Classic Mode Rules

Classic Mode

Tabulis — Mode Guide

Game Screen

The numbered screenshot below shows the Classic Mode game screen. Each number corresponds to a specific UI element, as described in the table that follows.

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 | Target Word : The word printed on the game card that the clue-giver is trying to get their team to guess.

5 | Forbidden Words : Lists the five words the clue-giver is strictly prohibited from using while explaining the target word.

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 | Pause Button : Temporarily pauses the game. Used by the referee when a disputed situation requires discussion.

10 | Got It! Button : Pressed by the referee when the team correctly guesses the target word, awarding the team one point.

How to Start Classic Mode

There are three ways to launch a Classic Mode game:

1. Quick Start

From the Home screen, tap the Classic Game button to jump straight into a Classic Mode game. This option lets you play Classic Mode only.

2. Custom Game

From the Home screen, go to Create Game and enable Classic Mode to build a fully customised game. Here you can adjust settings such as round duration, number of passes, and the number of rounds. You can also combine Classic Mode with other modes in the same game.

3. Via Quick Game

To pre-configure Classic Mode for Quick Game: go to Settings → Quick Game Settings, set up your preferred options, then tap the Quick Game button on the Home screen to start instantly with those settings.

Classic Mode — Rules

Classic Mode is the standard word guessing mode of Tabulis. The clue-giver tries to get their team to guess the target word on the card.

Card Structure

Each card contains one target word and five taboo words that the clue-giver is not allowed to use.

The Referee

In Classic Mode, one player from the opposing team holds the device and watches the clue-giver. If they detect a violation, they press the Taboo button — the active team loses one point and the card is invalidated. If a disputed situation arises, they may press the Pause button to stop the game and discuss.

Explanation Rules

The target word and taboo words cannot be said. The target word and taboo words cannot be said. Neither the word itself nor any of its derivatives, inflected forms, or plurals may be used. For example, if the target word is 'run', then 'running', 'ran', 'runner', and 'run-up' are also forbidden. The same rule applies to all words on the taboo list.
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, facial expressions, or hand gestures. For example, if the target word is 'sleep', closing your eyes and tilting your head to the side is a violation. Miming the shape of an object, pointing in a direction, or indicating a number with your fingers are also forbidden.
Sound effects are forbidden. Sound effects are forbidden. It is not permitted to imitate a sound related to the word, hum a melody, or tap out a rhythm. For example, if the target word is 'guitar', strumming an imaginary instrument is forbidden; if it is 'train', imitating a whistle is also not allowed.
Showing the card is forbidden. Showing the card is forbidden. It is not permitted to hold the device so that the team can see the card, turn the screen toward the team, or deliberately reveal it.
Hints about syllable count or word length are forbidden. Hints about syllable count or word length are forbidden. Expressions such as 'three syllables', 'it's a short word', 'just one word', or 'very long' are not allowed.
Letter or syllable hints are forbidden. Letter or syllable hints are forbidden. Expressions such as 'starts with B', 'ends in -tion', or 'there's an A in the middle' are not allowed. Any grammatical description of the word's structure is also a violation.
Saying the word in another language is forbidden. Saying the word in another language is forbidden. Neither the target word nor the taboo words may be used in a foreign language. For example, if the target word is 'cat', saying 'gato' or 'chat' is also forbidden.
Numerical or symbolic hints are forbidden. Numerical or symbolic hints are forbidden. Expressions such as 'it's the fifth letter of the alphabet' or 'written as a number it has four digits' are violations.
Using part of the target word is forbidden. Using part of the target word is forbidden. For example, if the target word is 'butterfly', neither 'butter' nor 'fly' may be said on their own.
The clue-giver cannot confirm answers. The clue-giver cannot confirm answers. When the team is getting close to the correct answer, responding with 'warm', 'nearly', or 'almost there' is forbidden. Hints such as 'the first one you said was closer' also fall under this rule.
References to previous rounds are forbidden. References to previous rounds are forbidden. It is not permitted to refer to words or hints that came up in the current round or in previous games.