CARD GAME

Codenames

Optional Codenames drinking rules for correct guesses, bystanders and the assassin. Pick the ones that suit your table.

Players
2–8
Time
15 min
Complexity
Light
Official rules
Official rules ↗
BoardSip rules

Drinking rules

Choose a category to find a rule.

Gameplay

4 rules
01

A correct guess

Every player on the opposing team takes a number of sips equal to the number of “words” the field operatives have guessed correctly.

Gameplay
02

An innocent bystander

If the field operatives touch (guess) an innocent bystander, the field operatives’ team takes a number of sips equal to the number of “words” guessed correctly plus the innocent bystander.

Gameplay
03

The opposing team's word

If the field operatives touch (guess) a “word” belonging to the other team, the field operatives take a number of sips equal to the number of “words” guessed correctly, including the opposing team's card, times two (x2).

Gameplay
04

The assassin

If the field operatives touch the location with the assassin, the field operatives’ team each take a shot and the game ends.

Gameplay

Endgame

1 rule
05

The losing team

The losing team finishes their drinks.

Endgame
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Why it works

Codenames gives you plenty to talk about when a clue doesn't land. Correct guesses, bystanders and the assassin give the drinking rules clear outcomes to follow.

Your table, your pace.
Skip any rule you don’t want to use. Alcohol isn’t required.
BoardSip

Drinking rules for the games you already play.

Your table, your pace.
Skip any rule you don’t want to use. Alcohol isn’t required.