How to play Charades

The objective

Your goal is simple: silently act out words while teammates race to guess them. This guide uses the most common beginner-friendly rules. Families and groups may agree on variations before starting.

What you need

Paper, pencils, a bowl, and a timer.

How to set up

1. Write familiar words or titles on slips and place them in a bowl.
2. Split into two balanced teams and agree on a time limit.

How to play: step by step

1. A player draws a slip without showing it.
2. Act without speaking, mouthing words, or pointing at objects in the room.
3. The team guesses until time expires.
4. Award a point for a correct answer and alternate teams.

Beginner strategies

• Show the number of words with your fingers.
• Break difficult ideas into smaller actions.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using sounds or lip-reading clues.
• Choosing clues nobody in the group knows.

Frequently asked questions