Codenames Official Rules, [edition not specified], p.[page not specified]
Expertise: Board game rules expert. | Verification: Cross-referenced official rulebook text regarding clue validity and compound words. | Purpose: Resolve the #1 confusion regarding clue legality and visible words on the board.
Key Insight: To avoid arguments, establish whether you will strictly enforce the 'compound word' rule before the first clue is given.
These rules correspond to the US edition of Codenames.
The official rules state that a spymaster's clue must be exactly one word and cannot be any of the codenames visible on the table. This restriction applies to all words currently in the 5-by-5 grid. However, as the game progresses and codenames are covered up by agent cards, a clue that was previously illegal may become legal once the word is no longer visible on the table. Additionally, you cannot use any part of a compound word that is on the table; for example, if HORSESHOE is visible…
Example Play Situation
Alice is the spymaster for the Red Team. She wants to use the clue 'tree: 2' for the words NUT and BARK. However, if the word TREE is already visible on the table as a codename, she cannot use it. She must choose a different word that relates to the meanings of NUT and BARK without using the visible word itself.
Common Misconceptions
Using a word that is partially contained within a visible compound word
Thinking a clue becomes legal only after the game ends
Using a word that is visible but not part of the team's target words
Quick Reference
You Can
You Cannot
Use one word as a clue
Do not use any form of a visible word on the table
Include a number to indicate how many words relate to the clue
Do not use parts of a compound word visible on the table
Use words that are not currently visible on the table
Do not give extra hints or conversational filler
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official rule for clues in Codenames?
Clues must be one word and cannot be any word visible on the table.
Can I say 'horse' if the word 'HORSESHOE' is on the board?
No, you cannot say any part of a compound word that is on the table.
Is it allowed to use a word that has already been covered up?
Yes, once a word is covered by an agent card, it is no longer visible and can be used.
What happens if a spymaster accidentally uses a visible word?
The team's turn ends immediately, but the opposing spymaster may allow it if it didn't harm the game.
David Noah is a board game rules specialist and content creator who writes clear, dispute‑free guides for modern tabletop games. On this site, he focuses on answering the exact rules questions players argue about at the table, using official rulebooks, expansions, and tournament rulings as his primary sources. His goal is to turn confusing edge cases into simple, step‑by‑step explanations so you can spend less time debating and more time playing.
