About Spy
In Spy, everyone except one player receives the same secret. Ask careful questions over live video to prove you know it without giving it away. The Spy listens, improvises, and tries to identify the answer before the group exposes them. Each round takes only a few minutes, but every answer can change the room's suspicions.
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How to Play Spy
1. Choose a category
Players rate built-in categories such as Locations, Countries, Objects, Sports, Animals, and Transport. Anyone can also propose a custom category. The highest-rated option becomes the theme for the round.
2. Reveal your role
One player is secretly selected as the Spy. Every other player sees the same secret word and its category. The Spy sees only the category, never the exact answer.
3. Question the group
A randomly selected player opens the discussion. Ask questions about the secret's qualities, context, use, or experience. Informed players must show that they know the answer without making it obvious; the Spy must answer convincingly and learn from every clue.
4. Accuse or guess
After the opening discussion period, each player may accuse one suspect. The group votes to confirm or reject the accusation. The Spy may instead risk one secret guess during the round. If caught, the Spy gets one final Golden Guess to steal the win.
5. Beat the clock
If time expires, everyone votes for the suspected Spy. Catch the right player and survive their Golden Guess to win as the informed team. Select an innocent player, and the Spy wins.
Rules at a Glance
- Do not say the secret, an unmistakable synonym, or a uniquely identifying name.
- Avoid spelling, initials, rhymes, translations, or lists of possible answers.
- Keep questions open enough to test knowledge rather than invite a simple yes or no.
- Each player gets one early accusation per round.
- The Spy gets one voluntary secret guess and, if identified, one final Golden Guess.
- A confirmed accusation against an innocent player gives the Spy an immediate win.
Scoring
Non-spies earn points for correctly identifying the Spy. The accuser can earn a bonus for leading a successful vote. The Spy scores by surviving, misleading the group into accusing an innocent player, or correctly guessing the secret. Point values and timers are configurable by the host.
Why Play Spy on Jovly?
- Live video built in keeps every hesitation, bluff, and reaction visible.
- Fresh categories include curated choices and player-proposed custom themes.
- Private roles keep the secret safe while the game manages reveals and votes.
- Fast rounds make Spy ideal for game nights, virtual parties, and remote team socials.
- Fair role rotation gives everyone a chance to deceive the group.
Gather at least three players, choose your categories, and find out who can keep a straight face.