How to Give Great Clues in Codenames-Style Games: Spymaster Guide

Being spymaster in a Codenames-style game like WordSpies is the best seat in the house — and the most pressure. Your team's fate depends on your one-word clues. Here's how good spymasters think.

Rule 1: The assassin comes first

Before you even look for connections between your own words, find the assassin word and ask: "could my clue accidentally point at it?" A clue that links three of your words but also fits the assassin is a losing clue. When in doubt, pick the safer, smaller clue.

Rule 2: Two safe beats three risky

New spymasters chase glorious 3- and 4-word clues. Experienced ones know the maths: a 2-word clue your team gets 100% of the time beats a 4-word clue they get half of. Save the big clue for when the board genuinely offers it.

Rule 3: Think about their brains, not yours

The clue "MERCURY" might mean the planet to you — but your team might think of the metal, or the singer. Before giving a clue, imagine each of your guessers hearing it. If your cleverest connection needs an explanation, it's not a clue, it's a trap.

Rule 4: Track the leftovers

Words you clued earlier but your team never found are still on the board. A good trick: give a clue for new words, and your team can use spare guesses (you always get clue number +1) to pick up an old missed word.

Rule 5: Watch the enemy board

If the other team is one word from winning, a safe 1-word clue that guarantees progress beats any gamble. Play the scoreboard, not just the board.

Practice makes the spymaster

The only way to get good is reps. Start a free game on WordSpies, take the spymaster seat, and try the two-safe-words rule tonight — your win rate will jump.