Codenames: Pictures Rule Summary

 

 Codenames: Pictures Rule Summary (2016)

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1. Overview

• Genre: Team-based deduction game
• Players: 2–8 players
• Play Time: ~15–30 minutes
• Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ (Simple rules, requires interpretation)
• Highlights:
  • Uses surreal images instead of words 🖼️
  • Communication and deduction are key 🔍
  • Creativity and shared logic drive the game 💡

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2. Objective 🎯

• Guess all of your team’s image cards before the opposing team 🏆
• Avoid selecting the Assassin card — instant loss 💀

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3. Components 🧩

• 84 picture cards (each with abstract, dreamlike imagery)
• 20 cards are randomly placed in a 4x5 grid
• Key cards that show which images belong to which team 🔐
• Red/Blue team agent markers 🔴🔵
• Neutral markers ⚪ and one Assassin marker 💀

📌 Theme:
Each team’s Spymaster gives cryptic clues to help their team locate the correct agents (images) without revealing the opposing team’s or assassin.

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4. Gameplay 🔄

🕵️ Spymaster vs Operatives

Each team chooses 1 Spymaster (gives clues), others are Operatives (make guesses).

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📜 Turn Sequence

1️⃣ Set up 20 picture cards (4x5 grid)
2️⃣ Choose a key card (defines which image belongs to which team)
3️⃣ On your team’s turn:

• The Spymaster gives 1 word + 1 number as a clue
  • e.g. “Animal 2” (two cards relate to animals)
• Operatives try to guess up to the given number
• Correct guesses: place team marker 🔴🔵
• Wrong guesses: opponent turn or worse…
• Assassin guessed = instant loss 💀

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5. End & Win Condition 🏁

• First team to identify all of their agents wins 🏆
• If the assassin card is picked, that team loses instantly ❌

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6. Tips 💡

✅ Think metaphorically — images are open to interpretation 🎨
✅ Clues should connect multiple images but avoid confusion 🤯
✅ Knowing your teammates' thought patterns is an advantage 🤔
✅ Don’t get greedy! Play it safe if the clue is vague 👣