From the publisher’s rulebook
Who goes first in Codenames: Pictures?
CGE English refreshed edition
The triangles on the randomly drawn key card show which team starts. That team’s Spymaster gives the first clue.
Rule details
The starting team receives the double-agent tile and must find one more picture than the other team. Teams alternate turns.
Each team chooses its Spymaster during setup.
Source & edition
- Codenames: Pictures: English rulebookCzech Games Edition · Setup: Give the double agent to the starting team; How to play · Checked 2026-09-26
Image: © Czech Games Edition and its credited cover illustrators · Czech Games Edition
If your rules call for a random choice, use the player picker.
If there’s a tie
The rulebook doesn’t say. If you need a tie-break, pick a player at random.
Related games and editions
CodenamesCzech Games Edition English base game · 2025 revision
Codenames: DuetCGE English refreshed edition
Games with a similar starting rule
Baseball Highlights: 2045Randomly assign the Visiting and Home teams. The Visiting team plays first.
Star RealmsRandomly determine who plays first. The first player starts with a 3-card hand; the second player draws 5.
The ResistanceRandomly select a Leader, who takes the Leader token and proposes the first Mission Team.
Summoner Wars: Second EditionRandomly choose which player goes first. The starting player begins with 2 magic, and the opponent begins with 3 magic.
ConcordiaDetermine the start player randomly. The last player (to the right of the start player) receives the Praefectus Magnus card.
Free game-night tools: score keeper · turn timer · dice roller · all tools
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