GUIDE

Who Is The Spy – Complete Rules

Learn how to onboard players, pace each round, and master the bluff in The Game Has Changed’s signature social deduction game. If you’re wondering how to play Whos the Spy or need the full “How to play Who Is the Spy game” breakdown, this guide covers every step.

How to play Who’s the Spy

Follow this walkthrough when you teach new players or want a refresher on the round structure—it mirrors the classic “how to play Whos the Spy” instructions players search for online.

  1. Gather 3–8 players and a host. Seat everyone where they can hear each other and decide who will control the device or printed cards.
  2. Pick a category and spy count. Select a themed word pack, then assign one spy for groups up to five players or two spies for larger tables.
  3. Deal secret words. Pass the device or cards so each player reads their word in private. Civilians match; the spy sees a related word.
  4. Share one-sentence clues. Move clockwise with short descriptions. No direct word reveals, rhymes, or spelling hints.
  5. Discuss suspicions. Allow one or two quick follow-up questions so players can clarify unusual clues.
  6. Vote and reveal. Everyone points to the suspected spy. Majority vote eliminates a player; reveal the role and tally the round.
  7. Reset for the next round. Rotate the spy role, choose a fresh category, and play again.

Setup checklist

  • Gather 3–8 players and agree on the number of spies (one spy for up to five players; add a second spy for six or more).
  • Choose a word pack that matches your theme—food, travel, or office culture.
  • Pass the device around so each player secretly views their word. Remind everyone to keep poker faces.
  • Queue up a timer or playlist so rounds stay energetic and downtime feels intentional.

Who Is the Spy game rules

Keep these foundations in mind to run smooth, dramatic rounds.

Roles & materials

  • Civilians: Share a common prompt and collaborate to surface inconsistencies.
  • Spy: Receives the odd word out and must imitate civilian clues to avoid elimination.
  • Host kit: One connected device or printable cards, a timer, and an optional notepad for tracking votes.

Round timing

  • Limit clue sharing to 45–60 seconds per lap to maintain pressure.
  • Allow a short rebuttal window before voting, especially with newer players.

Voting & elimination

  • Require a majority vote to eliminate a player. On a tie, run a showdown: tied players deliver one more clue, then revote.
  • If the spy survives until only two players remain, the spy immediately wins.

Win conditions

  • Civilians win by eliminating all spies or forcing the spy to guess the civilian word and miss.
  • Spies win by staying hidden through the vote or correctly guessing the civilians’ prompt when cornered.

Quick table setup

  • • 3–10 players (add a second spy at seven or more)
  • • Device or printed role slips
  • • Timer or upbeat playlist
  • • Optional scoreboard for campaign play

Round objectives

Civilians: Share truthful clues, compare vocabulary, and align on a suspect.

Spy: Echo safe descriptors, ask probing questions, and deflect attention during the vote.

Strategy notes

  • Civilians: Track word precision. A clue that’s too generic or oddly specific is a red flag.
  • Spy: Mirror the language style of civilians, reuse safe descriptors, and pivot if someone presses for details.
  • Rotate speaking order every round so late-position players still get spotlight moments.
  • Hosts can save stand-out clues to inspire future word packs or callbacks in later rounds.

Advanced variants

  • Lightning spy: Limit clues to three words each for a rapid-fire experience.
  • Double agent: Two spies know each other but must avoid giving matching hints.
  • Silent showdown: Replace the discussion phase with written accusations for dramatic reveals.

Frequently asked questions

How do you play Who’s the Spy?

Deal secret words so only one player receives the mismatched spy prompt. Take turns sharing one-sentence clues, hold a short discussion, and vote. If the spy survives the vote, they win; otherwise civilians score and a new spy is chosen.

What are the official Who Is the Spy game rules?

Keep clues brief, ban exact word repeats, and require a majority vote for elimination. In the final three players, allow a rebuttal before voting; if the spy reaches the last two players, the spy wins automatically.

How many rounds should we schedule?

Plan on three rounds for most sessions. Rotate spies each time so everyone experiences both roles, and extend to five rounds when running a tournament bracket.

Can younger players join in?

Absolutely. Choose age-appropriate words, slow the timer, and allow players to workshop their clue with a buddy before speaking.

What should we do on a voting tie?

Ask tied players to share one more hint, then revote. Still tied? Reveal no one, draw a fresh word pair, and continue with the existing spy.