Official That Sound Game Rules

Last Updated on March 4, 2025 by The Official Game Rules Team

That Sound Game is a fun and interactive party game where players create and guess various sounds in an effort to stump their opponents. Perfect for groups, this game tests your creativity and ability to imitate sounds, all while encouraging laughter and friendly competition. Players take turns making noises related to specific cards drawn, while others try to guess what the sound is. This page provides the official rules and gameplay mechanics to help you understand how to play That Sound Game and maximize the fun at your next game night.

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How to Play That Sound Game

Objective

In That Sound Game, the goal is for your team to guess as many answers from the category cards as possible within a minute, using only sounds and gestures (with hands behind your back).

Setup

  1. Sort the Cards: Divide the cards into five categories and place them face down.
  2. Form Teams: Create up to 4 teams, each with at least two players. More players make the game more fun.
  3. Lifelines: Provide each team with 4 Lifeline cards:
    • 2 x Uncuff Me
    • 2 x Steal
  4. Distribute Lowdown Cards: Give each team one Lowdown card.
  5. Determine Starting Team: The last person to receive a noise complaint becomes the first Sound Master. If no one has had a complaint, choose someone most likely to get one.
  6. Ready to Start: The game begins once the teams and setup are in place.

Gameplay

  1. Roll for Category: The Sound Master rolls a die to determine the category for the round:
    • Action: The process of doing something
    • Incident: An event or occurrence
    • Object: A tangible item
    • Nature: Natural occurrences
    • The P’s: People, places, and personas
    • All-in: All teams play simultaneously
  2. Draw and Review Card: Draw a card from the category pile, review it, and place it face down.
  3. Start the Timer: Begin the 1-minute timer and prompt your team to guess the answer using only sounds and movements.
  4. Hands Behind Back: The Sound Master must keep their hands behind their back once the timer begins.
  5. Sounds Only: Only onomatopoeia (e.g., “oink,” “bang,” “squeak”) are allowed—no words.
  6. No Direct Gestures: The Sound Master cannot point to objects or use any representations of the word.
  7. Hands Off for New Cards: The Sound Master can only remove their hands from behind their back when flipping to the next category card or using an “Uncuff Me” Lifeline.
  8. Passing Cards: The Sound Master may pass a card at any time.
  9. Team Turns: After the round ends, the next team takes their turn in clockwise order.
  10. Sound Master Rotation: All players must take turns as the Sound Master.
  11. Score After Round: Cards should be tossed on the table and scores tallied at the end of each round.

Scoring

  • Card Value: Cards are worth 1, 2, or 3 points, based on difficulty.
    • 1 point: Simple sounds
    • 2 points: One to three sounds
    • 3 points: Complex words or scenes
  • Mistakes: Opposing teams earn 1 point for the following mistakes:
    • If the Sound Master unclasped their hands
    • If the Sound Master pointed at something
    • If non-onomatopoeia words were used
    • If no sound was made and only movement was used
    • If onomatopoeia was used that is part of the word/scene
  • Void Cards: If the timer runs out, the card does not contribute to the score.

Notes

  • All-in Round: All teams play simultaneously in this round. Lifelines can’t be used. The first team to guess correctly wins the points for the card.
  • Lifelines:
    • Uncuff Me: Allows the Sound Master to use their hands for the round.
    • Steal: Steal the card from another team’s turn. Correct guesses earn points and keep the Steal card for later.
  • Winning: The first team to reach 30, 50, or a predetermined score wins. If teams tie, an All-in round acts as a tiebreaker.

Variations for Added Fun

  1. Party Play: Have the Sound Master perform the sound for the entire group, not just their team.
  2. Challenge Mode: Play without onomatopoeia to increase difficulty.
  3. Advanced Play: Remove all Lifeline cards for a more challenging experience.

That Sound Game is perfect for players who enjoy charades, Pictionary, or just want a fun and fast-paced game that encourages creativity and laughter

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