Setup
Players choose one difficulty level (1–5) before the game begins.
Before play begins, all players agree on a single difficulty level from 1 (easiest) to 5 (hardest). Only the clue corresponding to that level is read from each Clue card during the game. It is recommended to start at Level 1 and progress through levels in order across play sessions.
Turn structure
On your turn, draw the top Clue card and read the clue for the chosen difficulty level aloud.
On your turn, draw the top Clue card from the stack and read only the clue that corresponds to the difficulty level chosen at the start of the game. Do not read clues for other difficulty levels. All players then discuss possible matching Word cards.
Turn structure
When the group agrees on a match, place the Clue card on the corresponding Word card.
Once the group believes they have found the correct Word card for a Clue card, the Clue card is placed face-up on top of that Word card. There is no time limit for deliberation; players should carefully consider every word and discuss all options before placing.
Turn structure
Clue cards that have already been placed may be moved to a different Word card at any time.
At any point during the game, players may pick up a previously placed Clue card and move it to a different Word card if they believe the original placement was incorrect. This can be done during any player's turn, without restriction.
Turn structure
If you have no idea where a Clue card belongs, set it aside and return to it later.
If the group cannot determine which Word card matches a Clue card, they may set that Clue card aside rather than placing it. These unplaced cards can be revisited at any time. When only difficult cards remain, players must use deductive reasoning — the remaining unmatched Word cards narrow the possibilities.
Endgame
When all 49 Clue cards are placed, the one remaining Word card is 'the key'.
There are 50 Word cards and 49 Clue cards. When every Clue card has been placed on a Word card, exactly one Word card will have no Clue card on it. This leftover Word card is called 'the key' and is used to determine if the team has won.
Endgame
Flip the key Word card and compare its code to the Answer card for the chosen difficulty level.
Once all Clue cards are placed and the group is satisfied with their choices, take the leftover Word card (the key), flip it over, and compare its code to the code printed on the Answer card for the difficulty level being played. If the codes match, the team wins that level.
Endgame
If the first key is wrong, place it back and try again; a correct second key also wins.
If the code on the first key does not match the Answer card, the key Word card is placed back among the Word cards on the table. Players adjust their Clue card placements and select a new key. If that second key's code matches the Answer card, the team wins (though with a lower point score if using the optional scoring system).