How to Play a Password-Style Word Game

Set up your game

1. Prepare 10–20 words that your group knows. Start with everyday objects, then add a few harder ideas.
2. Divide into two teams. Choose a clue-giver and guesser for each team; rotate roles after a word is finished.
3. Keep the secret word visible only to the clue-givers. Give one word as a clue, then allow one guess.
4. If the guess is incorrect, pass the opportunity to the other team with the same secret word. Continue with a new one-word clue, or skip the word if the round stalls.
5. Agree on scoring before you start. For a paper game, one point per correct word is a simple house rule. PlayPassword Classic starts each word at 10 points and reduces the available points after misses. Timer and Host Mode point controls are on the host screen.

A worked round: the answer is Ocean

Team A’s clue-giver says “Wave.” Their partner guesses “Surf.” Team B then gets a turn and says “Pacific.” Their partner guesses “Ocean.” Under a one-point paper-game house rule, Team B earns the point. PlayPassword Classic uses its decreasing point score instead.

“Big water” is two words. Spelling O-C-E-A-N gives away the answer. “Oceanic” contains the answer. Avoid all three under the one-word rules used in this guide.

Choose a PlayPassword hosting format

Classic Password uses player clue-giving and alternating attempts. Host Mode lets the host prepare a clue and run a buzzer-based round. The worked example above is for the alternating Classic format; explain the buzzer rules separately if you choose Host Mode.

Sign in, create your word list, choose the play style, and preview the game before guests arrive. The public sample lets you try clue-and-guess play without creating an account.

Host checklist

• Test the screen or projector before play.
• Keep secret answers off the screen seen by guessers.
• Explain whether names, opposites, and repeated clues are allowed.
• Choose a timer that gives everyone time to participate.
• Keep spare words ready and rotate clue-givers.
• For a video call, share the player-facing display and use a private channel for any secret word.