Codenames

2–8+ players · 15 min · Ages 10+

Two rival teams are trying to identify their agents from a grid of word cards. Only the spymasters know which words belong to which side. Each spymaster gives a one-word clue and a number, hoping to connect several of their team’s words without leading the guessers into danger.

Teammates discuss the clue and choose cards, trying to find every friendly agent before the other team does. A bystander or rival agent ends the turn, while revealing the assassin means an immediate loss. The original Codenames includes variants for smaller groups; competitive team play is for four or more players.