Codenames

What is Codenames?

Codenames is an online version of the popular board game by the same name.

It's is a team-based word association and deduction game where two teams compete to correctly identify their own secret words on a shared grid using one-word clues. One word on the board is an assassin that will instantly end the game for the team that selects it.

The first team to uncover all their words wins.

Thoughts on gameplay

Codenames requires good judgment of the game board and your teammate.

Spymasters (the players who give clues) are able to pair their clue with a number of words, which requires judging your teammates ability, the strength of your clue, and the game state.

The assassin card plays the role of sinking an 8-ball in pool, and keeps all players on their toes.

What makes it fun

Codenames is a fun mix of word association, judgment, and cooperative strategy. It's a classic for a reason!

John