How to Play Taboo
The complete guide to the ultimate word-guessing party game
What is Taboo?
Taboo is a classic word-guessing party game where players take turns describing words to their teammates without using certain forbidden "taboo" words. It's a test of creativity, quick thinking, and communication skills!
Our online version lets you play with friends anywhere in the world, with real-time updates and automatic scoring.
Game Setup
1. Create a Room
One player creates a game room and customizes the settings: number of rounds, turn time, and how many taboo words appear on each card.
2. Invite Friends
Share the room link or code with your friends. They can join from any device with a web browser - no app download needed!
3. Form Teams
Players join either the Red Team or the Blue Team. You need at least 2 players per team (4 total) for the best experience.
4. Select Word Packs
The host chooses which word packs to use: General Words, Countries & Cities, Famous People, Movies & Series, or custom packs.
How to Play
The Explainer's Turn
Each round, one player from the active team becomes the "Explainer." They see a word card showing the target word and a list of taboo words they cannot say.
Describe this word
SUNFLOWER
⛔ Don't say these words
Describing the Word
The Explainer must describe the target word to their teammates without:
- Saying any of the taboo words
- Using parts of the target word (e.g., "sun" for "sunflower")
- Using rhymes or "sounds like" clues
- Using gestures or physical actions
Guessing
Teammates type their guesses in the chat. When someone guesses correctly, the team earns that word's points (1–6 based on difficulty) and a new word appears automatically.
The Watchers
The opposing team watches for taboo violations. If the Explainer says a forbidden word, any opponent can press the buzzer. This costs the explaining team a point!
Scoring
+1–6 pts for each correct guess — each word is worth 1–6 points based on difficulty
-1 point if buzzed for saying a taboo word
Skip - The Explainer can skip difficult words, but skipped words don't earn points
The team with the most points at the end of all rounds wins!
Tips & Strategies
For Explainers
- Read ALL the taboo words before you start speaking
- Think of synonyms and related concepts
- Use examples and scenarios
- If stuck, describe what category the word belongs to
- Don't be afraid to skip and come back if time allows
For Guessers
- Guess quickly - every second counts!
- Pay attention to context clues
- Don't be afraid to guess wrong
- Build on other teammates' guesses
For Watchers
- Listen carefully for taboo words
- Watch for word variations (plurals, past tense)
- Be fair - only buzz for clear violations