Who goes first in Codenames?
English base game · 2025 revision (CN rulebook EN 30)
The key card determines the starting team: its edge indicators show that team’s color. That team’s spymaster gives the first clue.
Rule details
Spymasters draw a random key card during setup. The starting team has one additional word to find.
The first move belongs to a team; do not replace the key card’s assignment with a random individual player.
This is the base game, not Codenames: Duet or Pictures.
Official tie-break or fallback
Not applicable: the key card identifies the starting team.
Source & edition
- Codenames — English rulebook EN 30Czech Games Edition · Setup and key on page 2; How to Play on page 4; credits on page 7 · Checked 2026-09-23
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