Codenames - How To Play

[@jamiejarvis2276]

Instead of trying to teach this game, I have been asking people to watch this video before we play. Your instructions are the most thorough and understandable I have found on the Internet. When I tried to explain it myself, I left out some things that weren't thought about until the middle of the game and I frustrated a new player. I have a lot of gratitude for you, as this is our game to take to friends' houses when they want to learn something new!! We definitely prefer it with 6 or 8 people instead of 4. We think that playing it with 2 or three people is silly unless you are using it as a vocabulary building game with kids or teaching English as a second language.

[@WatchItPlayed]

So glad you've found the videos to be helpful Jamie. Thanks for the kind words!

[@dwarftoken]

Thanks. This was so much more clear than the rules. now I only read the rules after watching the videos here if available. It actually has helped to make a decision on buying several of my games as well. So much better than a review.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Really nice to know you're finding the content helpful Gil!

[@noisepollution4473]

This is the first time I've seen one of your videos, and you are very articulate, have a great voice, and do an excellent job explaining the rules. Thanks, and good job!

[@WatchItPlayed]

+Noise Pollution Thank you very much for the kind feedback. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@StuBarfoot]

He's easily the best at explaining games imo

[@بنتولدجدها]

Thank you so much I have the same lovely comment even i M Arabic speaker and my first language is Arabic Nd second is English 💪

[@jennyheubeck3232]

I run a games night for my shop and I've gotta say, these videos are totally a lifesaver. They help me figure out how to explain things concisely to large groups of people at a time. Thankyou!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Jenny, I love knowing that these have been helpful in your efforts to share the games with other people!

[@sudeeppednekar8355]

In the past month or so I've learnt how to play 7 wonders, Ticket to ride & now Codenames due to your fabulous videos! Keep up the good work. :)

[@WatchItPlayed]

That's so nice to hear! I hope you're having a wonderful time playing!

[@pixxelwizzard]

Watch It Played is now my FIRST stop whenever I want to learn how to play it game. There is simply no one better at this. Thank you for this channel! Oh, and this game looks like a lot of fun. :)

[@WatchItPlayed]

Hey - thanks Pixxel :)

[@JosefFerguson]

Any time I buy a new game, the first thing I do is see if Rodney's done an instructional video. If these game companies were smart, they'd contract you to do a video for any new release they put out.

[@WatchItPlayed]

+Josef Ferguson Very kind of you to say Josef. Many of them do - but there's so many games and so little time - I try to do as many as possible :)

[@JosefFerguson]

Do more! :) Seriously, though. It's crazy useful. I feel like I owe you a beer.

[@venrondua]

+Josef Ferguson +Watch It Played I agree with Josef, your videos are crazy helpful.

[@TheXynariz]

+Watch It Played If they were smart, they'd pay you enough that all you need to do is these videos. No full-time or part-time job but games. ;)

[@WatchItPlayed]

+James Hutchings Well, I'm very fortunate. Each year I run a fundraiser and my enthusiastic viewers have donated to allow me to work on the series full time.

[@nightwishpower]

my favorite part in your videos is: "and thats the setup " :)

[@WatchItPlayed]

A little milestone in each of our videos ;)

[@iamthevickinator]

I just learned how to play this game a few weeks ago and came across your video as a refresher. You are extremely articulate, and you did an excellent job in explaining the game's rules! Thank you for your hard work!

[@WatchItPlayed]

+iamthevickinator Very nice of you to say - I'm glad you found it good!

[@dancorrea93]

my family and i JUST bought the disney version of the game. as per our tradition...we watch your videos before we start! thank you !

[@WatchItPlayed]

I hope you all have a great time playing!

[@BoxofDelights]

played this at UK Games Expo .. great fun ! it was a big hit all weekend. Great 'How to Play" Rodney... !

[@WatchItPlayed]

Ricky Royal Thank you Ricky, the game has been getting good word of mouth!

[@arthurbrooking]

***** (But just *ONE* word...)

[@BoxofDelights]

and one number.

[@boardgamecloset]

I'm always glad when I buy a new game and find out Rodney has already done a How to Play video. Makes it so much easier :)

[@WatchItPlayed]

+boardgamecloset Glad the videos have been helpful :)

[@DissonantSynth]

I absolutely love when your Canadian accent comes through!

[@WatchItPlayed]

:)

[@marykaric6724]

Thank you for a clear and easy to understand explanation, with no rambling (which I find annoying!) Well done.

[@WatchItPlayed]

So glad you found it helpful Mary!

[@Naked_Snake]

I remember watching your Ticket to Ride video and once again, you did an amazing job with explaining this game!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thank you kindly!

[@easystarallstar89]

Thank you for this. You're the second video I visited after The Rules Girl and this is so much clearer and easier to follow.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Very glad you found this helpful!

[@wasmadeinthe80s]

Finally got a copy for myself at my FLGS last night where I also played it for the first time. Love at first play! Keep up the awesome work.

[@WatchItPlayed]

So glad you enjoyed the game!

[@jamiejarvis2276]

I bought this game because my favorite recipe guru (Mel's Kitchen Cafe) had it on her suggestion list of games for families. It also seemed highly rated. Unfortunately, my vision is not good enough to read the direction book. I love that I quickly found your video and you explained game play so precisely. We do lots of "majority rules" when deciding tricky rules with other games. For instance, Rummikub games made different years have different rules of how and when you can play the joker. I guess we'll have to discuss hyphenated words as clues for this game! Thank you so very much for taking the time to make this video. We are opening it tonight and not waiting for Christmas!

[@WatchItPlayed]

I hope your early Christmas present provides you lots of fun :) Glad you found the video helpful Jamie!

[@dentlike]

It's the first time I saw a video of watch it played and I really like the way you clearly explain things and give some advice. Thank you from a new follower!

[@WatchItPlayed]

+Sebastian Lenz So kind of you to check out the video and leave a nice comment!

[@Kriterian]

+Sebastian Lenz A lot of people, including myself, base their decision to purchase a game based on if it has a Watch It Played or not.

[@jemmagibson2553]

I just learnt to play this game today at a board game group. The told me about your channel and to check you out for other games... I watch this with my mum to show her to see if she would play it...

[@WatchItPlayed]

I hope you had fun playing!

[@shifralowen]

Thank you so much for this clear and comprehensive explanation. I greatly appreciate it. Especially after watching others and having no clue what they are trying to explain (I'm a kynesthetic learner: I learn by example, I need a visual reference as well as examples of how it plays out in real life for me to grasp any instructions) again, thank you for a wonderful job of explaining this game

[@WatchItPlayed]

I'm so happy to hear that the video was helpful - have a great time playing!

[@shifralowen]

@@WatchItPlayed thanks :)

[@Deacon139]

I'm playing online with a bunch of friends later today. Your video was very helpful in making me feel like I get it. Thanks!

[@WatchItPlayed]

So glad this was helpful Priscilla - hope you have a great time playing!

[@cobaltblues2121]

Fantastic and professional explanation. Just found your channel. I look forward to learning a lot here

[@WatchItPlayed]

Very good to have you join us! Check out playlists to see what other games we've covered if you're curious.

[@foxbear60]

5:06 "...set a-boat trying to figure oat..." I detect some Canadian accent here!! Also, this guy's description of game rules is easy to follow and transitions very well with his videos. I'm a fan!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Yessir, East coast Canadian :)

[@foxbear60]

Well then, from mid west US to east coast CA, I say thank you for your well explained game rules.

[@WatchItPlayed]

My pleasure - glad you're enjoying the videos!

[@augustjologs1]

I love your "How To Play Videos". In some way they are better than the 'reviews' out there. Your video shows the game play, the components, and what's wonderful, is it gives the viewer a basic idea of the game play. Good job!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks very much. Our hope is to provide you with enough information that you can decide for yourself whether the game would be a good fit for you :)

[@d.l.6186]

We've played this after watching your video, have to say, wonderful job you're doing there Rodney and i like that Canadian accent of yours, cheers

[@WatchItPlayed]

Hope you have a great time playing Darko!

[@exonwarrior2656]

I'm really enjoying this channel! Great explanations. I now feel I know how to play :)

[@WatchItPlayed]

Really nice of you to say - glad you liked the video!

[@AltairCrysis]

Incredibly clear and precise -- super helpful for people like me who are new to this game, thank you!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thank you for the kind words Aaron!

[@darthderecusgaming]

I have only just found your channel and it's the best. You explain everything so clearly and make it so easy to follow :) Now before I buy a board game I always check to see if you guys have done a video on it!

[@WatchItPlayed]

I'm so glad to hear these videos have been helpful, and have a great time playing Codenames!

[@grouper49]

this is so ridiculously helpful! thank you

[@WatchItPlayed]

My pleasure James - glad you liked it!

[@rosscassatt8780]

Rodney, you are a great teacher of games! thanks and God Bless for the help!

[@WatchItPlayed]

+Ross Cassatt A pleasure to assist Ross. Thank you.

[@FunWithPuzzles]

This is very helpful video. I have yet to buy this game but I could understand the rules just by watching your video.

[@WatchItPlayed]

So nice to hear - I hope you enjoy the game if you get a chance to try it!

[@MrCliverlong]

excellent, clear, engaging instructions. Thank you.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thank you Clive, very kind of you to say!

[@preekja]

There seems to be a cutting error at 2:41. "The other team always has 8. The other team, in this case red, has 8." Anyway: I love the concept of this game! I'll order as soon as possible it is for me here in Germany!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Preek Ah yes, there was. You caught me :)

[@DPMusicStudio]

You are so good at this. Loved this video.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thank you kindly!

[@shauntless3192]

I watched at least 3 other videos before this & this was the best one! So very well explained, thanks so much! :)

[@WatchItPlayed]

Very glad this was helpful - have fun playing!

[@OrElseEllipsis1945]

Great explanation. :-) My favorite video game show on Twitch started playing the browser version of the game. I was completely confused and had to look up how it is played.

[@WatchItPlayed]

I'm glad the video was helpful to you!

[@thegreenmarine]

I've been a fan of yours ever since you explained Boss Monster!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Hey Andrew - glad you've been enjoying the videos. Thanks for sticking around :)

[@adrieljosiasdaniels8530]

Rodney you explained the game codenames so well n with great clarity too thank you n keep up the good work 👍

[@WatchItPlayed]

So glad you liked it - thank you!

[@owenlewis4693]

One time when I was playing this game as a spymaster, the other team’s last agent was “Pin” and the assassin was “Needle”. The other spymaster gave the clue “Sharp, 1.” My team won that game.

[@WatchItPlayed]

That would do it! :)

[@themarmot3000]

This is the greatest instructional youtube video I've ever seen!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks so much Tristan, glad you like it!

[@funkygamesninja2782]

It might be a few years old but id only recently heard of this game and really like the look of it, nice video, clear and precise 👍

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks - glad you enjoyed checking it out!

[@GinaFerraraReiki]

I just purchased the game and have never played it. Your explanation was incredible- thanks❤😂

[@WatchItPlayed]

So glad to hear it - thank you!

[@kaymadd]

The best explanation video I have seen. You have done a great job! thank you

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thank you so much for the kind words Kareem! Have fun playing :)

[@Sunny10291029]

Oh wow! This was really informative and well done! Same as the ones that commented below me, you really were articulate and straight to the point :))

[@WatchItPlayed]

Very kind of you to say Sunny - glad you found it helpful!

[@1961debz]

Thank you so much. Finally, understand how to play.

[@WatchItPlayed]

You're very welcome - have a great time playing!

[@jonanjello]

Very useful How To Play video Rodney. I just ordered this in a CSI order and am looking forward to playing the game with the family

[@WatchItPlayed]

Hope you have a great time playing!

[@hannahrodes8157]

This is incredibly helpful and well done! Thank you so much!

[@WatchItPlayed]

You’re very welcome Hannah. Have. A great time playing!

[@michaelwooden4240]

Makes so much more sense now! Thank You!!!

[@WatchItPlayed]

So nice to know this was helpful - have a great time playing!

[@flute4jc]

You are fantastic at explaining the rules!! Subscribing!!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Great to have you here!

[@laurabrown6878]

Your videos and explanations are so well done, they have truly helped me decide on some board game choices for Christmas gifts this year. Is there anywhere to find out what games you have already reviewed and or to find games similar to ones we like or games that challenge a particular skill? Do you have categories of games listed anywhere? Thanks again for your awesome videos!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Hey Laura, thanks for the interest. I tend to avoid giving personalized recommendations. What I like, someone else might not - but hopefully you see a few games on here that might be what you are looking for!

[@toyologist]

Great job there, enjoyed watching and will tune in for more

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks for the kind words! Hope you'll enjoy our other videos too.

[@ayeeitslilyots3499]

Thanks...This Really Helped me and My family We were so confused with instructions Thanks 🙏🏻

[@WatchItPlayed]

My total pleasure - I hope you have a fantastic time playing!

[@rooseveltcooper]

Wow this looks fun!

[@thomasw7305]

Does the double agent card have any significance?

[@WatchItPlayed]

The team going first always has one extra agent, so this tile just allows you to always have an extra to give to that team. Otherwise it's treated like a regular agent.

[@thomasw7305]

@@WatchItPlayed Thanks

[@TheMrE]

Thanks Rodney! This is one of a couple of must buys from GenCon for me. Also: I could have sworn that in previous videos you always credited the designer of the game, you didn't do it this time around: tsk, tsk, tsk. (Only noticed because I was eagerly expecting your take on "Chvátil").

[@WatchItPlayed]

TheMrE Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. I should probably be a little more consistent about that.

[@dyuti9265]

Hi! I loved you video. It explained everything really well! Can you make another video of you playing codenames with someone else or another team?

[@WatchItPlayed]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@doitmyselfer1952]

Great video and I appreciate it very much. I'm sure it's clear as day for most (and maybe even obvious) but for some reason I'm not understanding the "number" rule/purpose. I give a word clue (I get that part) and a number (I don't understand that part). Can you please help me understand?

[@WatchItPlayed]

No worries at all! The number is quite helpful because it gives the team an idea of how many potential words they should be looking for. It is also an important restriction because you are only allowed to give a clue that relates to the meaning of the word you are saying. So, you shouldn't say "Snow 6", unless there are 6 words that relate to the meaning of the word snow in some way. Hope that helps!

[@jksgameshelf3378]

I've been hearing good things about this game so I'm glad to see how it's played. Looks fun!

[@WatchItPlayed]

***** Thanks for checking it out!

[@Dra-go-noid]

Wow, i love it. I always ignored this game so far as it looked kinda too complex and my firends dont like comolex games. But its so simple and easy to understand. Gonna get it once im not broke.

[@WatchItPlayed]

So glad you enjoyed what you saw - have a great time playing (once you get a chance to!)

[@adam67bree]

Great video! Thank you amn

[@WatchItPlayed]

A pleasure - hope you have a great time playing!

[@TheCavedonkey]

Wow. Thank you. You are great at this.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Very kind of you to say!

[@Artistlife1]

I played for the first time today. I twasn’t my game and I didn’t know the rules before hand. In the game I played, the Spymasters each made a list of their words related to their color and who the Assassin was. Is making notes like this for the Spymasters acceptable? Or is part of the “intrigue” for the spymasters the challenge of remembering their words?

[@WatchItPlayed]

They won't need to remember their words as they can see the code in front of themselves, but I don't see anything in the rules that would prohibit taking notes. In fact, the designers have suggested that players might take notes during their first few games, but eventually move onto memory. Whatever your players find comfortable is probably the best option, as long as nobody at the table feels like it breaks the spirit of the game!

[@lidiyal.1944]

Thank you for your great explanation!

[@WatchItPlayed]

You're very welcome Lidiya!

[@reggallant8186]

Excellent Explanation!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thank you kindly Reg!

[@Renzuo77]

Another great explanation video Rodney! I just got the game yesterday and cant wait to play it. :) By the way, will you be making a video for Champions of Midgard as well? :D

[@WatchItPlayed]

+Renzuo Ong No plans to currently - but thanks for the suggestion.

[@lindacarpenter4573]

Perfect! Thank you!

[@WatchItPlayed]

You're very welcome! Have fun playing!

[@adriennefortune210]

"Set about trying to figure out. " It's like someone dared him to show off his midwestern accent. Thanks for the tutorial!

[@WatchItPlayed]

East coast Canadian, actually! Glad you enjoyed the video and the accent :)

[@dianaconco6292]

very clear. thanks

[@WatchItPlayed]

You're welcome!

[@pjn2001]

I guess the spymasters wearing sunglasses where lighting allows would help with eye-watching. Also, are the guessers allowed pen and paper to write and makes notes etc?

[@WatchItPlayed]

There's no rule for it (or against it). I think the intention is that you play without, but if your group decided you wanted to, I don't think it would break anything.

[@pjn2001]

Thanks @@WatchItPlayed

[@jeremiahkool1]

Thanks Rodney, awesome video as usual.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Very kind of you to say - thanks!

[@Jester_851]

Love this game, although there's always been one rule that I've been uncertain about and maybe you could clear it up. Let's say I gave a clue with the number being three. Would my partner have to guess a minimum of three cards (assuming they got them right) or could they guess one correctly and stop there? My apologies if I missed this in the video.

[@WatchItPlayed]

They can stop anytime.

[@Jester_851]

Awesome, thank you!

[@scottsmartky]

This game looks like it needs to be on TableTop immediately. Not sure how well it would work on here (4 seems hard to get unless the wife wants to play).

[@WatchItPlayed]

Scott Smart Yes, 4 can be a bit tricky for me to pull off.

[@yannicklarvor]

***** It seems to me that a remote spymaster would be easily feasible (I mean, inasmuch as remote anything can be easy). And remote team members is only a coordinate system away. The question is: do you do audience participation spymaster-side or team-side ? Or maybe two playthroughs ?:)

[@Panquernic]

+Scott Smart I thought the same as soon as I saw it played on another channel

[@Dylan-oh1li]

tabletop is doing this for season 4

[@randomjohn]

Got it, played it. Thanks for the video!

[@WatchItPlayed]

You're very welcome - glad it was helpful.

[@kc1822_]

Thanks! This was very helpful. It’s so much easier for me to actually see it than just read the directions. I don’t understand the point of the bystander cards. I feel like they should be free game for anyone! Is there really a point to guessing them?

[@WatchItPlayed]

Glad you liked the video and good question! The bystanders are there to make it harder to keep guessing - because if you guess one of them, you have to end your turn (even if you had more guesses left to make). It means the clue giver wants to be sure not to give a clue that might make you guess a bystander. It's not as bad as guessing the other teams spies (or the assassin!), but it still slows you down.

[@kc1822_]

Watch It Played Makes sense! Thank you!

[@77crystalclear]

I’d like to play Codenames during Christmas. Is there a list of codes already made up that you know about ? Would it be too difficult to DIY ?

[@WatchItPlayed]

I don't know of a code already made up, but I would think you could do your own and people would enjoy it!

[@lbalsiger]

This is great. I'm trying to play via Zoom and I am having trouble getting view where all cards show. How did you get your video to show all cards while teaching?

[@WatchItPlayed]

I'm not sure what Zoom is, but I just have my camera pointed at the table from a high tripod.

[@ameyaghaisas2544]

thanks for explaining very nice voice

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks Ameya, glad you enjoyed!

[@samuelho4746]

Great explaining!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thank you Samuel!

[@se-ninjas2157]

I’m gonna sub

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks - welcome to the channel!

[@tymothylim6550]

Thank you very much for this video :)

[@WatchItPlayed]

You're very welcome Tymothy!

[@joystephens6614]

Great review. I'll be buying this game.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Glad you found the video helpful Joy!

[@JJC1138]

Thank you! This saved me having to read the rules on Christmas morning 😅

[@WatchItPlayed]

Very happy to assist Jon - Merry Christmas!

[@johnbyrne8128]

Can't wait to get this!

[@WatchItPlayed]

John Byrne Releasing very very soon!

[@warever37]

Could you please explain the purpose of the double-agent card? Thanks.

[@WatchItPlayed]

You'll find this shown here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGm1iHWlpK-crMk - Basically, the team who goes first, has an extra agent, to help balance the advantage they have by going first. It's double sided, so you can just flip it to whichever color you need, depending on which team needs the extra agent. Hope that helps and happy gaming!

[@warever37]

@@WatchItPlayed so basically instead of printing 9 agent cards for each color, they printed 8 and then the double-agent card is used as the 9th card by whoever is going first since they'd have one extra agent to guess... Got it 👍

[@fritzlouisewagas3941]

thank you!

[@WatchItPlayed]

You're very welcome Fritz!

[@RofIMyWaffIe]

best game eva!!

[@WatchItPlayed]

+Charles Darwin Glad you're enjoying it!

[@razme2099]

Great vid

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks so much!

[@LordDeLaIdiots]

I wish all reviews were like this.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Glad you enjoyed the tutorial Aaron!

[@kerfrazl]

Thanks!

[@WatchItPlayed]

You're very welcome!

[@sewfun2263]

Awesome job, thank you!!!!

[@WatchItPlayed]

You're very welcome!

[@mocliamtoh573]

I was wondering whether the new intro music was going to be for Pep/not Rodney episodes, or just a new season update.

[@WatchItPlayed]

mocliamtoh573 New season update!

[@StoneAgeStark]

This game looks GREAT!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@paulcolosimo5093]

Thanks Rod!

[@WatchItPlayed]

My pleasure, Paul :)

[@dianathevegan]

Is the guessing team allowed to whisper so the other team cannot hear them deliberate their guesses? Thanks!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Hey Diana, there are no rules to forbid that.

[@dianathevegan]

Watch It Played thank you

[@tabithahill754]

I can't find the first episode of you playing. Have you made it yet?

[@WatchItPlayed]

Not one for this game. We don't always do full game plays - it depends on my schedule and whether or not I feel I could do a good job with it. Codenames, for example, I'd prefer to show with 4 players, but that would be hard for me to record with my current set-up.

[@ennieday1009]

This game looks amazingly fun! Is there a link where I can buy it?

[@WatchItPlayed]

ennieday1009 I don't really advertise for specific retailers, but certainly google may point you in the right direction.

[@WatchItPlayed]

+Frank K It's an interesting idea, but I do not review as I don't want people to buy the games based on my opinions. However, I am very happy for them to purchase or avoid the games if our videos give them enough information to make an informed opinion based on what 'they' like. I'd like to keep some distance between sharing the games, and whether or not I personally benefit if someone decides to buy them. We have a yearly fundraiser, and that's where the bulk of our revenue comes from, and that works for me. Thanks for the suggestion though!

[@samu111]

I need to stop watching your videos, I have ended up buying 4 boardgames in the last 2 weeks!

[@WatchItPlayed]

I hope you have a great time with all of them :)

[@allisonhermann4973]

Excellent!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Glad you liked it Allison!

[@moragbarry363]

Thank you, very helpful

[@WatchItPlayed]

Glad to hear it!