Skip to content
How to Play Charades: Rules, Gestures & Scoring
Charades is a silent guessing game where one player acts out a word or phrase while the group races to identify it. This guide explains the basic rules, common gestures, team scoring, round length, and simple variations for children and adults.
Charades Rules in Five Steps
- Split into two teams or play as one cooperative group.
- Choose a prompt and show it privately to the actor.
- Start a 60-second timer.
- The actor uses gestures and movement without speaking, mouthing words, or spelling letters.
- A correct guess earns a point; rotate actors and continue for an agreed number of rounds.
Before starting: decide whether sounds, props, passes, and proper names are allowed.
Common Charades Gestures
| Meaning | Gesture |
|---|---|
| Movie | Pretend to turn the handle of an old film camera |
| Book | Open your palms like a book |
| Song | Pretend to sing into a microphone |
| Number of words | Hold up the matching number of fingers |
| Which word | Hold up the position, then tap that finger |
| Sounds like | Point to or cup your ear |
| Small word | Bring your thumb and index finger close together |
| Correct guess | Point clearly at the person who said it |
Let Actz Handle the Game Setup
Choose decks, configure the round, and use built-in timers and scoring while your group focuses on acting and guessing.
- Selected prompts ready on your phone
- Built-in timers and scoring
- Multiple game modes and additional decks
Simple Charades Scoring
- Classic teams: one point for every correct answer within the timer.
- Speed scoring: award two points when guessed in the first 30 seconds.
- Cooperative play: count how many prompts the whole group solves in five minutes.
- Children’s game: skip scoring and make sure everyone gets a turn.
Charades Variations
Reverse Charades
The whole team acts while one player guesses.
Speed Round
One actor attempts as many short prompts as possible.
One Theme
Use only animals, movies, songs, holidays, or another category.
Partners
Two players act together without planning beforehand.
Silent Relay
Act the prompt to one teammate, who passes it down the line.
Children’s Round
Allow sounds, longer timers, or a helper for younger players.
Charades Rules FAQ
Can you talk during charades?
No. Traditional charades uses gestures and movement only. Groups may allow sounds as a house rule for young children.
How long is a charades round?
Sixty seconds is a good default. Use 90 seconds for beginners and 30 to 45 seconds for a speed round.
Can you point at objects in the room?
Most groups allow gestures but not pointing at an object that directly reveals the answer. Agree on the rule before playing.
Where can we find prompts?
Use the free charades generator or choose from themed charades ideas.
Ready to Play Instead of Preparing?
Open Actz for themed prompts, timers, scoring, and multiple game modes.
- Selected prompts ready on your phone
- Built-in timers and scoring
- Multiple game modes and additional decks