Salad Bowl Game Rules
The Salad Bowl Game (aka Fishbowl) is a 3-round party game that blends Taboo, Password, and Charades — using the exact same bowl of words all three times.
What You Need
- 4–20 players split into 2 teams
- Slips of paper and pens (or use this site — no paper needed)
- A bowl, hat, or cup
- A timer (60 seconds per turn)
Setup
- Every player writes 3–5 words on separate slips (names, movies, places, memes, inside jokes).
- Fold them up and drop them all into the bowl. Aim for 20–40 total words.
- Divide into two teams. Decide which team goes first (flip a coin).
💡 Stuck for words? Use the word generator to fill the bowl in seconds.
The 3 Rounds
All three rounds use the same slips of paper. After each round, collect and re-shuffle them for the next.
Describe It (Taboo-style)
- The clue-giver draws a word, starts the timer, and talks.
- Say anything — sentences, sounds, stories.
- Cannot say any part of the word on the slip.
- No gestures or miming.
- Team guesses. Correct guess = 1 point, draw next slip.
- 60 seconds, then swap to the other team.
- Round ends when the bowl is empty.
One Word (Password)
- All slips go back into the bowl and are re-shuffled.
- Clue-giver draws a word and gives exactly one word as a hint.
- No sentences, no sounds, no gestures.
- Team uses memory from Round 1 to guess.
- Same 60-second turns, 1 point per correct guess.
Act It Out (Charades)
- Slips go back into the bowl again.
- No talking, no sounds, no mouthing words.
- Gestures and acting only.
- Team uses memory from Rounds 1 & 2 to guess.
- Same turns and scoring. This round is always the funniest.
Scoring & Winning
- Each correct guess = 1 point for the guessing team.
- Skipped words go back in the bowl (no point, no penalty).
- Add up points across all three rounds at the end.
- The team with the most total points wins.
Optional: Round 4
For a bonus round, slips go back in and the clue-giver can use one word AND gestures. Great for very large groups or when you want to extend the game.
Tips for a Great Game
- Mix easy and hard words — not everything should be Hollywood A-listers.
- Include inside jokes that only your group would get. They're the funniest in Round 3.
- Keep the bowl between 20–40 words. Too few = short rounds; too many = never-ending rounds.
- In Round 2, a good strategy is to remember which words your opponents struggled with in Round 1.
Ready to play?
Jump straight into the free online version — no paper, no setup.
▶ Play Now 🎲 Generate WordsFrequently Asked Questions
How many players do you need?
Minimum 4 (two teams of two). The sweet spot is 6–16. The more people, the more ridiculous Round 3 gets.
Is Salad Bowl the same as Fishbowl?
Yes, exactly the same game. The name just depends on which kind of bowl is within reach.
Can you use gestures in Round 1?
In the classic rules, no — Round 1 is talking only, which makes the contrast with Round 3 so much funnier. Some groups allow light gestures in Round 1; just decide before you start.
What happens if you accidentally say the word in Round 1?
The slip goes back in the bowl and no point is awarded. The timer keeps running.
How many words should each player write?
3–5 is standard, but adjust so the total is 20–40. With 8 players, 3 words each = 24 total — perfect.
Can you play with 3 people?
It works but it's less fun. With 3 you can play as individuals instead of teams, or have one person play alone against a pair.