Codenames is a game of clues, guesses, and out-of-the-box thinking. We have the Disney version, but there are others. Players divide into two teams and on each team is a clue master and at least one guesser.
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Playing Codenames
Before setting up, decide if you want an easier 4×4 grid or a more challenging game with a 5×5 grid. Then, lay out your cards so they’re facing the guessers. Each card has a picture side and a name side, so you can choose to play with the names up (and therefore require reading). We prefer to play with picture-side up, especially as we haven’t seen all the Disney movies.
The view from the guessers’ side with a 5×5 grid.
The clue masters have a key card that indicates which team is going for which cards. The starting team will always have one more card to locate. Not all the cards will be for a team; there are some cards for neither team.
View from the clue masters’ side. The cards are covered with the color of tile to indicate which team is going for them, as indicated by the key card.
Giving Clues
To begin a team’s turn, the clue master gives a one-word clue with a number. The number indicates how many cards relate to the word given. Clues must be just one word, no hyphens, and if you’re using the name side of the card, you can’t use a word printed on the card. However, if the other clue master allows the clue, then it’s okay.
A good clue for the red team would be “stick, 2” as red needs to get both Moana and Little Bo Peep and there aren’t any other sticks on these cards.
After the clue is provided, the guessers on that team get to make guesses. They need to discuss among themselves to come to a consensus. Guessers make their guess by touching one card. If the card is for their team, it is covered by a card of their color (red or blue). They can then guess again if they want, up to one more than the number the clue master provided. If their card is for the other team or neutral, it is covered by the appropriately-colored card and their turn is ended.
This is a 4×4 grid using the words. I think the picture side is easier and more fun!
Whichever team has all their cards covered first (even if they’re covered by the other team) wins.
Overall, my family enjoys Codenames. We don’t get it out often because it requires players be on opposite sides of the table and we’re not really set up for that, but it is fun and playable with bigger groups. Even better, no reading is required! If your family enjoys Codenames, another you might appreciate is Covalence.
Instruction Booklet
