Codenames Rules
A team word-association game where one-word clues point teammates toward multiple target word cards while avoiding traps.
Also known as: Codenames word game, one-word clue team game
Codenames is powerful because one clue can point to several public words at once. The clue-giver sees a hidden pattern, but the guessers see only ordinary word cards, so every clue must predict how the team will think.
A beginner clue such as Ocean 2 should have two clear targets, like WAVE and REEF, and should avoid plausible decoys. The prompt uses a generic 5x5 grid with original words rather than official cards or key patterns.
Quick answer
Codenames is a team word-association game. A clue-giver gives one word plus a number, and teammates use that clue to choose the intended word cards while avoiding neutral, opposing, or dangerous cards.
Puzzle facts
| format | Team word association grid |
|---|---|
| players | 4 or more |
| time | 15-30 minutes |
| difficulty | Medium |
What you need
- A 5x5 grid of word cards.
- A hidden key pattern for clue-givers.
- Team markers or neutral markers.
Setup
- Lay out 25 generic word cards in a 5x5 grid.
- Assign one clue-giver per team to see the hidden key.
- Other players see only the public word grid.
- The clue-giver gives one clue word plus a number.
Objective
Give and interpret one-word clues so your team identifies its target cards before the other team, without choosing dangerous cards.
Rules
- A clue should be one word plus a number indicating how many cards it connects to.
- Guessers discuss and choose word cards one at a time.
- Correct team cards are covered by that team color.
- Neutral or opposing cards end or harm the turn depending on the rules.
- A danger card can immediately lose the round in many versions.
Scoring and results
- The team that covers all of its target cards first wins.
- Clues that safely connect two or more cards create tempo advantage.
- Avoiding trap cards is as important as finding your own cards.
Examples
Ocean 2
The clue `Ocean 2` could point to original word cards `WAVE` and `REEF`, while avoiding nearby decoys like `MOON`.
Strategy tips
- Choose clues that connect meaningfully, not just vaguely.
- Consider what your team might guess before giving an ambitious clue.
- Use the number to control risk.
- As a guesser, explain the clue relationship before touching a card.
- Track previous clues because old information can help later turns.
Common mistakes
- Giving clues that rely on private knowledge.
- Forcing a three-card clue when two safe cards would be better.
- Guessing an extra card without considering danger words.
History and background
Modern party word games often use restricted communication to create tension. Codenames-style play is powerful because a single clue can create several possible associations at once.
This guide uses generic cards, original words, and soft team colors. It does not copy official card designs, exact color schemes, key cards, logos, or publisher assets.
Variations
- Two-player cooperative variants.
- Picture-card variants.
- Classroom vocabulary grids with custom words.
Visual guide
Use this example to see how the puzzle works before you try the steps yourself.
FAQ
What does the number mean?
It tells guessers how many public word cards the clue-giver intends the clue to connect.
Can a clue be more than one word?
Standard clue rules usually restrict clues to one word, though house rules vary.
Why avoid vague clues?
Vague clues can point to neutral, opposing, or dangerous cards just as easily as your targets.
Where to play Codenames
App and web picks- Word Cash: A Collection of Word PuzzlesMade by us
Sources
Rule references and official game pages where available. App recommendations are separate from sources.
- Official or publisher reference, TODO
Add official game page, publisher page, rulebook, or app store listing before treating history or ownership details as verified.