Spy Grid: Team Word Clue Game Online
Two handlers, one 5×5 grid, one-word clues. Find your words before the trap.
Social deduction · 4 to 16 players · about 15 minutes · free to host, nothing to download, TV optional
About the game
Twenty five words, two teams and one dangerous square. In Spy Grid each team's handler can see which words belong to whom, and has to steer their teammates to them with a single word and a number. It plays with 4 to 16 people and a game takes around 15 minutes.
Six to ten players is the sweet spot: enough guessers on each side to argue over every tap. The grid looks great on a TV, but "Just this screen" puts it on every device instead, which is also how you play on a video call. Handlers see the colour key on their own screen, so nobody can peek.
How to play
- Split into two teams. Each team has a handler who can privately see the colours of the shared word grid. The team that starts has 9 words to find, the other has 8; 7 words are neutral and one is the trap.
- The handler gives a one-word clue and a number. The clue cannot be a word still on the grid. Teammates discuss it, then tap words on their screens. You may make one more guess than the number, or pass. A clue of zero allows unlimited guesses that turn.
- A correct word lets you keep guessing. A neutral or opposing word ends your turn; an opposing word also helps the other team, and revealing their last word hands them the game. The trap loses the game immediately. If the clock runs out, the turn passes.
- Find all your team's words first to win.
Open a room for Spy Grid. No app, no accounts, free to host.
Tips to play well
- Every word on the grid has more than one meaning, such as BANK, CROWN or BAT. Before you give a clue, check that it does not point just as well at an opposing word or at the trap.
- The extra guess is for catching up. If an earlier clue for 3 only found 2, use the bonus tap on this turn to pick up the word you missed.
- A clue of zero is a warning tool. Saying "zero" with a word linked to the trap tells your team what to avoid, and they get unlimited guesses on words they are already sure of.
- Going second is no handicap: that team has 8 words to find instead of 9. Whichever side you are on, passing after a safe hit often beats a risky last guess that could hit the trap.
Host settings
- Handler thinking time: No limit, 1, 2 or 3 minutes to give a clue. The default is 2 minutes. If time runs out, the turn passes to the other team.
- Team guessing time: No limit, 1 minute, 90 seconds or 3 minutes to guess. The default is 90 seconds.
Questions people ask
Is Spy Grid the same as Codenames?
No. It is our own take on the word association spy style that games like Codenames popularised, with our own list of 400 double meaning words and a fresh grid of 25 every game.
How many players do you need?
At least 4, so each team has a handler and at least one guesser. Up to 16 can play. If a team drops below two players, the game ends.
Can computer players take part?
Yes, the host can add bots. A bot handler picks its clue at random, though, so give the handler job to a person and let bots guess.
Can we use our own words?
Not at the moment. The grid always comes from our own English word list.
Similar games
- Hush: Describe the word without the six forbidden ones. The other team buzzes slips. 4 to 16 players, about 15 minutes.
- Odd One Out: Everyone gets the same secret word, except one. Trade hints, then vote out the bluffer. 4 to 12 players, about 15 minutes.
- Nightfall: Secret roles. The town hunts the Mafia by day; every player makes a move at night. 4 to 16 players, about 20 minutes.
- Wordsmith: Lay your tiles, build crossing words and hunt the bonus squares. 2 to 4 players, about 45 minutes.
Guides
- Games to Play With Friends: 48 Fun Games for Every Situation, in Person, Online, Two of You or Twenty: 48 fun games to play with friends, sorted by situation: in person, online on a call, long distance, just two, a big group, no props, ten minutes.
- How to Host a Game Night: Invites, Picking Games, Teaching Rules Fast and Ending Well: How to host a game night step by step: who to invite, which games to pick, teaching rules in two minutes, seating, scoring and a printable checklist.
- Game Night Themes for Adults: 24 Ideas With the Games, Food and Decorations for Each: 24 game night themes for adults, each with games to play, food to serve and simple decorations, plus a game night gift basket list.
- Party Games: 62 of the Best Party Games for Any Group, Room and Mood (With a Chooser): 62 of the best party games, sorted by group size, energy, setting and props, each with players, time, what you need and how to play.
Codenames is a trademark of its owner. Rondovo is not affiliated with it.