Codenames: Duet

Playtime: 15-30 minutes

Recommended Age: 11+

Number of Players: 2-4

Codenames Duet keeps the basic elements of Codenames — give one-word cluesto try to get someone to identify your agents among those on the table — butnow you're working together as a team to find all of your agents.

To set up play, lay out 25 word cards in a 5×5 grid. Place a key card inthe holder so that each player sees one side of the card. Each player sees a5×5 grid on the card, with nine of the squares coloured green (representingyour agents) and one square coloured black (representing an assassin). Theassassin is in different places on each side of the card, and three of the ninesquares on each side are also green on the other side!

Collectively, you need to reveal all fifteen agents — without revealingeither assassin or too many innocent bystanders — before time runs out inorder to win the game. Either player can decide to give a one-word clue to theother player, along with a number. Whoever receives the clue places a finger ona card to identify that agent. If correct, they can attempt to identify anotherone. If they reveal as many as the number stated by the clue-giver, then theycan take one final guess, if desired. If they identify a bystander, then theirguessing time ends. If they identify an assassin, you both lose!