Split into two teams
Choose one spymaster for each team
Lay out 25 word cards in a 5×5 grid
Place the key card so only spymasters can see it
The key card shows which words belong to each team, neutral words, and the assassin
Teams take turns
On your turn, the spymaster gives one clue
The clue must be one word plus one number
The number tells how many words on the board relate to the clue
Teammates guess words based on the clue
They may keep guessing up to the number given plus one extra guess
If they guess a word on their team, cover it with their team color
If they guess a neutral word, the turn ends
If they guess an opponent’s word, cover it with the opponent’s color and the turn ends
If they guess the assassin, the game ends immediately and that team loses
The first team to identify all of their words wins
Spymasters may not give hints that include any part of the board words
Spymasters may not use multiple words, gestures, or spelling clues
Teams should discuss and choose guesses together during their turn