How do you give good clues in codenames?

The clue you give has to be a single word and a single number. The word is (should be) related to the card(s) you want your teammates to guess and the number is how many cards you’re saying are related to the clue word.

What is the spymaster in codenames?

Two teams compete by each having a “spymaster” give one-word clues that can point to multiple words on the board. The other players on the team attempt to guess their team’s words while avoiding the words of the other team. In a variant with 2–3 players, one spymaster gives clues to the other player or players.

How do you play codenames as spymaster?

If you are the spymaster, you are trying to think of a one-word clue that relates to some of the words your team is trying to guess. When you think you have a good clue, you say it. You also say one number, which tells your teammates how many codenames are related to your clue.

Are hyphens allowed in codenames?

Your clue should be one word, no hyphens, no spaces. If you don’t know whether your clue is one word or not, ask the opposing spy- master. If the opposing spymaster allows it, the clue is valid.

What can’t you say in codenames?

You can’t say any form of a visible word on the table. Until BREAK is covered up by a card, you can’t say break, broken, breakage, or breakdown. You can’t say part of a compound word on the table. Until HORSESHOE is covered up, you can’t say horse, shoe, unhorsed, or snowshoe.

Can you reuse clues in codenames?

When ‘giving a clue’ you give a word/number. This clue may be repeated for future clues. When a player asks what the clue was, spymaster may only repeat the CURRENT word/number.

What’s the difference between codenames and codenames duet?

Codenames Duet differs from Codenames in that this new game is fully cooperative instead of being played with competing teams. You lay out 25 word cards in a 5×5 grid like normal, but you place a double-sided code card (one side shown at left) between the two players. Thus, Codenames Duet often puts you in a bind.

Which team goes first in codenames?

The lights around the square key code show which team goes first. The team going first takes their 8 agent cards and the double agent and is placed in front of that team’s spymaster. The remaining bystander cards, and assassin, are placed between the two spymasters.

How do you win codenames?

The winning team is the first to guess all words correctly. If the assassin is selected during play, the other team wins automatically. A clue is given in the form (CLUE, #) such that the clue (Pop, 2) signals two words that are related to “pop” (i.e., “soda” and “balloon”).

Can I use two words in codenames?

2. Hyphenated words are NOT allowed. You can’t use Mother-in-law or twenty-three.

Can you give one letter clues in codenames?

The Chaz. “Letters and numbers are valid clues, as long as they refer to meanings.” In context, it’s clear that the clues must relate to the meanings OF THE WORDS.

Can I use the same clue twice in codenames?

No, that would be strictly against the rules. All you can say is the current clue and a number.

What happens if a spymaster gives an invalid clue?

If a spymaster gives an invalid clue, the team’s turn ends immediately. As an additional penalty, the other team’s spymaster may cover one of his or her words with an agent card before giving the next clue. But if no one notices that a clue is invalid, it counts as valid.

Are there any valid clues for a codename?

Valid Clues for Codenames 1 Firm rules. Some clues are invalid because they violate the spirit of the game. 2 Homonyms and spelling. English has a lot of homonyms. 3 Don’t be too strict. 4 Flexible rules. 5 Expert clue: zero. 6 Expert clue: unlimited. 7 Penalty for invalid clues. 8 Keep a straight face.

Are there any clues that are not valid?

Some clues are invalid because they violate the spirit of the game. Your clue must be about the meaning of the words. You can’t use your clue to talk about the letters in a word or its position on the table. Gland is not a valid clue for ENGLAND. You can’t tie BUG, BED, and BOW together with a clue like b: 3 nor with a clue like three: 3. However …

Which is a valid clue for ball, figure, octopus?

You can use eight: 3 as a clue for BALL, FIGURE, and OCTOPUS. The number you say after your clue can’t be used as a clue. Citrus: 8 is not a valid clue for LEMON and OCTOPUS.