Spyfall

Cryptozoic Entertainment • 2014

Everyone gets a card telling them the current location — a bank, a pirate ship, a hospital, whatever. Everyone except the spy, who gets a blank card and has no idea where they are. Players take turns asking each other questions. "What might you be wearing here?" "What's the temperature like?" The non-spies are trying to confirm each other's knowledge without being too specific (because the spy is listening). The spy is trying to bluff through the questions and figure out the location before they're exposed. At any point, players can accuse someone of being the spy and call a vote. If the spy is caught, the spy can still win by guessing the correct location. If the spy figures out the location before being caught, they win outright. Rounds are strictly timed at 8 minutes. Most end faster because someone either cracks under questioning or makes an accusation. The tight timer keeps things moving and prevents over-analysis. There are 30 locations in the base game, and a sequel with 30 more. You can also play for free with phone apps, though the physical cards are nicer for in-person groups. Works at 3-8 players, better at 5-6 where there's enough conversation to give the spy cover.