Many players mistakenly believe the spymaster must actively intervene or react when a teammate touches a card, but the official rules define specific, passive responsibilities.
According to the Czech Games Edition Official Rulebook, the spymaster does not 'react' with words, but must instead perform specific physical actions to reveal the card's identity.
Codenames Official Rules, Czech Games Edition, [page not specified]
Expertise: Board game rules expert and content writer. | Verification: Cross-referenced official rulebook text from provided evidence chunks. | Purpose: Resolve confusion regarding spymaster conduct and reaction mechanics during gameplay.
Key Insight: To avoid arguments, establish the 'straight face' rule and physical tile-covering method before play starts.
These rules correspond to the UK edition of Codenames.
When a field operative makes an official guess by touching a codename on the table, the spymaster's role is to reveal its secret identity. According to the rulebook, if the operative touches a card belonging to their own team, the spymaster covers the word with an agent card in that colour. If the operative touches an innocent bystander, the spymaster covers it with an innocent bystander card, which ends the turn. If the operative touches a card belonging to the opposing team, the spymas…
Step-by-Step
Step 1: A field operative indicates an official guess by touching a codename on the table.
Step 2: The spymaster identifies the card's secret identity using the key.
Step 3: The spymaster covers the word with the appropriate tile (Agent, Bystander, or Opposing Agent).
Step 4: The game proceeds based on the result (e.g., another guess allowed, turn ends, or opposing team's turn).
Example Play Situation
Alice, a field operative, touches the word 'TREE'. Bob, the spymaster, consults the key and sees it is a blue agent. Bob covers the word with a blue agent tile, and Alice is allowed to make another guess.
Common Misconceptions
Spymasters can give verbal hints when a wrong card is touched
Spymasters should reach for cards to help teammates decide
The spymaster can react with facial expressions to guide guesses
Quick Reference
You Can
You Cannot
Cover the word with the corresponding colour tile
Do not reach for any card while teammates are considering words
Keep a straight face during the guessing process
Do not make eye contact with field operatives while they guess
Reveal the secret identity only when a card is touched
Do not provide extra hints or verbal reactions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official rule for reacting when a card is touched in Codenames?
The spymaster must cover the word with the corresponding agent or bystander tile.
Can I, as a spymaster, tell my team if they missed a word from a previous clue?
No, the spymaster must not tell operatives if they are missing words from a previous clue.
Is it allowed to touch a card to signal it is the assassin?
No, the spymaster reveals the identity by covering the card with the appropriate tile.
What happens if a teammate touches an innocent bystander?
The spymaster covers it with a bystander card and the turn ends immediately.
