Party Games · Word Game · How to Play
How to Play Codenames (Word & Images)
Two teams, one grid, and a spymaster trying to beam a single word into your brain. It's the world's smartest party game — and once it clicks, you'll never stop arguing about clues.
What is Codenames?
Codenames is a team-based word game about giving clever clues. Your team's spymaster knows which words on the table are secretly "your agents," and has to lead the team to them using one-word clues — without accidentally pointing you toward the other team's agents, or worse, the assassin.
It's not a niche hobby game, either. Codenames won the 2016 Spiel des Jahres — the most prestigious award in board games — plus the Origins Award for Game of the Year. It has sold over 5 million copies and been translated into 30+ languages. It's the rare game that works for word nerds and total beginners at the same table.
Quick Facts
Who is Codenames perfect for?
- Friend groups who love a debate — half the fun is the spymaster's poker face and the team second-guessing every clue.
- Families with teens (10+) — kids often out-think the adults here.
- Mixed-age gatherings & office game nights — scales to big groups; people can drop in and out between rounds.
- Curious, clever groups — if your crowd enjoys wordplay, riddles or trivia, this is their game.
- Choose Images if you have younger players, non-native English speakers, or simply prefer a visual, lateral-thinking twist.
How to Play Codenames (Step by Step)
The rules below are identical for both the Word and Images editions — only the cards on the table change.
The goal
Be the first team to correctly identify all of your own agents on the table, using clues from your spymaster — and never touch the assassin card.
Setup
- Split into two teams (red and blue). Each team picks one Spymaster; everyone else is a guesser.
- Lay out 25 cards in a grid (word cards for Codenames, picture cards for Images).
- Place the small key card in the stand so only the two spymasters can see it. It shows which cards belong to red, to blue, to the neutral bystanders, and the single assassin.
- The team with more cards to find goes first.
The spymaster's turn
On your team's turn, the spymaster says one word and one number — and nothing else. The word hints at a meaning shared by your cards; the number says how many cards it points to.
The guessers' turn
- Discuss as a team, then touch a card you think is yours.
- Touch your own agent → correct! Cover it and you may keep guessing.
- Touch a neutral bystander → your turn ends immediately.
- Touch the other team's agent → your turn ends, and you've just helped them.
- Touch the assassin → your team loses the game instantly.
You can make up to one more guess than the number your spymaster said (handy for cleaning up a clue from an earlier round). You can also stop guessing any time to play it safe.
| If you touch… | Result |
|---|---|
| Your agent | Correct — keep guessing if you want. |
| A bystander | Turn over. No harm, but no progress. |
| Enemy agent | Turn over — and you helped the other team. |
| The assassin | Instant loss. Game over. |
How to win
Teams alternate turns. The first team to find all its agents wins. The constant tension — "do we risk one more guess?" — is what keeps groups coming back.
Codenames vs Codenames Images — which should you buy?
| Codenames (Word) | Codenames Images | |
|---|---|---|
| Cards | Word cards | Surreal picture cards |
| Best for | Word lovers, classic feel | Visual thinkers, younger players, mixed languages |
| Skill | Verbal association | Lateral, image-based thinking |
| Rules | Exactly the same spymaster + clue system | |
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Where to buy Codenames in India
With popular games like Codenames, counterfeit boxes with low-quality cards and missing key cards are common online. Turnwise sells only 100% authentic copies, quality-checked and shipped in damage-free packaging — so your spy network arrives complete.
Turnwise is a curated, honestly-priced board game store made for Indian game nights. No third-party seller risk, no fakes — the reliable way to buy Codenames and Codenames Images online in India, with free shipping nationwide and same-day delivery in Bangalore.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you play Codenames?
Two teams each pick a spymaster who sees a secret key. The spymaster gives one-word clues plus a number to point teammates toward their cards in a 25-card grid. Guess your own agents to win; avoid the assassin, which loses the game instantly.
What's the difference between Codenames and Codenames Images?
The rules are identical. Codenames uses words; Codenames Images uses surreal picture cards. Images is more visual and works better across languages and for younger players.
How many players do you need for Codenames?
Best with 4 or more, split into two teams, and it scales happily to 8+. It also includes 2-player and cooperative modes.
What age is Codenames for?
Ages 10 and up. It's a favourite for families with teens, friend groups and offices alike.
What is the price of Codenames in India?
On Turnwise, Codenames (Word) is ₹1,299 and Codenames Images is ₹999, both with free shipping across India.
Where can I buy authentic Codenames online in India?
At Turnwise — Codenames (Word) and Codenames Images, authentic copies with fast, free delivery.
Also on Turnwise: Taboo · Dixit · Avalon · View all games
