Play Codenames Online with AI — Rules, Tips & Free Game

What is Codenames?

Codenames is a word game designed by Vlaada Chvátil, published by Czech Games Edition. It won the prestigious Spiel des Jahres (Game of the Year) award in 2016 and has become one of the most popular party games worldwide. Two teams compete to make contact with their secret agents hidden behind a 5×5 grid of word cards.

The twist? Only the Spymaster on each team knows which words belong to their team. They must give creative one-word clues to guide their teammates — called Operatives — to the right words while avoiding the opposing team's words and the deadly Assassin card.

Spymaster vs Operative — Roles Explained

Spymaster

Each team has one Spymaster who sees the secret key card — a color-coded map showing which words belong to which team, which are neutral bystanders, and which is the Assassin. The Spymaster gives a one-word clue followed by a number (e.g., "Animal 3"), indicating how many words on the board relate to that clue. Spymasters cannot gesture, make facial expressions, or say anything beyond their clue.

Operative

Operatives see only the 25 word cards on the board — no color coding. After hearing the Spymaster's clue, they discuss amongst themselves and tap words they believe belong to their team. They can guess up to the Spymaster's number plus one. A wrong guess ends their turn immediately. Touching the Assassin card loses the game instantly.

How to Play Codenames — Step by Step

1. 1

   Setup

   Lay out 25 word cards in a 5×5 grid. Place the key card so only the two Spymasters can see it. The key card determines word ownership: 9 for the starting team, 8 for the other, 7 neutral bystanders, and 1 Assassin.

2. 2

   Give a Clue

   The active Spymaster says one word and one number. The word must relate to their team's cards; the number tells operatives how many cards connect to that clue. Creative, multi-card clues are the key to winning.

3. 3

   Guess

   Operatives discuss and tap a word card. If it's their team's color, they can keep guessing (up to the clue number + 1). If it's neutral, their turn ends. If it's the opponent's color, it helps the other team. If it's the Assassin — game over.

4. 4

   Alternate Turns

   Teams take turns giving clues and guessing. The first team to identify all their agents wins. Or a team instantly loses if their Operative touches the Assassin card.

5. 5

   Win Condition

   Contact all of your team's agents first to win. Alternatively, you win instantly if the opposing team accidentally reveals the Assassin on their turn.

Strategy & Clue-Giving Tips

For Spymasters

• Think in categories. Look for groups — animals, colors, professions — and craft clues that link multiple cards at once.
• Avoid ambiguity near the Assassin. If your clue could lead to the Assassin card, pick a safer word even if it covers fewer cards.
• Use "0" clues defensively. Saying "River 0" tells your team to avoid anything related to "River" — useful for steering away from the Assassin.
• Build on previous rounds. If operatives missed a word last turn, your next clue can implicitly reference it without wasting a new clue.

For Operatives

• Start with the most obvious connection. Secure easy picks first before attempting stretch guesses.
• Consider the Spymaster's perspective. Think about which words the Spymaster would want you to avoid.
• Don't over-guess. If you're unsure, stop. A conservative play beats hitting the Assassin.
• Remember past clues. Combine information from multiple rounds to identify remaining words.

How to Play Codenames Online with AI

Codenames traditionally needs 4+ players split into teams. With TextGame.ai, you can play anytime with AI filling any role:

Frequently Asked Questions