Codenames Duet at a Glance
About – Description
Launched in 2017, Codenames: Duet is a follow-on from the original Codenames game of 2015. Similar to its predecessor, where you give one-word clues to help a team member to locate your agents only, now you’re working together as a team to find all of them!
It can be played by up to 4 people, however just 2 is ideal. It’s a fairly snappy and quick to finish, only taking around 15 to 30 minutes to complete.
This is a Cooperative board game which means you don’t have to compete against your friend……..you’re both competing against the game.
As word games go it’s engaging and challenging, plus there’s no adult content so it’s suitable for children.
Best Suited for 2 Players or Pairs
As Codenames: Duet is ideally played with 2 people, however, it’s perfect for friends, family members, couples and small groups too.
The game requires working out the answers through a series of clues, so is both fun and educational.
Skill – Complexity
Codenames: Duet is best suited to older children and adults. Although the game isn’t particularly complex it does require skills in language and comprehension. However it’s a fairly simple concept with only low complexity.
Set Up – Playing Rules & Instructions
Setting up:
Inside the box you’ll find: 25 Word Cards – 15 Agent Cards – 15 Assassin Cards – 9 Timer Tokens – Key Card – Key Card Stand – Timer.
Each player should sit at opposite sides of the table. To set up play, arrange 25 word cards in a 5×5 grid and put a key card in the holder so that each player can see one side of the card. Every player should be able to see a 5×5 grid on the card, with nine of the squares colored green (to represent your agents) and three squares colored black (these are the assassins).
Three of the nine squares on each side are also green on the other side, one assassin is black on both sides, one is green on the other side and the other is an innocent bystander.
Tip: By holding the deck vertically and drawing from the middle, you can only see your own side of the card.
Object of the Game
To win the game, you need to reveal all fifteen agents and no assassins before time runs out.
Either player can decide to give the first one-word clue to the other player, along with a number. Whoever gets the clue places their finger on a card to identify that agent. If they are right, they can then try and find another one.
However, find a bystander and their guessing time is over. Find an assassin and you both lose!
Playing Instructions
Before beginning the game, players should study their side of the key card. The green dots show words that the player is attempting to help the other player to guess. Black dots are assassins and innocent bystanders are in beige.
To take a turn, come up with a clue (one word) and a number to describe one or more of the word cards that they want the other player(s) to guess. If a word card already has a green agent card on top of it, it doesn’t have to be guessed again.
Important Rules to Remember:
- Clues must be to do with the meaning of the words.You can’t give an additional clue by using the number following your clue word.Only once a particular word card is covered with an agent card can you use the clue.Players are allowed to spell out the word that they want to use for their clue.Clues should be in English and players mustn’t give any visual clues.
When the player has decided to stop guessing, they take a bystander token and turn it over to the timer side before putting it in front of them. The other player will then give their next clue.
When one player has had all of their agents guessed, they inform the other player. That player will then be giving clues for the remainder of the game until all agents and no assassins are revealed.
Versions – Editions
There are a number of expansions available for the original Codenames game, mainly in other languages. However, the most recent expansion in English was in 2017 with “Codenames: Bonus Pack – Board Gaming”. Others include “Codenames: Authors & Games” (2016) and “Codenames: Bonus Pack – CGE Games” (2016) which was created for the original Codenames (not Duet version).
Codenames Duet XXL was released May 2019 with larger components which some gamers and ourselves have found favorable – based on its usability.
Likes & Dislikes
- Lightweight and fast.
- Good for couples.
- Cooperative element works well with 2 players.
- Interactive.
- Replay Value is fair and it kind of gets better after a few rounds with the same player.
- Not quite the intense feeling as the main party game version of Codenames.
Although this game is great fun to play, it can be a little tricky to link multiple words together with one clue words to be able to win in time (without accidentally leading your partner to an assassin!).
Bring this game out if you’re wanting something with a bit of thought required but nothing too taxing.
Final Thoughts
Codenames: Duet is a fast-paced number with great replay value. Ideal for 2 players looking for a word game with a difference, it works well in a small team too. Don’t forget to work through the campaign game to make it extra difficult!
Met Expectations
10
Replay Value
9
Engaged Players
8
Value for Money
10
Overall Rating
10
Codenames Duet has become one of my go to 2 player games when any of my friends come around for a beer and we have some spare time. I’m definitely a word game fanatic on and offline so a game like Codenames is a no-brainer.