How to play charades
Charades is a classic party game where one player acts out a word or phrase without speaking while their team races to guess it before the timer runs out.
The rules, step by step
- Split into teams (or just take turns).
- The actor secretly reads the word on the phone.
- Start the timer and act it out — no talking, no pointing at objects.
- Teammates shout guesses. Tap ✓ when they get it, ↷ to skip.
- When the timer ends, the next player or team takes a turn.
- Most correct guesses wins.
Classic charades gestures
- Number of words: hold up that many fingers.
- Which word: tap the matching finger.
- Sounds like: tug your earlobe.
- Whole concept: sweep your hands in a big circle.
- Close / keep going: wave your hand toward yourself.
Charades FAQ
- How many players do you need for charades?
- At least four (two teams of two) works well, but you can play with any group by taking turns as the actor.
- How long is each charades turn?
- Most groups use 60 to 90 seconds per turn. This generator lets you pick 30, 60, 90, or 120 seconds.
- Can you talk during charades?
- No — the actor cannot speak, make sounds, or mouth words. They can only use gestures and body language.