The Taboo board game which was introduced by Hasbro in 1989 is a party game in which words are guessed. The primary goal of the game is for one player to help his or her teammates guess a word that is written on a card. This should be done without making use of the word itself, plus 5 more words that are there on the card.
The game in some ways resembles the game called ‘Catch Phrase’ where the player attempts to get the teammates to guess words by explaining the meaning or letters of the words in form of verbal hints or gestures. In fact, Taboo was also converted into a game show in 2002 consisting of the same name anchored by on Chris Wylde on The New TNN.
While one team has been given the word on the card, one of the other team members tries to guess the word. The word-giving team keeps track of the time using a timer and also has a buzzer to stop when the time is up. They can even buzz the player who is trying to describe the word, if he breaks any rules by either speaking any of the additional words or the actual word. The word-giving team scores a point for every card if the other team is not able to guess the word. If they are ale to guess the word correctly within the given time their team scores a point. There are several cards with the person and one after the other he has to describe each one of them in a way that his own team is able to guess the words.
The size of either team can be anything from 2 to 10 or more. Sometimes the way in which the person is describing the word is so hilarious that the complete attention is drawn to him and the fun doubles. People usually concentrate not much on winning as much as they enjoy the way someone describes a word given to him or her. It makes for an awesome entertainer during parties or any such occasions such as picnics. It is a good Ice breaker that your party needs to get the guests talking freely. Taboo board games are readily available in toy shops and several online stores.
Sometimes the words may be easy and at other times they may be difficult. Something perceived to be difficult for one team may turn out to be extremely easy and vice versa. So, a certain level of uncertainty continues through the game and the game can be carried out throughout the night, while drinks and snacks are taken.
The words that are used in the game should not be those that are very common in usage. They should be difficult such as ‘eucalyptus’. The word is not only difficult to describe but also long. However, any word may be difficult for one and easy for the other. And that’s the beauty of the game and something that makes the game quite unpredictable. The team that may seem like the one going to win, may actually be left behind. So it’s great fun!
Apart from being entertaining at parties for older children and adults, Taboo is a great choice of gift for Christmas and birthdays offering continuing fun.
When the fun and games are over and you want to relax in front of the television just wave the magic wand remote control to switch your programmes on.
Taboo Deluxe Edition
- Players 2 or more
- Age range 12 and up
- Setup time < 5 minutes
- Playing time 10 to 15 minutes
- Genre(s) party game
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,” or “baseball” itself. The giver may not say a part of a “taboo” word;[4] for example, using “base” in “baseball” is taboo. The giver may only use speech to prompt his or her teammates; ge
Price: £14.50
