Blog - Quick Game Rules

Codenames One Word Clue Rules: Official & House Rules

Post author By David Noah
Post date April 22, 2026
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Many players assume that any compound word can serve as a clue, but the official rules distinguish between different types of word structures.

No, according to the Codenames Official Rulebook, a clue must technically be only one word, though exceptions exist for specific types.

Codenames Official Rules [edition not specified]

These rules correspond to the UK edition of Codenames.

Table of Contents

Official Rule Breakdown

Regarding whether a clue can be two words, the official rules state that your clue must be only one word. While English contains various compound forms, technically only one-word compounds such as 'greenhouse' are valid. Two-word compounds like 'pack rat' or hyphenated words like 'mother-in-law' are considered invalid unless the opposing spymaster allows them. However, groups can agree to allow common abbreviations (like CIA or NASA) or specific proper names (like New York) to count as one-word clues.

Example Play Situation

Alice is the spymaster and Bob is a field operative. Alice wants to use 'alarm clock' for the words 'TIME' and 'WAKE', but since it is two words, the opposing team objects. Alice instead decides to use a valid one-word clue or asks the opponents for permission to use the compound.

House Rules

[HOUSE RULE] Many groups choose to be more liberal by allowing all compound words, such as 'alarm clock', or allowing multi-word proper names and titles.

Common Misconceptions

All compound words are valid clues
Two-word phrases are allowed by default
Spymasters can invent their own compound words

Quick Reference

You Can	You Cannot
Use one-word compounds like greenhouse	Use two-word clues like pack rat without permission
Use proper names if your group agrees	Invent new compound words that do not exist
Use common abbreviations if your group agrees	Use hyphenated words unless allowed by opponents

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official rule for one-word clues in Codenames?: Clues must be one word, meaning only one-word compounds like greenhouse are strictly valid.
Can I use a two-word clue like 'pack rat'?: No, unless the opposing spymaster agrees to allow it as a house rule.
Are abbreviations like CIA allowed?: Yes, your group can decide to allow common abbreviations as one-word clues.
Is 'New York' considered one word?: Your group can agree to count proper names like New York as one word.

Tags clue-mechanics, codenames, official-rules, rules-dispute

Board Games Rules & Disputes

Codenames Official Rules: Assassin Clue Guidelines

Post author By David Noah
Post date April 22, 2026
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Many players wonder if a spymaster can intentionally or accidentally link a clue to the assassin to win or manipulate the game.

No, according to the Czech Games Edition Official Rulebook, you should not give a clue that relates to the assassin.

Codenames Official Rules 2015–2025, [page not specified]

These rules correspond to the US edition of Codenames.

Table of Contents

Official Rule Breakdown

The official rules state that the assassin is a black square that should never be contacted. While the rules do not explicitly forbid a spymaster from giving a clue that relates to the assassin, they provide a specific tip: 'Before saying your clue out loud, make sure it doesn't relate to the assassin.' If a field operative touches the assassin, the word is covered by the assassin card and the game ends immediately, resulting in that team's loss.

Example Play Situation

Alice is the spymaster for the Red Team. She wants to give a clue for RED words 'APPLE' and 'PEAR'. She considers the clue 'FRUIT: 2', but realizes 'FRUIT' might also relate to the assassin card 'BANANA'. She decides to change her clue to 'ORCHARD: 2' to avoid the risk.

Common Misconceptions

Spymasters can use the assassin to end the game early.
Giving a clue that hits the assassin is a valid strategic move.
The assassin is a playable agent for a team.

Quick Reference

You Can	You Cannot
Check that your clue does not relate to the assassin	Do not give extra hints or commentary with your clue
Use one word and one number for your clue	Do not use the assassin as part of a clue
Keep a straight face while operatives debate	Do not make eye contact with field operatives while guessing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official rule for giving a clue in Codenames?: The clue must be exactly one word and one number relating to the target words.
Can I give a clue that matches the assassin?: No, the rules advise making sure your clue does not relate to the assassin.
What happens if a player touches the assassin?: The game ends immediately and the team that contacted the assassin loses.
Is it okay to say 'this is a stretch' during a clue?: No, you are not allowed to give extra hints or commentary with your clue.

Tags assassin, codenames, official-rules, rules-dispute

Board Games Card Play Rules

Cluedo Official Rules: How to Show Cards for Disproving

Post author By David Noah
Post date April 22, 2026
No Comments on Cluedo Official Rules: How to Show Cards for Disproving

Many players mistakenly believe that anyone can show a card to disprove a suggestion, but the rules specify a strict order of players.

According to the Hasbro Official Rulebook, the player immediately to the left of the person making the suggestion is the first to attempt to show a card.

Cluedo Instructions, [edition not specified], [page not specified]

These rules correspond to the UK edition of Cluedo.

Table of Contents

Official Rule Breakdown

When a player enters a room and makes a CLUE question regarding a suspect, weapon, and the room, the player on their left must be the first to try to answer. If that player possesses any of the cards mentioned in the enquiry, they must show exactly one card to the player who made the suggestion secretly. They should never show more than one card. If the player on the left cannot answer, they say 'I cannot answer' and the enquiry passes to the next player in turn until a card has been shown (Cluedo Instructions, [page not specified]).

Step-by-Step

Step 1: The player enters a room and makes a CLUE question about one suspect, one weapon, and the room.
Step 2: The player to the left of the questioner attempts to show one relevant card secretly.
Step 3: If the player to the left has no matching cards, the enquiry passes to the next player in turn.
Step 4: The process continues until one player successfully shows a single clue card to the questioner.

Example Play Situation

Alice enters the Library and asks, 'Was it Mustard, with the Wrench, in the Library?'. Bob, sitting to Alice's left, looks at his cards and shows Alice the Wrench card secretly. Alice then marks the Wrench off her CLUE sheet.

Common Misconceptions

Showing more than one card to disprove a suggestion
Any player being allowed to show a card regardless of turn order
The player making the suggestion showing their own cards

Quick Reference

You Can	You Cannot
Show exactly one card to disprove a suggestion	Show more than one card to a single enquiry
Pass the enquiry to the next player if you cannot answer	Show cards to other players instead of the questioner
Mark off the card you have seen on your CLUE sheet	Forget to pass the enquiry if you have no matching cards

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official rule for showing a card in Cluedo?: The player to the left of the questioner must show one card if they have it.
Can I show two cards to disprove a suggestion?: No, you should never show more than one card to the player making the enquiry.
What happens if the player on my left has no cards to show?: The enquiry passes to the next player in turn until someone can show a card.
Who is responsible for showing a card when a suggestion is made?: The player sitting to the immediate left of the person making the suggestion.

Tags board game rules, clue-card-mechanics, cluedo, official-rules

Board Games Turn Order & Actions

Cluedo Official Rules: How to Make a Suggestion

Post author By David Noah
Post date April 22, 2026
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Many players wonder if they must physically move suspect and weapon tokens into a room when making a suggestion, but the official mechanics clarify this process.

According to the Waddingtons Cluedo Official Rulebook, yes, you must bring the suspect and weapon tokens into the room.

Cluedo Instructions, [edition not specified], [page not specified]

These rules correspond to the UK edition of Cluedo.

Table of Contents

Official Rule Breakdown

When a player enters a room, they may make a suggestion about the crime by calling a suspect and a weapon into that room for enquiries. According to the Cluedo Instructions (specifically the 'On your turn, roll, move and enter a room' section), the player must bring the suspect's character token and the weapon token they are asking about into the room with them. After the suggestion is made, the player to the left must attempt to show a clue card to refute the suspicion. The character and weapon tokens remain in the room after the suggestion is made, though if a character token belongs to another player, that player can ask a question on their next turn without moving.

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Roll the dice and move your character token into a room.
Step 2: Select one suspect and one weapon to include in your suggestion.
Step 3: Physically move the chosen suspect token and weapon token into the room you have entered.
Step 4: State your suggestion (e.g., 'Was it Scarlet, with the Rope in the Garage?').
Step 5: The player to your left must show you one clue card if they have it.

Example Play Situation

Alice rolls the dice and moves her token into the Kitchen. She then brings the Professor Plum token and the Dagger token into the Kitchen to suggest the murder happened there. Bob, sitting to her left, shows Alice the Plum card to refute the suggestion.

Common Misconceptions

Thinking you can make a suggestion without moving the tokens into the room
Assuming you can move through multiple rooms in one turn to reach a room
Believing you must roll an exact number to enter a room

Quick Reference

You Can	You Cannot
Bring the suspect and weapon tokens into the room with you	Do not move diagonally across the board
Stop moving immediately upon entering a room	Do not leave a room in the same move you entered it
Ask about suspects, weapons, and rooms you haven't crossed off your sheet	Do not move your piece through a square occupied by another piece

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official rule for making a suggestion in Cluedo?: You must enter a room, bring the suspect and weapon tokens into it, and then ask your question.
Do I have to move the suspect token when I ask a question?: Yes, you must bring the suspect's character token and the weapon token into the room with you.
Can I make a suggestion if I don't enter a room?: No, you must enter a room and then you can make a suggestion about the crime.
What happens to the tokens after I make a suggestion?: The tokens stay in the room, but if a player's character token was moved, they can ask a question on their next turn.

Tags board game rules, clue, cluedo, official-rules, suggestion rules

Board Games Rules & Disputes

Cluedo Official Rules: Disproving Suggestions Guide

Post author By David Noah
Post date April 22, 2026
No Comments on Cluedo Official Rules: Disproving Suggestions Guide

Many players mistakenly believe that a suggestion must always be refuted by another player, but the rules account for situations where no cards can be shown.

According to the Cluedo Official Rulebook, if no one can disprove a suggestion, the player has isolated one or more of the Murder Cards.

Cluedo Instructions, [edition not specified], Page 7

These rules correspond to the UK edition of Cluedo.

Table of Contents

Official Rule Breakdown

In Cluedo, when a player makes a suggestion, the player in turn must, if possible, show one clue card which refutes that suspicion. This card may be a room, person, or weapon. If the next player in turn is unable to show a clue card, the enquiry passes on to the next player after that until one card has been shown. If no one has a card to show, the player making the suggestion has isolated one or more of the 'Murder Cards' (Cluedo Instructions, Page 7).

Step-by-Step

Step 1: A player makes a suggestion consisting of a suspect, a weapon, and a room.
Step 2: The player in turn must attempt to show one clue card that refutes the suggestion.
Step 3: If the first player cannot show a card, the enquiry passes to the next player in turn.
Step 4: This process continues until a card is shown or all players have been unable to refute the suggestion.

Example Play Situation

Alice suggests that Miss Scarlett used the Dagger in the Library. Bob is asked to show a card, but he has no cards matching those items. The enquiry passes to Charlie, who also cannot show a card. Since no one can disprove the suggestion, Alice has successfully isolated the Murder Cards.

Common Misconceptions

Thinking the turn skips everyone if the first person can't show a card
Believing a suggestion must be refuted to be valid
Assuming you can only show a card if it is your turn

Quick Reference

You Can	You Cannot
Pass the enquiry to the next player if you cannot show a card	Do not assume a suggestion is wrong just because no one can show a card
Show a room, person, or weapon card to refute a suspicion	Do not show more than one card to refute a single suggestion
Use the isolated cards to make a full accusation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official rule for a suggestion in Cluedo when no one can disprove it?: The player has isolated one or more of the Murder Cards.
Can I show a weapon card to refute a suggestion?: Yes, a card shown may be a room, person, or weapon.
What happens if the player in turn cannot show a clue card?: The enquiry passes to the next player in turn until a card is shown.
How do I know if I have found the murderer?: If no one can show a card to refute your suggestion, you have isolated the Murder Cards.

Tags board game rules, clue, cluedo, murder-cards, official-rules

Board Games FAQ & Clarifications

Cluedo False Accusation Official Rules & Gameplay Guide

Post author By David Noah
Post date April 22, 2026
No Comments on Cluedo False Accusation Official Rules & Gameplay Guide

Many players mistakenly believe that a wrong accusation allows you to continue making suggestions, but the official rules impose a strict penalty.

According to the Waddingtons Cluedo Official Rulebook, if an accusation is wrong, the player is immediately out of the game.

Cluedo Instructions, Computer Edition, [page not specified]

These rules correspond to the UK edition of Cluedo.

Table of Contents

Official Rule Breakdown

When a player makes a full accusation and it is incorrect, that player is removed from active play. According to the Cluedo instructions, the player is 'out of the game' and only participates in order to be a suspect and to show cards as appropriate. If the accusation is correct, the program (or the game setup) exposes the 'Murder Cards' and declares the winning player. If everyone makes an incorrect accusation, the murder remains unsolved, and the cards are revealed to see which suspect escaped.

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Move your piece to the center of the board to prepare for an accusation.
Step 2: State your accusation out loud, naming one suspect, one weapon, and one room.
Step 3: Check the cards in the Envelope secretly.
Step 4: If the cards match your accusation, you win the game.
Step 5: If the cards do not match, you are removed from the game as an active player.

Example Play Situation

Alice reaches the centre of the board and accuses Colonel Mustard with the Spanner in the Library. Bob checks the Envelope and finds the cards do not match Alice's guess. Alice is now out of the game, but she must still show her cards if another player makes a suggestion involving her.

Common Misconceptions

Thinking you can keep playing after a wrong accusation
Believing you can make a second accusation if the first one fails
Assuming you can win by guessing even if you are already out of the game

Quick Reference

You Can	You Cannot
You can show cards to others even after being eliminated	You cannot make further accusations once you are out of the game
You can act as a suspect after a wrong accusation	You cannot ask further questions once you are out of the game
You can win by identifying the murderer, weapon, and room in one accusation	You cannot reveal which cards you got wrong to the other players

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official rule for a false accusation in Cluedo?: The player is out of the game but remains available to show cards as a suspect.
Can I keep playing if my accusation is wrong?: No, you are removed from active play and can only show cards when prompted.
What happens if every player makes a wrong accusation?: The murder remains unsolved and the cards are revealed to see who escaped.
Do I have to show my cards after I am out of the game?: Yes, you participate only to be a suspect and show cards as appropriate.

Tags cluedo, false-accusation, official-rules, rules-clarification

Board Games Card Play Rules

Cluedo Official Rules: How to Show Disprove Cards

Post author By David Noah
Post date April 22, 2026
No Comments on Cluedo Official Rules: How to Show Disprove Cards

Many players wonder if they must reveal their clue cards to the entire table when responding to a suggestion.

According to the Hasbro Official Rulebook, clue cards must be shown secretly to the player making the suggestion.

Cluedo Instructions, [edition not specified], Page 6

These rules correspond to the UK edition of Cluedo.

Table of Contents

Official Rule Breakdown

In Cluedo, when a player makes a suggestion or enquiry, the player to their left must attempt to answer. If that player possesses any of the cards mentioned in the suggestion, they must show one of them to the player who made the suggestion secretly. The rulebook specifies that they should never show more than one card. This ensures that the identity of the cards remains hidden from the other players at the table.

Step-by-Step

Step 1: A player makes a suggestion involving a suspect, a weapon, and a room.
Step 2: The player to the left of the suggester checks their hand for the requested cards.
Step 3: If the player has a matching card, they show exactly one card secretly to the suggester.
Step 4: If the player does not have the card, they say 'I cannot answer' and the enquiry passes to the next player.

Example Play Situation

Alice suggests that it was Miss Scarlett with the Rope in the Library. Bob, sitting to Alice's left, looks at his cards and sees the Rope. Bob shows the Rope card secretly to Alice only, while the other players remain unaware of which card was shown.

Common Misconceptions

Showing the card to everyone at the table
Showing multiple cards to disprove a suggestion
Thinking the whole table sees the card

Quick Reference

You Can	You Cannot
Show exactly one card to the suggester	Show more than one card to the suggester
Keep your own cards secret from others	Show your cards to the entire group
Cross off cards on your sheet when seen	Reveal your cards to players who did not make the suggestion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official rule for showing cards in Cluedo?: Cards must be shown secretly to the player who made the suggestion.
Do I have to show my card to everyone if I can answer?: No, you only show one card privately to the person asking the question.
Can I show two cards to disprove a suggestion?: No, you must only show one card to the player making the suggestion.
What happens if I don't have any of the cards asked for?: You simply say 'I cannot answer' and the turn passes to the next player.

Tags board game rules, clue, cluedo, disprove cards, official-rules

Board Games Endgame & Winning

Clue Official Rules: End Game and Accusation Guide

Post author By David Noah
Post date April 22, 2026
No Comments on Clue Official Rules: End Game and Accusation Guide

Many players mistakenly believe that a wrong accusation ends the entire game immediately, but the official rules specify different consequences for the individual player.

According to the Waddingtons Games Official Rulebook, if an accusation is wrong, the player is out of the game.

Clue/Cluedo Instructions, [edition not specified], [page not specified]

These rules correspond to the US edition of Clue.

Table of Contents

Official Rule Breakdown

When a player makes an accusation and it is incorrect, that specific player is declared out of the game. While the player can no longer make suggestions or accusations, they must continue to participate in the role of a suspect and show their cards to other players when requested. If the game is being played via the computer edition, the program may offer to take over the cards of the player who has been declared out of the game.

Step-by-Step

Step 1: The player moves their piece to the center of the board to make an accusation.
Step 2: The player reads the accusation out loud, naming one suspect, one weapon, and one room.
Step 3: The player checks the cards in the Envelope secretly.
Step 4: If the accusation is wrong, the player is removed from active play but remains a suspect.

Example Play Situation

Alice makes an accusation of Professor Plum in the Library with the Wrench. Bob checks the Envelope and finds the accusation is incorrect. Alice is now out of the game, but when Bob makes a suggestion later, Alice must still show him her cards if she has them.

Common Misconceptions

A wrong accusation ends the game for everyone
A player who makes a wrong accusation cannot show cards to others
The game only ends when someone wins

Quick Reference

You Can	You Cannot
Continue showing cards to other players even if you are out	Do not make any further questions or accusations once you are out
Remain a suspect for other players' investigations	Do not tell other players which cards you got wrong
Check the Envelope secretly after making an accusation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official rule for a wrong accusation in Clue?: The player is out of the game but must still act as a suspect and show cards.
Does the game end if I guess the wrong murderer?: No, the game continues until a correct accusation is made or everyone guesses incorrectly.
Can an eliminated player still show their cards?: Yes, they must show cards as appropriate to help other players' investigations.
What happens if every player makes an incorrect accusation?: The murder remains unsolved and players reveal the cards in the Envelope to see who won.

Tags accusation-rules, board game rules, clue, cluedo-official-rules

Board Games Card Play Rules

Clue Official Rules: How Many Cards to Show During Turns

Post author By David Noah
Post date April 22, 2026
No Comments on Clue Official Rules: How Many Cards to Show During Turns

Many players mistakenly believe they can show multiple cards to help or hinder a suspect during a Clue inquiry.

According to the Clue Official Rulebook, yes, you must show only one card.

Clue/Cluedo Instructions, [edition not specified], [page not specified]

These rules correspond to the US edition of Clue.

Table of Contents

Official Rule Breakdown

When a player enters a room and asks a Clue question regarding a suspect, weapon, and room, the player to their left must attempt to answer. If that player possesses any of the cards mentioned in the question, they must show one of them to the inquiring player secretly. The rules explicitly state that they should never show more than one card. If the player does not have any of the requested cards, they state 'I cannot answer' and the enquiry passes to the next player until one card has been shown.

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Enter a room and ask a Clue question about one suspect, one weapon, and the room entered.
Step 2: The player to the left attempts to answer the question.
Step 3: If the player has a matching card, they show exactly one card secretly to the asker.
Step 4: If the player has no matching cards, the enquiry passes to the next player in turn.
Step 5: The process continues until one card has been shown or no one can answer.

Example Play Situation

Alice enters the Library and asks, 'Was it Mustard with the Wrench in the Library?'. Bob, sitting to her left, looks at his cards and sees he has the Wrench. Bob shows Alice only the Wrench card secretly, and Alice crosses it off her Clue sheet.

Common Misconceptions

Showing multiple cards to help a player avoid being caught
Thinking you can show a card if you don't have the specific one asked for
Assuming the enquiry stops if the first player cannot answer

Quick Reference

You Can	You Cannot
Show exactly one card to refute a suspicion	Show more than one card to the inquiring player
Cross off the card you have been shown on your Clue sheet	Show your cards to anyone other than the player making the suggestion
Pass the enquiry to the next player if you cannot answer

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official rule for showing cards in Clue?: A player must show only one card that refutes the suspicion asked by another player.
Can I show two cards if I have both the suspect and the weapon?: No, you should never show more than one card to the player asking the question.
What happens if the person on my left has no cards to show?: The enquiry passes to the next player in turn until one card is shown.
How many cards should I show when answering a Clue question?: You must show only one card to the player who made the suggestion.

Tags clue, clue_cards, official-rules, rules_clarification

Board Games FAQ & Clarifications

Clue Official Rules: How to Disprove a Suggestion

Post author By David Noah
Post date April 22, 2026
No Comments on Clue Official Rules: How to Disprove a Suggestion

Many players are unsure of the specific sequence required when a player attempts to disprove a suggestion in Clue.

According to the Cluedo Official Rulebook, the player in turn must show one clue card that refutes the suspicion if possible.

Cluedo Instructions, [page not specified]

These rules correspond to the US edition of Clue.

Table of Contents

Official Rule Breakdown

To disprove a suggestion, the player whose turn it is must, if possible, show one clue card that refutes the suspicion. This card can be a room, a person, or a weapon. If the player in turn is unable to show a clue card, the enquiry passes to the next player in turn until a card is shown. If no player has a card to show, the player who made the suggestion has successfully isolated one or more of the 'Murder Cards' (Cluedo Instructions, [page not specified]).

Step-by-Step

Step 1: A player makes a suggestion (e.g., Person, Weapon, Room).
Step 2: The player whose turn it is must check if they have a clue card that refutes that specific suggestion.
Step 3: If the player has a refuting card, they show it to the player who made the suggestion.
Step 4: If the player in turn cannot show a card, the turn passes to the next player to see if they can show a refuting card.
Step 5: This process continues until a card is shown or all players have been checked.

Example Play Situation

Alice suggests that Colonel Mustard killed the murder with the Wrench in the Library. Bob is next in turn; he looks at his cards and shows Alice the Wrench card to disprove the suggestion. Since Bob showed a card, the enquiry ends.

Common Misconceptions

Thinking only the person who made the suggestion can show cards
Assuming you must show all your cards to disprove a suggestion
Believing the turn skips everyone if the first player can't show a card

Quick Reference

You Can	You Cannot
Show one clue card to refute a suspicion	Show more than one card to disprove a single suggestion
Pass the enquiry to the next player if you cannot show a card	Stop the enquiry if the first player in turn has no cards to show
Use a room, person, or weapon card to disprove a suggestion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official rule for disproving a suggestion in Clue?: The player in turn must show one clue card that refutes the suspicion if they have one.
Can I show a room card to disprove a weapon suggestion?: Yes, any card (room, person, or weapon) that refutes the suspicion can be shown.
What happens if the first player cannot show a card?: The enquiry passes to the next player in turn until a card is shown.
When is a suggestion considered proven?: A suggestion is proven if no player is able to show a card that refutes it.

Tags board game rules, clue, disproving-suggestions, official-rules