Reverse Charades Rules

Put your acting talents to the test with this unique take on the traditional party game, Charades. Teammates all work together to act out clues for one teammate to guess while racing against the clock. Read on to learn the Reverse Charades rules and instructions. 

Based on the centuries-old parlor game, Charades is a classic group game that requires little materials to play. Check out the backward gameplay that Reverse Charades brings to an all-time favorite party game.

This Reverse Charades rules guide will cover the following:

  • What is Reverse Charades?
  • What you’ll need to play Reverse Charades
  • Reverse Charades Game Rules
  • How to play Reverse Charades (Video Tutorial)
  • FAQs

Read on to learn how to play Reverse Charades.

What is Reverse Charades?

Reverse Charades Game Info image

Reverse Charades is a fun new take on the original game of Charades. This boxed game has cards with a wide variety of words and phrases. Groups take turns acting while one player tries to guess the clues.

Number of Players: 6 or more players

Ages: 6+

Difficulty: Easy

Length of Play: 20-30 minutes

Category: Party Games

Similar to: Charades, Blockbuster Game, Guesstures 

Main Objective: Players take turns acting clues for a teammate to guess. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins! 

Why We Love It: This is a fun rendition of the classic Charades game. Instead of one player acting, the entire team gets involved putting their combined talents to the test.

Related: 14 games like Charades

What You’ll Need to Play Reverse Charades

Everything you need to play is included in this boxed set

  • Sand Timer
  • Game Cards
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Reverse Charades Rules

To begin, players split into two teams of at least 3 players each. Be creative with your teams! You can play kids against adults or girls against boys.

Before playing, decide if you will play several rounds or a specific point value to earn. 

Use the sand timer to monitor time. You only have 1 minute to act and guess. The guessing player can guess as many words as possible within the time frame. 

If you do not like a card, you can pass up to one time per round. 

First, choose a player on one team to be the guesser. Then, the remaining participants on their team will act. Each player will alternate turns as the guesser throughout the game.

The opposing team will hold up the card for the actor and monitor the sand timer. 

Acting players cannot make a sound! Do not “mouth” words or make noises while acting.

You can use objects or people in the room, however. 

Now, set the timer and go! If your team guesses the word correctly, give yourself one point. 

You can keep acting multiple cards until the sand timer runs out. 

Some examples of word cards included in the game are rabbit, yawn, autograph, megaphone, bubbles, dentist, and manicure.

When time ends, tally your points, and the other team gets to act and guess next. Continue alternating teams using this gameplay until you reach your desired number of points or rounds. 

How to Keep Score in Reverse Charades

Teams earn 1 point for every word guessed correctly. 

Teams alternate gameplay guessing and acting, until you reach the predetermined number of rounds or points. 

For example, you can decide if you want to reach X number of points to win or play X number of rounds, and the team with the most points at the end of the specified rounds wins.

How to Play Reverse Charades – Video Tutorial

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are some ideas for Charades?

Verbs and actions that are easy to act out include things such as mixing, baseball, or playing piano. You can make up your own words to include in the game to make playtime even more challenging! If playing with youngsters, you can use easier words such as run, jump, or kick

How do you play Reverse Charades on Zoom?

You can easily play Reverse Charades on Zoom if each distant party has a way of communication outside of the Zoom video. For instance, use text messaging to discuss each card and start acting. Keep the guessing player out of the loop so they can guess the card.

What are the Charades rules?

In the traditional Charades game, players take turns acting out various activities, titles, or other objects in an effort for other players to guess. 

Other Games Similar to Reverse Charades (Our Guides)

If hilarious group games are your jam, check out these fun games for your next party:

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