How does the game codenames work?

Codenames is a game of guessing which codenames (i.e., words) in a set are related to a hint-word given by another player. Players split into two teams: red and blue. A number of these words represent red agents, a number represent blue agents, one represents an assassin, and the others represent innocent bystanders.

Can you use 2 words in codenames?

You can decide to allow any compound words. However, in no case should a player be allowed to invent compound words. Lunar squid is not a valid clue for MOON and OCTOPUS.

Which team has the advantage in codenames?

If you’re rarely able to give more than one word per clue, the second team will win most. Get the difficulty correct, and you’ll see an approximately even number of wins for each.

How do you win codenames?

The clues should be open-ended to knock out 2–3 words per round but simultaneously descriptive to avoid decoys, such as the other team’s target words and the assassin. The winning team is the first to guess all words correctly. If the assassin is selected during play, the other team wins automatically.

How do I set up codenames?

Game setup

1. Choose Spymasters. Each team chooses a person to be the Spymaster. Spymasters sit on the same side of the table.
2. Choose Field Operatives. Rest of the team are Field Operatives. They sit across Spymasters.
3. Choose Codenames (words) to place on table. Randomly choose 25 codenames. Place on table in 5 by 5 grid.

Can you use rhyme in codenames?

Yes, you cannot use rhyme to clue words.

Can you look things up in codenames?

Looking up clues though is completely against the spirit of the game. Puzzling out the different meanings a word can have is the game.

What does the double agent mean in codenames?

The double agent belongs to whichever team starts. Flip it to that team’s color. It will be one of that team’s agent cards for the duration of the game.

What is the double agent in codenames?

Double Agent is a round-based game mode designed for up to 10 players in either public or private match play. In each match, every player is assigned one of three roles — Investigator, Operative, or Double Agent — and nobody knows the other players’ roles until they drop evidence confirming their allegiance.

How do you become a codenames spymaster?

The spymaster must keep a straight face and give no other clues. The spymaster may use 0 to indicate that “none of our words use this clue”. In this case the agents are allowed unlimited guesses. The spymaster may also indicate “unlimited” as their number.

Is codenames a good game?

First of all, Codenames is a great party game because there’s practically no limit to the size of the teams. It’s a game that’s simple to explain, easy to understand, fun to play, and draws people in. It doesn’t matter if you start out with just 3 or 4 people on a team. Games of Codenames also don’t last very long.