How to Play Taboo: The Classic Party Word-Guessing Game

Taboo (Hasbro, 1989) – Team word-guessing game. 4+ players, 20–30 min.

Setup

• Split into 2 teams (sit alternating: A-B-A-B).
• Shuffle deck; place in card holder (timer on top).
• Scorepad ready.

Gameplay

1. Clue-giver (rotates each turn) draws card, starts timer (60–90 sec).
2. Card shows: Guess Word (top) + 5 Taboo Words (below).
3. Clue-giver describes Guess Word without saying any Taboo word (or parts/derivatives).
4. Teammates shout guesses.
5. Correct guess: Card → team's point pile; draw next card.
6. Taboo spoken: Opponent hits buzzer → card discarded, no point.
7. Pass: Clue-giver skips card → discarded, no point.

End of Turn

• Timer ends → count team's cards = points.
• Discard pile resets.
• Next team's clue-giver goes.

Winning

Play set rounds or to target score (e.g., 25). Most points wins.

Example

Guess Word: ELEPHANT
Taboo: Trunk, Gray, Africa, Big, Animal
Legal clues: "Largest land mammal," "Has tusks," "Dumbo," "Never forgets"

Strategy Tips

• Use category + distinctive trait: "African… no—wait. Savanna… no. Large-eared… no. Pachyderm!"
• Avoid rhymes (house rule in many groups).
• Watch opponents' Taboo words—they're clues for your turn.
• Pass aggressively on low-percentage cards.

Variants: Taboo Junior (kids), Taboo Buzz'd (app), Czech Games' Codenames (different mechanic, same vibe).