Codenames Complete Guide: Word Deduction Party Game

Codenames is a spy-themed word deduction party game where two teams compete to find their secret agents hidden among a grid of words. A spymaster from each team gives one-word clues that link to multiple words on the board, while their teammates try to guess correctly without uncovering the assassin. Designed by Vlaada Chvátil, it won the Spiel des Jahres in 2016 and has sold over 10 million copies.

Game Components

What's in the Box

• 200 double-sided word cards (400 words total)
• 16 key cards (spymaster maps showing agent locations)
• 8 agent cards (for covering guessed words)
• 1 assassin card (instant lose if guessed)
• 7 innocent bystander cards
• 1 card stand (to display the key card)
• 1 timer (optional)
• Designed for 4-8+ players (best with 6-8)
• Typical game duration 15-30 minutes

How to Play

Setup

1. Shuffle the word cards and lay out a 5x5 grid (25 words) on the table.
2. One player from each team is the spymaster — they sit together and can see the key card.
3. Place the key card on the stand so only spymasters can see it.
4. The key card shows which words belong to each team:
   • 9 green squares (starting team's agents)
   • 8 blue squares (other team's agents)
   • 7 beige squares (innocent bystanders)
   • 1 black square (the assassin)

Taking a Turn

The starting team goes first. On each turn:

1. The spymaster gives a one-word clue and a number:

   • The clue word must be related to one or more of their team's words on the board.
   • The number indicates how many words the clue relates to.
   • The clue word cannot be any word currently visible on the board.

2. The team discusses (spymaster must stay silent) and guesses words:

   • They may guess up to the number + 1 words (e.g., clue "3" = up to 4 guesses).
   • For each correct guess, place an agent card of your team's color.
   • If correct, the team may continue guessing or pass.
   • If a bystander word is guessed, the turn ends (covered with a bystander card).
   • If the other team's word is guessed, it counts for the other team and the turn ends.
   • If the assassin word is guessed, that team loses immediately.

Winning

• The first team to identify all their agents wins.
• The starting team must find 9 agents; the other team must find 8.
• If the assassin is revealed, the team that guessed it loses instantly.

Strategy Tips

1. For Spymasters: Quality Over Quantity

• A 2-word clue that both teammates get is better than a 3-word clue where one is risky.
• Think about word associations — what single word connects 2-3 of your agents?
• Avoid clues that could accidentally point to the assassin or opponent words.

2. Common Word Association Techniques

• Category clues: "Fruit" for apple, banana, cherry
• Compound words: "Fire" for firefly, fireman, firework
• Emotional connections: "Cold" for ice, winter, penguin
• Pop culture: "Bond" for spy, casino, agent
• Homophones: "Sea" for ocean, see, seal

3. Avoid the Assassin

• Before giving any clue, check that it does not also relate to the assassin word.
• Even a loose connection is dangerous — teammates think differently than you.
• When in doubt, give a smaller number to reduce risk.

4. Track Opponent Clues

• Pay attention to clues the other team's spymaster gives.
• If their clue relates to one of your words, you know they are aware of it.
• Use this information to prioritize guessing words the other team might steal.

5. Endgame Strategy

• If your team has only 1-2 agents left, the spymaster can give aggressive clues with less risk.
• If you have many agents left, play conservatively — do not lose to the assassin.
• Sometimes it is correct to pass after 1-2 guesses rather than risk a bystander.

Game Variations

Codenames: Duet

• Cooperative version for 2+ players
• Both players are spymasters with different key cards
• Each key has some agents the other must find
• Work together without revealing too much
• Includes a timer and campaign mode

Codenames: Pictures

• Uses 280 images instead of words
• Images are abstract and surreal — open to more creative interpretations
• Great for mixed language groups (no reading required)
• Same core gameplay as the original

Codenames: Deep Undercover

• Adult-themed version with mature words
• Party atmosphere with more provocative word associations
• Same mechanics as the base game

Codenames Online

• Free web version at codenames.game
• Supports remote play with friends
• Custom word lists available

Game History

Origins

• Designed by Vlaada Chvátil (Czech game designer known for Through the Ages, Dungeon Lords)
• Published by Czech Games Edition in 2015
• Chvátil originally designed it as a 2-player game before expanding it to teams

Awards and Recognition

• Won the Spiel des Jahres (Game of the Year) in 2016
• Won the Origins Award for Best Party Game
• Over 10 million copies sold worldwide
• Translated into 30+ languages
• One of the highest-rated party games on BoardGameGeek

Statistics

• Designed for 4-8+ players (best with 6-8)
• 200 double-sided cards (400 words)
• 5x5 grid of words (25 per round)
• Starting team finds 9 agents, other team finds 8
• 7 innocent bystanders
• 1 assassin (instant lose)
• Clue format: 1 word + 1 number
• Max guesses: clue number + 1
• Over 10 million copies sold
• Won Spiel des Jahres 2016
• Typical game duration 15-30 minutes
• Suitable for ages 14 and up (Pictures: 10+)
• Designed by Vlaada Chvátil
• Published by Czech Games Edition
• Available in 30+ languages

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