Other team watches: A member of the other team holds the squeaker and buzzes if the clue-giver breaks a rule.
• Keep going: The clue-giver flips new cards and keeps describing until the timer runs out.

Step 6: Score the round

When the timer runs out:

• +1 point for each card guessed correctly.
• +1 point to the other team for each card squeaked (violation) or skipped.

Officially, you can skip as many times as you like — but each skip gives the other team a point.
House rule variation: Some families allow one free skip per turn without penalty.

Step 7: Alternate to the other team

Now the other team takes their turn, following the same process with a new clue-giver.

Step 8: Keep alternating and rotate clue-givers

Continue back and forth, with each team switching who gives clues each round. This way, everyone gets a chance to be the clue-giver.

Step 9: End the game and declare a winner

The official rules say the game ends once all players have been the clue-giver an equal number of times. The team with the most points wins.
If tied, each team takes one more turn.

House rule flexibility: Some families prefer to set a fixed number of rounds or play to a certain score.

Rules of Taboo

• Don’t say the word itself.
• Don’t say any of the listed taboo words.
• Don’t use word parts, plurals, or abbreviations (e.g., “feet” for “foot,” “TV” for “television”).
• Don’t use rhymes, “sounds like,” or “starts with the letter…” clues.
• Don’t make gestures, noises, or sound effects. (Singing is allowed.)
• Each skip or squeak awards a point to the other team.

Variations

• Kids’ Taboo: Use easier words and only 2–3 taboo words.
• Theme Night: Make a deck around movies, animals, or family memories.
• No buzzer? Opposing team just shouts “Taboo!”
• Acting Allowed (House Rule): Some families allow gestures and sound effects for sillier play — just know that’s not official.
• One Free Skip (House Rule): A popular tweak is allowing one penalty-free skip each turn.
• Game-Changer Die (Official in Newer Editions): Roll before your turn to add twists like “One Guesser,” “Double Time,” “Statue,” or “All Play.”

Strategies

• Use analogies: “It’s like a dog, but smaller!”
• Try opposites: “Not hot, but…”
• Don’t stall — speed beats perfection.
• Keep your clues clear and avoid anything that might trigger a squeak.

Example Round

• Word: Pizza
• Taboo words: cheese, pepperoni, slice, crust, Italian
• Clue-giver says: “It’s round, comes in a box, and you eat it on movie night!”
• Teammates: “Pizza!”
• Correct — score +1.

FAQ

Q: How many people can play Taboo?
A: At least 4, but it works best with 6–10 players split into two teams.

Q: Can you gesture or act things out?
A: Officially, no. Some families play a house-rule version that allows it for fun.

Q: What if someone says a taboo word accidentally?
A: The other team squeaks — that card is lost and the other team gets 1 point.

Q: How long is each turn?
A: About one minute, using the included timer.

Q: Can you make your own cards?
A: Absolutely! Many families create custom decks with holiday themes, favorite movies, or inside jokes.

Q: How do you play Taboo with 2 players?
A: Instead of teams, one player gives clues and the other guesses. Set a timer for 1 minute and see how many cards you can get through together, then switch roles. Some families also keep score by counting correct guesses across multiple rounds.

Skills & Strengths Tie-In

Taboo isn’t just fun — it’s a hidden workout for your brain:

• Creative communication: Finding new ways to say the same idea.
• Listening skills: Tuning in fast to your teammate’s clues.
• Quick decision-making: Adapting under time pressure.
• Team bonding: Sharing laughs (and squeaks) as you play.

That’s why Taboo has been a party-night favorite for decades.

 Taboo Video Tutorial