Codenames 2015
Designed by Vlaada Chvátil
What it is
A very light card game, deduction, party game game for 2-8 players (~15 min), built around communication limits, deduction, memory.
Why it matters
A notable hobby board game, currently ranked #161 on BoardGameGeek and a widely played party title.
How to play Codenames
Codenames is a light & easy to learn game (rated 1.2 of 5 for complexity on BoardGameGeek) that plays with 2–8 players, runs about 15 minutes and is aimed at ages 10 and up. It's a Card Game, Deduction and Party Game where the core of play revolves around Communication Limits, Deduction and Memory. A very light card game, deduction, party game game for 2-8 players (~15 min), built around communication limits, deduction, memory. A notable hobby board game, currently ranked #161 on BoardGameGeek and a widely played party title.
This is an overview of what to expect at the table — not the rulebook. We link to official rules and tutorials rather than reproducing them.
What players ask about Codenames
How many players is Codenames?
Codenames plays with 2–8 players.
Does Codenames work with 2 players?
Yes — Codenames plays 2–8, so it supports a 2-player game (it isn't 2-player-only).
How long does Codenames take to play?
About 15 minutes per game.
Is Codenames hard to learn?
BoardGameGeek rates its complexity at 1.2 out of 5 — very light — quick to teach. That's a community weight rating, not our opinion.
What age is Codenames for?
The publisher recommends ages 10 and up.
Is Codenames good for beginners and families?
Going by the numbers — a low complexity of 1.2/5 and a 10+ age rating — Codenames is approachable for newcomers and family play. (That's inferred from its weight and age, not a review.)
What kind of game is Codenames?
Codenames is a Card Game, Deduction, Party Game game, built on Communication Limits, Deduction, Memory.
Where to buy Codenames
We don't sell games or track stock — this is an honest Amazon search for the title.
Find it on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, EveryGameMade earns from qualifying purchases.
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