Imposter · 3–14 players
How to play Imposter
Everyone knows the secret word except the impostors. Listen to each other's spoken clues and find who is bluffing.
How to play
- The host chooses the word category and number of impostors. Starting order can show one random starter or the full shuffled order.
- Privately check your word or role. The named player starts giving clues aloud. Use a voice call when playing remotely.
- Discuss the clues, then each remaining player votes for one suspect. Everyone sees who voted for whom. Catch the impostors before they survive the chosen voting rounds or reach parity.
Keep secret words and roles private. A useful clue shows you know the word without making it obvious to the impostors.
Before you start
Bring 3–14 players together in the same room or on a voice call. Give clues aloud and discuss suspects; each player keeps their word or role private on their own screen.
Estimated time for six players with default settings: About 5 min. Discussion and host settings can change this.
Voice and conversation
Give clues and discuss aloud in the same room or on a voice call.
Example round
For the practice word Umbrella, one player gives the clue Forecast and another says Dry. An imposter who never saw the word must blend in. Compare the clues before voting for a suspect.
A useful tip
Give a clue that proves you know the word without simply naming it.
Imposter words and clue ideas
Use these original examples to understand a clue: related to the secret word, without simply naming it. These are practice ideas, not a list of live game answers.
| Secret word | Possible clue |
|---|---|
| Pizza | “Friday night” |
| Beach | “Sunscreen” |
| Umbrella | “Forecast” |
| Library | “Whisper” |
| Popcorn | “Opening credits” |
| Bicycle | “Balance” |
A clue that fits several words gives the imposter room to bluff. An overly specific clue may reveal the word. Keep your private screen hidden, and use the game’s word for the real round.
A secret-word imposter game for your own group
This word game rewards a clue that is recognizable without being obvious. If your clue could fit almost anything, the other players learn little; if it names the answer, the impostors learn too much.
Agree on where you will talk before starting: around the same table or in a voice call. Keep each phone private, follow the displayed clue order, then compare what people said before voting.
Practice with Imposter words and clues