Codenames – Associations and Deduction

Will you be able to decode your Spymaster's clues?

Codenames immerses you in a competition between two secret service teams. At the head of each team, a Spymaster knows the secret identity of the 25 agents deployed in the field. Their teammates, however, only see their codenames. It's up to you to decipher the clues to find your agents before the opposing team.

The objective of the game? Be the first team to identify all of its secret agents while absolutely avoiding contact with the Assassin, which would result in immediate defeat.

A game mechanic based on subtlety

The success of Codenames rests on a simple yet profound rule:

• The unique clue: In each round, the Spymaster gives a single clue word, followed by a number (e.g., "Paris, 3"). The number indicates how many codenames on the board are related to the clue.

• Analysis: The team players must discuss and interpret the clue. Does "Paris" refer to Tower, Light, or Baguette? Be careful not to choose a word belonging to the other team!

• The Assassin's suspense: An Assassin is hidden among the cards. If you incorrectly designate them, the game immediately stops, and you lose.

• Limited communication: The Spymaster must remain poker-faced. No gestures or glances should help their partners, making success even more rewarding.

Why Codenames is an absolute must-have?

• Total accessibility: Rules learned in 2 minutes for hours of fun.

• Intergenerational: A game that brings young and old together around the same table.

• Infinite replayability: With 400 codenames and thousands of possible clue combinations, each game is a new puzzle.

• Globally awarded: Winner of the prestigious Spiel des Jahres, it is considered one of the best party games of all time.

Technical specifications:

• Number of players: 2 to 8 players (ideal for 4+ players)

• Age: 12+ (accessible from 10)

• Game duration: 15 minutes

• Game type: Party, Word Association, Deduction