How to Play Taboo Online: A Remote Taboo Guide

Taboo is one of the easiest games to play on screens. You only need to show the cards on screen and keep the describer on the video call. In this guide you will find the steps for online Taboo and what to watch out for when playing remotely.

What do you need for online Taboo?

• A video call tool (Zoom, Meet, Teams)
• Players’ phones or computers
• Digital Taboo cards. QuizModeOn Taboo provides them: the describer sees the card.

Step by step

1. Form the teams. Create two or more teams.
2. Share the join link. A QR code or link is enough, no app download needed.
3. Choose the describer. One player from each team describes in turn.
4. Show the card. The describer sees the word and the forbidden words.
5. Start the timer. 60 seconds is usually enough.
6. Record the score. The scoreboard updates automatically.

You can find the basic rules and scoring in How to play Taboo.

Things to watch when playing remotely

• Camera and sound: The describer must be heard clearly. Guessers can talk at the same time but should try not to interrupt the describer.
• Referee: Let someone from the opposing team watch for forbidden words.
• Delay: Account for video call delay and keep the time a bit longer.
• Breakout rooms: Splitting teams into separate rooms increases rivalry and conversation.

Choosing words

Pick categories that suit your team: movies, office life, food, sports. See our 60 easy card examples for a ready list or create your own Taboo cards.

When does it work well?

In intro meetings of remote teams, online year-end parties and meetups with friends. For corporate ideas see the corporate Taboo guide; for hybrid setups see meetings and events.

A sample online Taboo plan (45 minutes)

1. 5 min: Explain the rules and share the join link.
2. 10 min: Trial round. One person from each team describes a card.
3. 25 min: The main game. Each team plays 4 to 5 rounds.
4. 5 min: Announce the scores and the winning team.

Common problems and solutions

• Audio delay: The describer should speak slowly and clearly and guessers should answer briefly.
• Join link does not open: Paste the link in the chat and show the QR code on screen.
• Quiet participants: Choose the order of describers at random so everyone describes at least once.
• Suspected cheating: Pick a referee from the opposing team and keep their camera on.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to download an app for online Taboo?

No. In QuizModeOn, players join from the browser with a QR code or link.

How are teams formed?

Split players into two or more teams at random or by department. Mixed teams increase conversation.

How many players do you need?

At least four. In large teams you can split the teams into breakout rooms.