- Sep 12, 2013
- 4,903
- 1,721
- 113
Codenames is a team based game where a clue-giver is allowed to say a single word clue, and an optional number to try and direct his teammates to choose specific cards which correspond to his team colors.
Here is an example setup:
Only the clue-giver has access to the color coded card at the bottom. It lets them know which cards belong to his team (red vs blue). Tan cards are neutral and don't affect the game. The black card is the assassin, which in this setup corresponds to the word "NET". Your team automatically loses if they select the assassin word card.
Sample turn:
In this setup, blue team goes first (since there are 9 blue cards to red's 8). Blue team clue-giver might notice that they have two "location" words, Rome and Egypt. However, there is also France and Tokyo (neutral). They may want to give a clue like "empire" or "ancient" and then add the number "two" afterwards (indicating how many cards they would like their teammates to choose). Let's just say the clue was "ancient, two" and the blue team debates and finally chooses Rome and Egypt. Well done!
On red's turn, the clue giver notices that red has two animal cards, Whale and Mouse. So, a simple clue of "animal" might be good. Then, they realize that Ray is also one of their cards (stingray, manta ray etc). So, they might want to give a clue of "animal, three" to try and force their team into finding the less obvious card as well.
In all the clue giving it is important not to give a clue that could lead your team to the assassin card, else you automatically lose. First team to reveal all cards of their color wins.
Google