Section 3: Playing Area
Charades may be played indoors or outdoors in any space where the actor is visible to all eligible guessers. No regulation field or boundary dimensions apply. The acting area should nevertheless provide enough clear floor space for safe gestures and ordinary movement.
Arrangement
- The actor stands or sits where every eligible guesser has an unobstructed view.
- Guessers remain far enough away to avoid interfering with the actor's movement.
- The prompt source is positioned so only the actor and, when used, the moderator can see the answer.
- The score and remaining time may be displayed, provided they do not reveal hidden prompts.
Players should agree before the game whether the actor must remain within a designated area. A marked boundary is optional; if one is used, stepping beyond it should normally result in a warning rather than loss of the prompt unless repeated violations create an unfair advantage.
Visibility and Distractions
The area should have sufficient light for facial expressions and hand signals to be seen. Loud music, television, unrelated conversation, and foot traffic should be reduced so that spoken guesses and the timer signal remain clear. Spectators should not stand behind guessers and give unintended visual clues.