Taboo is a classic party game that brings fast-thinking, wordplay, and lots of laughter to the table. Perfect for family gatherings, game nights, or team-building sessions, it's easy to learn and endlessly replayable.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to play Taboo, from setup to game rules and winning strategies.

This post is part of our How to Play Blog Series, where we explain popular games in a step-by-step format. For something more strategic, check out How to Play Catan.

What Is Taboo?

Taboo is a team-based guessing game where one player tries to get their teammates to guess a word—without using the most obvious “taboo” clues listed on the card. It’s all about quick thinking and clever communication.

What’s in the Box?

A typical Taboo game includes:

• A deck of Taboo word cards

• A cardholder

• A buzzer (to buzz players who break the rules)

• A timer (usually 60 seconds)

• Score pad and pencil (optional for tracking points)

Game Setup

1. Split into Two Teams
   Taboo works best with 4 or more players, divided into two teams.

2. Grab the Cards
   Shuffle the deck and place it in the cardholder.

3. Set the Timer
   A 60-second timer is standard for each round.

4. Assign a Scorekeeper and Buzzer Holder
   Someone from the opposing team monitors your turn and buzzes if you break any rules.

How to Play: Turn Structure

Each round follows these steps:

1. One player becomes the clue-giver

• They draw a card from the deck.

• The top word is the one they want their team to guess.

2. Avoid the Taboo Words

• Underneath the guess word are 5 “taboo” words they cannot say.

• If they say a taboo word, the other team buzzes and the card is skipped.

3. Teammates guess

• The clue-giver can say anything else (gestures and sounds are not allowed) to help their team guess the word.

• If the team gets it right, move on to the next card.

4. Scoring

• +1 point for each correctly guessed card

• –1 point for each taboo word violation (buzzed)

• Optionally, –1 for skipped cards (house rule)

5. End of Round

• After time runs out, tally the score.

• Switch roles and let the next team go.

What’s Not Allowed?

• Saying any of the taboo words on the card

• Using any form or part of the taboo word (e.g., saying “run” when the word is “runner”)

• Gestures, sounds, or spelling

• Rhyming the word (“it sounds like...”) is also not allowed

How to Win Taboo

The game continues until:

• A set number of rounds are played, OR

• A team reaches a predetermined point goal (e.g., 50 points)

The team with the most points at the end wins!

Strategy Tips for Taboo

• Think of category clues (e.g., “It’s a type of fruit” or “You find this in the kitchen”)

• Keep talking—don’t freeze!

• Use opposites, analogies, or describe situations

• Watch your teammate’s body language and facial cues

Want something a bit more strategic? Try How To Play Sequence, where you’ll trade resources and build settlements on an evolving island board.

Final Thoughts

Taboo is an exciting word game that’s ideal for large groups, lively parties, or even classroom vocabulary fun. With minimal setup and tons of energy, it’s a must-have in your party game lineup.

Looking to build a game shelf full of hits? Add Taboo for laughs, and then learn something new with How To Play Carcassonne for strategic depth and lasting replay value.

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