Decrypto

In the standard game, divide four to eight players into two teams. Each places four keyword cards in its screen, numbered 1–4 and unchanged throughout the game. Opponents cannot see them. Teams have separate code decks and note sheets. Rotate Encryptors each round and play at most eight rounds; three players use separate rules.

Both Encryptors simultaneously draw a private code card and write three clues in its numerical order without showing the code. White announces first; both teams discuss separately and write their complete guesses. The Encryptor must not help through reactions or extra information.

For White’s transmission, Black reads its interception guess first, then White reads its own decryption, and finally White’s Encryptor reveals the code. All numbers and their order must match. Neither side may intercept in round one. Record the correct number beside each clue and add it to that keyword’s history.

A correct interception earns one Interception token. Incorrectly decoding your own Encryptor earns one Miscommunication token. There is no penalty for a failed interception and no reward for correctly decoding your own code. One transmission can both fail for its own team and be intercepted by the opposition.

Reverse roles to resolve Black’s transmission. Finish both transmissions before checking victory or defeat; do not stop as soon as a second token appears. If the game continues, return code cards to their own decks and shuffle before selecting the next Encryptors, so a code can recur.

Clues concern keyword meanings and public information, not spelling, pronunciation, letter count, screen position or private knowledge. Do not use any keyword or its translation as a clue, even for another keyword, and do not reuse a clue during the game. Words or sentences are allowed; with group agreement, humming or mime is possible. Separate the three clues clearly and do not revise them once announced. Share all information with opponents too, and spell the clue itself if asked.

At round end, two Interception tokens win and two Miscommunication tokens lose. If one team both wins and loses, both teams reach the same ending condition that round, or eight rounds pass without a result, compare Interceptions minus Miscommunications. If tied, each team guesses the other’s four keywords; more correct words wins, and a remaining tie shares victory.