TABOO

OBJECTIVE OF TABOO: The objective of Taboo is to score more points than any other player by guessing the highest number of words.  

NUMBER OF PLAYERS: 4 to 10 Players 

MATERIALS: 504 Playing Cards, 1 Scorepad, 1 Timer, 1 Buzzer, 1 Card Holder, and Instructions 

TYPE OF GAME: Party Card Game 

AUDIENCE: Ages 12 and Up 

OVERVIEW OF TABOO 

Taboo is a wonderful game similar to charades. Players are not permitted to say specific words, hence the taboo words. They must attempt to score points for the team by guessing correct words. It is wonderful for graduation parties, especially if you want a ton of laughs! 

SETUP 

To setup for the game, the players will place the buzzer and the timer in the center of the playing area, ensuring that all players can reach them. The card holder is then filled with cards. The players are divided into two teams. The number of players on the teams does not matter.  

Once the teams have been decided, the game is ready to begin. 

GAMEPLAY 

To begin the game, the first person who is chosen to be the Clue-giver, will begin by drawing a card from the holder. The card is placed on the easel. The word that is found at the top of the card is called the Guess Word, and the other words found on the card are the taboo cards. These are words that the player is not permitted to say.  

The Clue-giver will begin the timer as soon as they draw the card and begin giving the hints. They may give hints in phrases, single words, or full sentences. Their teammates will announce any words that they think may be correct. If they guess the word, they may draw another card to attempt.  

The team scores one point for each card that they guess correctly. The players may lose a point if they say a taboo word, or if they pass on a card. Any lost points are awarded to the opposing team. The game continues in this manner until all players get to be the Clue-Giver.  

END OF GAME 

Once every player has had a turn to be the Clue-giver, the game comes to an end. The players will then tally their points from the scorepad.  The player with the most points, wins the game!  

Ellie Phillips
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