The Big Taboo: Rules, Strategies, Instructions & Winning Tips

Introduction

The Big Taboo is a fun and exciting game that tests your ability to describe words or phrases without using certain “taboo” words. It’s a game of quick thinking, creativity, and communication. The Big Taboo has been a popular party game since its creation in 1989 by Brian Hersch. To play The Big Taboo, you will need the game set, which includes a timer, buzzer, game cards, and a game tray.

The Big Taboo board game is a variant of the original Taboo game. The game was popularized in the 1990s and continues to be enjoyed by many for its fun and challenging gameplay. The Big Taboo version includes more words and categories, a bendable “Bendy Bob” figurine that players use for charades-style clues, and a special die that adds new challenges to the game. I consider it a great party game for its ability to involve many players, stimulate some social interaction, and generate the potential for lots of laughs. Pitted against the rest of Hasbro’s games (especially party games), it’s definitely my opinion that The Big Taboo is a good choice for an easy-intro, quick to play and easy to understand party game for most ages 10+ and up.

Rules for playing The Big Taboo

The Big Taboo rules are simple yet challenging. The game is played in teams, with one player from a team trying to get their teammates to guess a word or phrase on a card, without using any of the “taboo” words listed on the card. If the player uses a taboo word, the opposing team can buzz them, and they lose a point. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins. Some players also introduce ‘house rules’ for added fun and challenge. Some extra rules we try in our games, for example, include limiting the time for each turn or adding penalties for incorrect guesses (or even forfeits for a bit of fun).

How to Play The Big Taboo

1. Setup: Divide into teams and decide on the order of play. Each team selects a player to start as the clue-giver.
2. Gameplay: The clue-giver draws a card and tries to get their team to guess the word or phrase on the card, without using any of the taboo words. The opposing team watches and buzzes if a taboo word is used.
3. End of the Game: The game ends when all cards have been used or a set time limit has been reached. The team with the most points wins.

How to Win at The Big Taboo

Winning at The Big Taboo requires a combination of quick thinking, effective communication, and strategic play. Here are some strategies to help you win:

1. Think Ahead: While waiting for your turn, think of ways to describe the words on your card without using the taboo words.
2. Use Synonyms: Using synonyms or related words can help you avoid the taboo words.
3. Be Creative: Sometimes, you may need to think outside the box to describe a word. For example, if the word is “apple” and “fruit” is a taboo word, you could say “it’s red and you eat it.”

Best Strategies for playing The Big Taboo game

The best strategies for playing The Big Taboo involve a mix of quick thinking, effective communication, and teamwork. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Know Your Team: Understanding your team’s way of thinking can help you give better clues.
2. Keep It Simple: Try to keep your clues simple and straightforward. Overcomplicating things can confuse your team.
3. Stay Calm: It’s easy to get flustered under pressure, but try to stay calm and focused. This will help you think clearly and give better clues.

Scenarios for The Big Taboo

There are many scenarios you might encounter while playing The Big Taboo. Here are some common ones and how to handle them:

1. Difficult Word: If you get a word that’s difficult to describe without using the taboo words, try to think of a creative way to describe it. For example, if the word is “elephant” and “animal” and “large” are taboo words, you could say “it has a long nose and big ears.”
2. Time Pressure: If you’re running out of time, try to give quick and simple clues. Don’t waste time trying to think of the perfect clue.
3. Opposing Team Buzzes: If the opposing team buzzes you, don’t let it throw you off. Stay focused and move on to the next word.

Frequently Asked Questions about playing The Big Taboo game

1. Q: Can I use gestures or sounds to help describe the word? A: According to the official rules, you cannot use gestures or sounds. However, some players introduce ‘house rules’ that allow this.
2. Q: What happens if we can’t guess the word? A: If your team can’t guess the word, you can pass and move on to the next word. However, you lose a point for each pass.
3. Q: Can we play with just two people? A: The Big Taboo is designed for teams, but you can modify the rules to play with just two people.

External Links

Hasbro’s homepage on The Big Taboo

Bearded Meeple’s video review of The Big Taboo [Video]