Official Codenames Rules

Last Updated on January 13, 2026 by The Official Game Rules Team

Codenames is a social word-based deduction game where players compete in teams to locate secret agents hidden among innocent words—while avoiding the deadly assassin. Here’s a breakdown of the rules and how to play Codenames:

If you enjoy Codenames, make sure to check out Codenames: Duet, a fun cooperative word game!

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How to Play Codenames

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Setup

Form the Teams

• Split players into two teams: Red and Blue
• Teams should be roughly equal in size and skill
• A standard game requires at least 4 players (2 per team)
• Special rules for 2- and 3-player games are explained later

Choose Spymasters

• Each team selects one spymaster
• Both spymasters sit next to each other on the same side of the table
• The remaining players sit across from their spymaster as field operatives

Lay Out the Codenames

• Randomly select 25 codename cards
• Arrange them face up in a 5×5 grid
• Tip: While shuffling, flip half the deck occasionally to mix words more thoroughly

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The Key Card

Each game uses one key card, which secretly shows:

• Which words belong to Red agents
• Which words belong to Blue agents
• Which words are innocent bystanders
• Which single word is the assassin

The spymasters:

• Randomly choose one key card
• Slide it into the stand between them
• Do not let field operatives see it

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Starting Team

• The four small lights on the edges of the key card indicate which team goes first
• The starting team has 9 agents to find
• The other team has 8 agents
• The starting team gives the first clue

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Agent Cards

Place the cards where both teams can see them:

• Red agent cards in front of the red spymaster
• Blue agent cards in front of the blue spymaster

There is also:

• 1 double agent, which belongs to the starting team
• 7 innocent bystanders
• 1 assassin

Keep the bystanders and assassin within reach of both spymasters.

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Game Overview

• Spymasters know the true identity of all 25 words
• Field operatives only see the words themselves

Teams take turns:

1. The spymaster gives a one-word clue and a number
2. Field operatives guess words on the table
3. Correct guesses allow continued guessing
4. A mistake immediately ends the turn

The first team to reveal all of their agents wins—unless someone contacts the assassin, which causes an instant loss.

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Giving a Clue

When it’s your team’s turn, your spymaster:

• Says one word as the clue
• Says one number, indicating how many words relate to that clue

Example:
If your team’s words include NUT and BARK, you might say:
Tree: 2

You may give a clue for just one word, but strong clues often connect multiple words.

Clue Rules

• The clue must be exactly one word
• No extra commentary, explanations, or gestures
• The clue cannot be any visible word on the table
• Once a word is covered, it may become legal later

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Making Guesses

After the clue is given:

• Field operatives discuss among themselves
• The spymaster must remain silent and expressionless
• An operative makes an official guess by touching a word

What Happens Next?

• Your team’s agent → cover it with your color; guess again
• Innocent bystander → cover it; turn ends
• Opponent’s agent → cover it with their color; turn ends
• Assassin → game over; your team loses immediately

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Number of Guesses

• You must make at least one guess
• You may make up to (number + 1) guesses
• You may stop guessing early if unsure

Example:
If the clue is river: 3, your team may make up to 4 guesses, as long as each guess is correct.

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Turn Structure

1. Spymaster gives a clue
2. Operatives guess until:
   • They guess incorrectly
   • They choose to stop
   • They reach the maximum guesses
3. Play passes to the other team

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Ending the Game

The game ends when:

• One team reveals all of their agents (they win), OR
• A team reveals the assassin (they lose immediately)

It is possible to win during the opposing team’s turn if they accidentally reveal your final agent.

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Invalid Clues

If a spymaster gives an illegal clue:

• Their team’s turn ends immediately
• As a penalty, the opposing spymaster may cover one of their own agents before giving the next clue

If no one notices the illegal clue, it remains valid.

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Spymaster Etiquette

• Keep a straight face at all times
• Do not reach for cards while operatives are deciding
• Always act as if a correct guess was intentional

Field operatives:

• Should not look at the spymaster while guessing
• Should rely only on the spoken clue and table words

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The Timer (Optional)

A sand timer is included but optional.

• Any player may flip it if someone is taking too long
• If time runs out, a decision must be made
• Groups who prefer strict limits can use an external timer or app

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Valid Clues – Core Principles

Meaning-Based Only

• Clues must relate to meaning, not spelling, letters, or position
• You cannot clue based on first letters, syllables, or table layout

Letters & Numbers

• Allowed if they reference meaning
  • Example: X: 1 for RAY
• The number itself cannot act as a clue

Language Rules

• Clues must be in English
• Foreign words are allowed only if commonly used in English
• You may not use any form of a visible word on the table

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Homonyms and Spelling

• Words that sound alike but differ in meaning are not interchangeable
• Words spelled the same count as the same word, even if pronounced differently
• You may spell your clue aloud if needed

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Flexible Group Rules

Many groups adjust rules for fun:

• Compound words may be allowed
• Proper names may count as one word
• Common acronyms (CIA, UK, PhD) are often allowed
• Rhymes may be allowed if tied to meaning

If the opposing spymaster agrees, the clue is valid.

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Expert Clues

Zero (0)

• Example: Feathers: 0
• Means none of your words relate to the clue
• Operatives may guess unlimited times
• Still must guess at least one word

Unlimited

• Example: Ocean: unlimited
• Operatives may guess as many words as they want
• Risky, but powerful in the right situation

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Two-Player Variant

• All players are on the same team
• One spymaster, others are operatives
• The opposing team is simulated

Each opposing turn:

• The spymaster covers one enemy word of their choice

You lose if:

• You contact the assassin
• All enemy agents are revealed

If you win, score is based on remaining enemy agents and turns taken.

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Three-Player Variant

Two options:

1. All three players cooperate as one team
2. Two spymasters compete while the third player acts as a shared operative

The operative plays for both sides, and the spymaster who wins normally is the victor.