Classroom Game: Taboo

The Rules

An even number of players from four to ten sit alternating around in a circle. Players take turns as the “giver,” who attempts to prompt his or her teammates to guess as many keywords as possible in the allotted time. However, each card also has “taboo” (forbidden) words listed which may not be spoken. Should the giver say one, a “censor” on the opposing team hits the buzzer and the giver must move on to the next word. For example, the giver might have to get his or her team to say “baseball” without saying “sport,” “game,” “pastime,” “hitter,” “pitcher,” nor “baseball.” The giver may NOT say a part of a “taboo” word;[2] for example, using “base” in “baseball” is taboo. The giver may only use speech to prompt his or her teammates; gestures, sounds (e.g. barking), or drawings are not allowed (though modifications may be made for deaf or mute players). However, singing is permitted, provided the singer is singing in lyrics, and not humming or whistling the tune. The giver’s hints may not rhyme with a taboo word, or be an abbreviation of a taboo word.

While the giver is prompting the teammates (without hand motions), they may yell out as many guesses as possible, rational or not, with no penalties. Once the team correctly guesses the word, the giver moves on to the next word, trying to get as many words as possible in the allotted time. When time runs out, play turns over to the next adjacent player of the other team. The playing team receives one point for correct guesses, one penalty point if “taboo” words are spoken, and the opposing team receives one point each time the giver passes.

The specific answer must be correctly given. When answering the question one must complete the answer exactly as written on the card.

(From WikiPedia 2009-May-9
GNU Free Documentation License)