Party Games
How to play Password
Give a single-word clue that helps a partner guess a secret password.
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How do you play Password?
Teams alternate one-word clues and one guess, using fewer points or chances as the sequence continues. Resolve the full result of that action before the next player begins. Continue in order while keeping pieces, scores, resources, or progress visible. Score correctly guessed passwords under the chosen system; highest total at the endpoint wins.
Jump to the step-by-step rules ↓EDITOR'S TABLE NOTES
Is Password a good fit for your group?
This game works especially well for social groups that value laughter, participation, and short explanations more than detailed strategy; the listed 4+-player range and 20–45 min playing time should also fit the group. Before setting up, decide whether that matches the experience your group wants today.
Rules version covered here
This guide uses a simple, inclusive version designed to keep everyone involved. Decide the time limit, clue restrictions, and tie procedure before beginning. For Password, pay particular attention to the stated setup and ending condition below.
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Learn Password in under a minute
About this video
This original mini lesson covers what you need, setup, normal play, the winning condition, and one beginner tip. Continue below for the complete written guide.
INTERACTIVE LEARN-TO-PLAY
Practice Password before the first round
Walk through the setup, try a sample turn, and get a quick answer when play stalls.
Create two teams, seat clue-givers opposite guessers, and reveal the first password only to clue-givers.
Confirm the starting player, turn direction, and the exact ending condition for Password.
Playable example turn
Step 1 of 4
Teams alternate one-word clues and one guess, using fewer points or chances as the sequence continues.
What should we do now?
Start with this action: Teams alternate one-word clues and one guess, using fewer points or chances as the sequence continues.
Scoring and winning
Score correctly guessed passwords under the chosen system; highest total at the endpoint wins.
Common dispute to prevent
Giving a two-word phrase or adding vocal emphasis that functions as an extra clue. Agree on any edition-specific variation before the first turn.
The objective
Your goal is to give a single-word clue that helps a partner guess a secret password. Before play begins, make sure every player can explain how the game ends and what determines the winner. That one check prevents many mid-game disagreements.
What you need
Password cards or a prepared word list. Lay out every required item before teaching the rules. If pieces, cards, controllers, or play space are missing, resolve that before the practice turn.
How to set up
- Create two teams, seat clue-givers opposite guessers, and reveal the first password only to clue-givers.
- Confirm the starting player, turn direction, and the exact ending condition for Password.
Setup check: Ask one player who did not arrange the game to compare the table, field, or screen with these steps. A fresh look often catches an incorrect starting position.
How to play: step by step
- Teams alternate one-word clues and one guess, using fewer points or chances as the sequence continues.
- Resolve the full result of that action before the next player begins.
- Continue in order while keeping pieces, scores, resources, or progress visible.
- Score correctly guessed passwords under the chosen system; highest total at the endpoint wins.
Example first round
A useful first-round walkthrough for Password begins this way: Teams alternate one-word clues and one guess, using fewer points or chances as the sequence continues. Next, resolve the full result of that action before the next player begins. Continue in normal turn order until the ending condition applies: score correctly guessed passwords under the chosen system; highest total at the endpoint wins.
How scoring and winning work
- The result is determined by the guide's stated objective: Give a single-word clue that helps a partner guess a secret password.
- The final step explains when play stops: Score correctly guessed passwords under the chosen system; highest total at the endpoint wins.
- For the most common rules question, use this clarification consistently: Usually yes if it was legal, though the opposing team's earlier guesses may have changed its usefulness.
Useful variations
- Use teams or allow a pass so shy players can participate without being singled out.
- For a shorter session, announce a stopping time before starting; 20–45 min is the normal planning range for Password.
- When playing with beginners, demonstrate this strategy before scoring begins: Choose a clue that narrows meaning without being a form, part, translation, or direct derivative of the password.
Beginner strategies
- Choose a clue that narrows meaning without being a form, part, translation, or direct derivative of the password.
- After each round, identify which decision created the strongest position and test that lesson in the next game.
Choose one of these ideas for the first game instead of trying to remember every strategy at once. Afterward, identify one decision that changed the result and one move you would test next time.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Giving a two-word phrase or adding vocal emphasis that functions as an extra clue.
- Mixing rules from another edition or a familiar house version without telling the other players.
If an illegal move is discovered, pause and agree on the least disruptive correction. For casual play, consistency and a shared understanding matter more than reconstructing many turns.
Frequently asked questions
May a clue be repeated?
Usually yes if it was legal, though the opposing team's earlier guesses may have changed its usefulness.
What is the best way to teach Password?
Explain the objective, demonstrate one normal turn, and let everyone try a no-pressure practice turn before scoring.
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