Limited Word Rules

Limited Word Mode

Tabulis — Mode Guide

Game Screen

The numbered screenshot below shows the Limited Words Mode game screen. Each number corresponds to a specific element of the interface; descriptions are provided in the table below.

1 | Team Name : Displays the name of the team currently taking their turn.

2 | Time Left : Shows the number of seconds remaining in the current round.

3 | Active Score : Displays the total points the active team has scored in this round.

4 | Pause Button : Temporarily pauses the game. Used by the referee when a situation arises that needs to be discussed.

5 | Target Word : The word the clue-giver must describe using only a limited number of words, without using any forbidden terms.

6 | Pass Button : Pressed by the clue-giver to skip the current card. A passed card scores no points and is returned to the deck.

7 | Pass Counter : A badge showing how many passes have been used out of the total allowed. The left number is used passes; the right is the maximum.

8 | Taboo Button : Pressed by the referee when a rules violation is detected. The active team loses one point and the card is invalidated.

9 | Word Button : Held by a player from the opposing team, who taps this button each time the clue-giver says a word. This is how the app tracks word usage. The badge above (0/30) shows words used versus the limit.

10 | Word Counter : The badge on the Word button. The left number shows words spoken so far; the right shows the word limit for that card.

11 | Got It! Button : Pressed by the referee when the team correctly guesses the target word. The team earns 1 point.

How to Start Limited Words Mode

There are three ways to start a Limited Words Mode game:

1. Quick Start

Tap the Limited Words button on the Home screen to jump straight into a game. This option launches Limited Words Mode only, with no additional setup required.

2. Custom Game

From the Home screen, select Create Game and enable Limited Words Mode to fully configure the match to your liking. You can adjust turn duration, pass limit, word limit, and round count. Limited Words Mode can also be combined with other modes in the same game.

3. Via Quick Game

To pre-configure Limited Words Mode for Quick Game, go to Settings → Quick Game Settings and choose your preferred options. Then tap the Quick Game button on the Home screen to launch instantly with those settings.

Limited Words Mode — Rules

In Limited Words Mode, the clue-giver may only use a set number of words to explain the target word. This mode tests the clue-giver's ability to communicate concisely and the team's ability to read between the lines.

Word Limit

The clue-giver may use a maximum of 30 words per card. One player from the opposing team holds the device and presses the Word button each time the clue-giver says a word. The app tracks the number of words used in this way.

When the Limit is Reached
Once the clue-giver has used all 30 words, they have two options:

End the Round (Recommended): The clue-giver presses the Pause button to end the round. The card is invalidated and play moves on to the next card.

Stay Silent: The clue-giver stops speaking and the team continues trying to guess until time runs out. During this period, the clue-giver may not say a single word.

Explanation Rules

Gestures, facial expressions, and hand movements are forbidden. Gestures, facial expressions, and hand movements are forbidden.
It is not permitted to give hints through body language or facial expressions.
Sound effects are forbidden. Sound effects are forbidden.
It is not permitted to imitate any sound related to the target word.
Showing the card is forbidden. Showing the card is forbidden.
It is not permitted to show the screen to the team or allow the team to see the screen.
Confirming answers is forbidden. Confirming answers is forbidden.
Expressions such as 'warm' or 'nearly' are forbidden; confirming or denying through facial expressions is also not allowed.