How to play Spy Locations

Find the spy. Keep the location off the table.

Objective

The game is a battle of wits between the locals and the spy.

  • Locals win by naming the spy before time runs out.
  • The spy wins by staying hidden, then guessing the secret location.

Roles

The locals

Most players are locals. Each local knows the secret location and works with the table to find the spy. Ask questions a local would know, without handing the place to the spy.

The spy

One player is the spy and does not know the location. Blend in, listen, and give answers that could fit more than one place. The goal is to guess the location without getting caught.

How to play

Setup

Each player gets a role. Locals learn the location. The spy only learns that they are the spy. The clock starts.

Questions

Take turns asking about the location. Be specific enough to catch the spy, and vague enough not to name the place.

The call

Anytime during the clock, the table can agree on who the spy is and end the round.

Time's up

If the spy is still hidden when time expires, they get one guess at the location. A correct guess wins it for the spy.

At the table

For locals

  • Ask questions that need knowledge of the place
  • Listen for vague or hesitant answers
  • Don't say the location name out loud

For the spy

  • Give answers that could fit several places
  • Match how specific everyone else is being
  • Ask questions of your own to learn the location

Quick Start

How to play Spy Locations in 3 steps

  1. 1

    Join the Room & Check Your Card

    Everyone joins on their own phone or laptop. Every local receives the secret location (e.g. Airport, Submarine, Casino) and a role, while one player is secretly named the Spy.

  2. 2

    Take Turns Interrogating

    Players ask each other clever questions about the venue without giving the exact name away. Locals probe for suspicious answers, while the Spy bluffs and blends in.

  3. 3

    Unmask the Spy or Guess the Location

    At any point before time runs out, the table can call for a vote to accuse the Spy. If accused correctly, the locals win. If time expires, the Spy gets one final guess at the location to steal the win.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you play Spy Locations?
Locals know the secret location. The spy does not. Players ask each other questions. Locals try to spot the spy without saying the location out loud.
How do locals win?
Locals win by identifying and voting out the spy before time runs out.
How does the spy win?
The spy wins by staying hidden until time expires, then correctly guessing the secret location. If that guess is wrong, the locals win.

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