How to Play Taboo: A Complete Guide to the Rules and Gameplay
Taboo is one of the most iconic word-guessing games ever created—and for good reason. It's chaotic, hilarious, and perfect for parties, family game nights, and team-building events. But to play it right, you need to know the rules of the game Taboo and how to avoid those dreaded forbidden words.
Whether you’re opening a fresh deck or jumping into a game mid-round, this guide will show you how to play Taboo from setup to victory—with clear rules, gameplay strategy, and optional variations.
What Is Taboo?
Taboo is a word-guessing game where players try to get their teammates to guess a target word without using a list of off-limits “taboo” words. It’s a battle against the clock, your nerves, and your vocabulary skills.
The game is usually played in teams and is suitable for ages 13 and up.
What Comes in the Taboo Game Box?
Depending on the edition, your Taboo box should include:
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Card Deck (containing thousands of words and their taboo terms)
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Card Holder or Timer Holder
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Buzzer (to signal when someone breaks a rule)
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One-minute Timer
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Scorepad & Pencil
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Instructions Manual
You’ll also need at least four players, but it works best with 6+.
Taboo Game Objective
The objective is simple: describe the target word on your card without saying any of the forbidden words (aka “taboo” words) listed beneath it. Your team earns points by guessing as many correct words as possible before the timer runs out.
Taboo Game Setup
Setting Up the Teams and Materials
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Split players into two teams of equal size.
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Place the card deck in the holder or a stack.
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Each round, one player is the Clue-Giver while their team guesses.
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Set the timer (usually one minute).
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Give the opposing team the buzzer, so they can monitor and call out any rule violations.
Rules of the Game Taboo
Clue-Giving Do's
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Use verbal clues, gestures (if allowed), and alternate descriptions.
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You can pass a card if it’s too hard—but only once or twice per round, depending on your house rules.
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Encourage teammates with general feedback like “you’re close!”
Clue-Giving Don’ts
These are the most important rules of the game Taboo—break one, and you lose that card:
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Do not say any of the taboo words listed on the card.
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Do not use parts of the target word (e.g., saying “snow” for “snowflake”).
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Do not use rhyming hints or “sounds like” clues.
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Do not spell or give the first letter.
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Do not use gestures unless your group allows them.
Buzzing Violations
The opposing team listens carefully. If the Clue-Giver breaks a rule, they hit the buzzer and the current card is disqualified.
How To Play Taboo: Step-by-Step
1. Choose a Clue-Giver
One player from Team A becomes the Clue-Giver and draws a card.
2. Start the Timer
Once the timer begins, the Clue-Giver describes the target word without using any of the taboo terms.
3. Teammates Guess
Team A shouts guesses until they get it right or the Clue-Giver skips the card. Each correct answer is worth 1 point.
4. Monitor for Violations
Team B holds the buzzer and watches for any rules being broken. If they catch one, they buzz and the card is discarded (no points earned).
5. End of Turn and Scoring
When time runs out, count the number of correctly guessed cards and subtract any disqualified ones. Then Team B takes their turn.
6. Winning the Game
The game continues until all cards are used or after a set number of rounds. The team with the most points wins!
Variations on Taboo Game Rules
Speed Taboo
Cut the timer to 30 seconds per turn for an ultra-fast challenge.
Reverse Taboo
Let the whole group guess instead of just teammates—great for small groups or classrooms.
Silent Taboo
Play a round with no talking—gestures only! It’s chaotic, funny, and surprisingly effective.
Family-Friendly or Custom Taboo
Create your own cards to fit your group’s age range or theme. You can make it educational, inside-jokey, or holiday-specific.
Strategy Tips for Playing Taboo
Think Creatively
Instead of direct descriptions, try to connect the target word to stories, pop culture, or categories your teammates are familiar with.
Avoid Obvious Routes
If “doctor” is the target word, don’t start with “hospital.” It might be taboo! Go with “someone who gives checkups.”
Read the Room
If your team is younger, use age-appropriate references. For older groups, go deep with historical or cultural clues.
Practice Passing Smart
Don’t waste too much time on a tough card. If you’re stuck, pass and move on—you can only earn points for what you get right.
Why Taboo Remains a Party Classic
Taboo has been around for decades, but it never goes out of style. With easy-to-learn rules and endless combinations of words, it’s a perfect game for nearly any group setting—friends, families, coworkers, or classrooms.
Its replay value is massive, especially since clue-giving styles and reactions vary wildly from group to group. It’s one of those games that truly gets better with every round.
Master the Rules and Make Every Round Count
Now that you understand the rules of the game Taboo and how to play it like a pro, you’re ready to bring the laughs and energy to your next game night. Whether you're shouting, buzzing, or stumbling through tricky clues, Taboo guarantees a good time.
Ready to challenge your wordplay under pressure? Grab your team, shuffle the cards, and get guessing—just don’t say the forbidden words!
FAQs
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How long does a typical game of Taboo last?
About 30–45 minutes depending on rounds played and team size. -
Can you play Taboo with three players?
It’s best with four or more, but three players can make it work using a rotating clue-giver system. -
Are there digital versions of Taboo?
Yes! There are mobile apps and online platforms that offer virtual decks. -
Is Taboo appropriate for kids?
The original version is best for teens, but there are kid-friendly editions with simplified words and rules. -
Can I make my own Taboo cards?
Absolutely! Homemade cards are great for themed parties, inside jokes, or educational use.
