Codenames

The Spy Game Every Party Needs

• Players: 2-8
• Best at: 6 (4 is great too)
• Playtime: about 15 minutes
• Price vibe: roughly 150-250 kr.

Why Codenames Is the Right Buy Right Now

Codenames is the game that made word-association cool. Two teams, each with a spymaster, race to find their agents on a grid of words. The spymaster gives a one-word clue and a number, and the team has to work out which words fit. It is easy to teach and quick to play, and it makes people cry with laughter when someone guesses the assassin.

If you want one reliable game that works for family dinners, parties and awkward first-time visitors, this is a very safe choice.

Why 6 Players Is the Sweet Spot

Two Even Teams

With six players, you get two teams of three: one spymaster and two guessers each. That means there is always someone to debate with, but nobody is left out.

Better Debates

Two guessers per team means more discussion, more lateral thinking and more arguments. “No, the clue is obviously about the bat!” is the sound of a great Codenames game.

Plenty of Variety

Because there are two guessers, wrong guesses are shared and so are the triumphs. It feels like a real team effort.

What About 4 or 8?

Four is brilliant and quicker, and eight is rowdy. Six is the sweet spot where the discussion is richest.

Awards & Honors

Codenames won the Spiel des Jahres in 2016, Germany’s top game award, which is a very big deal. Read the story here.

Who Should Buy It?

• Families and friend groups
• Word-game lovers
• Hosts who want a classic crowd-pleaser
• Anyone who has a word-nerd in the group

What Will It Cost?

Codenames usually costs around 150-250 kr. That is about a pizza, and the pizza will not give you 100 games.

Verdict: A Party Classic for a Reason

If you want a quick, smart and flexible party game that is best with six, Codenames is an obvious buy. Just never, ever give a clue that includes the assassin.