Many players mistakenly believe that touching the assassin simply ends a turn, but the official rules dictate a much more severe consequence.
According to the Czech Games Edition Official Rulebook, if a field operative touches the assassin, the game ends immediately and that team loses.
Codenames Official Rules [edition not specified]
These rules correspond to the UK edition of Codenames.
Official Rule Breakdown
In Codenames, the assassin is a black square that should never be contacted. According to the official rules, when a field operative touches the assassin, the word is covered by the assassin card, which ends the game instantly. The team that made contact with the assassin is declared the loser. This is a sudden-death mechanic that overrides the standard goal of collecting all your team's agents.
Step-by-Step
- Step 1: A field operative selects a codename on the table.
- Step 2: The operative touches the chosen word.
- Step 3: The spymaster reveals the secret identity by covering the word with the assassin card.
- Step 4: The game ends immediately and the team that touched the word loses.
Example Play Situation
Alice is playing as a field operative for the Red Team. Her spymaster, Bob, gives the clue 'Water: 2'. Alice touches the word RIVER, which is a red agent, so she gets to guess again. However, Alice then touches the word HORN, which is the assassin. Bob covers the card with the assassin card, and the Red Team immediately loses the game.
Common Misconceptions
- Touching the assassin only ends the current turn
- The other team wins if you touch the assassin
- You can continue guessing after touching the assassin
Quick Reference
| You Can | You Cannot |
|---|---|
| Focus on the table when making guesses | Do not make eye contact with the spymaster |
| Avoid eye contact with the spymaster while guessing | Do not reach for any card while teammates are considering words |
| Ensure your clue does not relate to the assassin | Do not use clues that refer to letter positions or table locations |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the official rule for touching the assassin in Codenames?
- The game ends immediately and the team that touched the assassin loses.
- Does the other team win if I touch the assassin?
- Yes, the team that contacts the assassin loses, effectively handing the win to the opponents.
- Can I keep guessing if I hit the assassin?
- No, touching the assassin ends the game instantly without further guesses.
- What happens if a spymaster gives an invalid clue?
- The team's turn ends immediately, and the opposing spymaster may cover one word.
