Taboo

Taboo is a surprisingly difficult parlor game to win, although the rules are very simple.

Age: Adults and older children

No. of players: 4 or more

Equipment: None

Time: 5 minutes+

Aim: To be the last player to say the forbidden word.

This game can be played anywhere and any time such as family reunions, Valentines Day parties and even Christmas parties.

1. One player (The Leader) chooses a small, common word such as "the, but, an, or" which becomes the forbidden word (hence the name of the game).

2. The Leader then asks the other players questions at random. The players must answer without saying the forbidden word. (The Leader is allowed to use the forbidden word.)

3. Any player who says the forbidden word or who hesitates too long in answering their question is out for the rest of the round.

4. The last player left in that round becomes the new Leader for the next round, with a different forbidden word.

Option: Once players become bored with the standard version, they can play the more advanced version, where one letter of the alphabet becomes forbidden and answers must not include any words which include that letter. Good luck with this version!