Codenames

Codenames is the rare board game that works brilliantly with people who claim they do not like board games. Designed by Vlaada Chvatil and published by Czech Games Edition in 2015, it won the Spiel des Jahres in 2016 and has become the go-to party game for groups of all sizes. If you need one game for a dinner party, game night, or family gathering, this is it.

Why This One

The concept is dead simple. A grid of 25 word cards is laid out on the table. Two teams each have a spymaster who knows which words belong to their team. The spymaster gives a one-word clue and a number, trying to get their team to guess multiple words at once. Say “ocean, 3” and hope your team picks “wave,” “ship,” and “beach” without accidentally choosing the assassin card that ends the game instantly.

What makes Codenames special is that the best moments come from the clues themselves. A truly creative clue that connects four seemingly unrelated words will make your entire team erupt in admiration. A clue that backfires spectacularly is even more memorable. The game generates stories and inside jokes that your group will reference for years.

The game plays 4 or more players (best with 6 to 8) and takes about 15 to 20 minutes per round. You can play as many rounds as you like.

What to Expect

A grid of word cards, a key card that shows which words belong to each team, and a lot of thinking. The game is almost entirely mental, with no complex rules or fiddly components. It is equally enjoyable for people who love word puzzles and people who just enjoy the social chaos of misinterpreted clues. The Codenames family includes picture-based and two-player variants if you want to explore further.