How to play Spy: rules, tips and strategy
Spy is a social deduction party game for 3 or more players. Everyone gets the same secret word except the spy, who has to bluff their way through the conversation. Here is everything you need to know to play your first round online.
What you need
At least 3 players and a browser — on a phone, tablet or computer. There is nothing to download and no account to create: pick a code name and an avatar and you are in.
The game is best when you can talk to each other. Play in the same room, or start a voice or video call while you play online.
Setting up a room
One player creates a room and becomes the host. The host picks a room size of 5, 10 or 15 players and a round length between 3 and 10 minutes.
Public rooms are listed for anyone to join. Private rooms need an invitation code — share it with your friends so only they can get in. When at least 3 players are in the room and everyone has marked themselves ready, the host starts the round.
During the round
When the round starts, every player privately sees the same secret word — except the spy, who only learns that they are the spy. Keep your screen to yourself.
Take turns asking each other questions about the word. Answers should prove you know the word without making it obvious to the spy. A question like "Would you go there on holiday?" is better than "Is it a beach?".
The spy listens, blends in and tries to work out the word from everyone else's answers.
Voting and the verdict
At any time during the round, players vote by tapping the agent they suspect. When the group is ready, the host reveals the verdict and the most-voted player is named the prime suspect.
If nobody has voted, or two players are tied, keep discussing and vote again. Once there is a single suspect, the group can still choose to discuss more, or confirm their choice.
How to win
The team wins if they confirm a player who really is the spy.
The spy wins if the team accuses an innocent player, or if the timer runs out before the spy is caught.
Every win is added to your win count, so you can see who the best detective in your group is over many rounds.
Playing with more than one spy
In bigger rooms the host can add an extra spy for every 5 players. Catching one spy does not end the round: the team keeps hunting for the others with the time that is left, and the remaining spies win if they stay hidden.
Tips for catching the spy
- Ask questions that only someone who knows the word could answer confidently.
- Watch for vague answers that would fit almost any word.
- Notice who waits for others to answer before giving their own.
- Do not give away too much — a clear hint helps the spy as much as the team.
Tips for playing as the spy
- Listen to the first few answers before committing to anything.
- Give short, confident answers that could fit several words.
- Ask questions back — it buys time and makes you look like a detective.
- Vote with the group so you do not stand out.