Codenames Board Game Review:

In the game Codenames, you are trying to communicate secret codenames to your teammates using only 1 word. You will use a word that relates to as many of your codenames as possible. Whichever team can guess all of their codenames first wins.

How to Play

First, divide into 2 teams. Then select 1 player from each team to be the spymaster. The rest of the team becomes the field operatives. Have the Spymasters sit on one side of the table while the field operatives sit on the opposite side.

The spymasters may reference the cheat sheet, known as the key, throughout the game. Only you and your fellow spymaster can see the key. It tells you the location of the 4 different types of cards. The first 2 card types are the red and blue agents, The first team to contact all of their agents wins. The next type of card is the innocent bystanders. These cards do not give any points; they end your turn immediately. The final card is the assassin. If either team contacts the assassin, that team immediately loses.

On your turn, you will try to communicate the codenames of your team’s agents to your field operatives. To communicate this information, you must give a clue that consists of 1 word and 1 number. The word must refer to that agent’s codename. The number refers to how many agents that word references. For example, you may give the clue “train 3” to refer to agent “engine,” “conductor,” and “track.”

Then it is the field operative’s turn. They will first analyze the clue and discuss amongst themselves which codenames match the clue. Once they have concluded, they will touch a card that matches the clue. The spymaster places an agent card on the touched space. The type of agent card is determined by the key. The field operatives may continue guessing until either they make an incorrect guess, choose to stop, or have already guessed more than the number given in the clue.

Both teams continue taking turns. A team wins when they have contacted all of their agents. The game may also end if the assassin is contacted, causing that team to lose immediately.

Pros

Codenames is quick and easy to set up. Making it perfect for a quick game or playing back to back. This also allows you to change the teams or allow different players to take turns as the spymaster.

This game is great for getting to know how people think. After a few games, you will be able to read your partner’s mind as you can guess more obscure clues.

Cons

It takes a few rounds to learn how to be a good spymaster. When a beginner is the spymaster, turns will take longer than usual and may be frustrating for the spymaster and other players. It will take a few rounds to get used to it, but everyone can learn it with a few practice games.

Accessibility

Color Blind: the colorblind will have no disadvantage playing this game.

Reading: Reading comprehension is practically required in Codenames.

Children: there are a couple of lightly questionable codenames, such as “casino,” “smuggler,” and “centaur.” Players are not restricted by the appropriateness of their clues.

Who would love this game?

Codenames is Perfect for people who want a quick game that builds trust while encouraging deep thought. This makes code names the perfect icebreaker. Codenames is also great for couples as a game to understand how each other thinks. If you are looking for a game to help with any form of teambuilding, Codenames is for you.

Final Thoughts

Codenames is a quick word game that builds trust and understanding between its players. While it may be difficult your first time, it is worth it for all the joy, memories, and connections it makes. If you want a game where you can relax and just play for fun, Codenames may not be for you. Instead, if you are looking for a game that is thought provoking while deepening your chemistry with the other players, you don’t have to look further than Codenames.

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