What is Who's the Spy? Who's the Spy, also called Undercover or 誰是臥底, is a party word game for 3 or more players. Most players get the same secret word, and the undercover gets a similar but different word, such as Coffee instead of Tea. Nobody knows who the undercover is, not even the undercover. Players give one-clue descriptions and vote out whoever seems to have a different word.
How to play Who's the Spy
- Set up. Add 3 to 8 players and choose Undercover mode. With 6 or more players you can have 2 undercovers; with 5 or more you can add a blank player who gets no word at all.
- See your word. Pass the phone. Each player holds the card to read their word in secret, then passes it on.
- Describe. The game picks who speaks first. In turn, each player says one short clue about their word. Never say the word itself.
- Vote someone out. After each round of clues, vote. The game shows whether you caught the undercover, and the remaining players play another round.
- Win. The group wins when every undercover is out. The undercover wins by surviving until the end.
Game details
| Players | 3 to 8, on one phone |
|---|---|
| Modes | Classic spy (the spy gets no word) and Undercover (one player gets a similar word) |
| Word packs | 14 English packs (Places, Food, Jobs, Animals, Movie scenes, Hong Kong, Countries & cities, Things at home, Sports & hobbies, Holidays & parties, School life, Heroes & characters, Music, Easy for kids) and 12 Cantonese packs |
| Round timer | 3, 5 or 8 minutes |
| Voting | Secret ballot (pass the phone) or point together as a group |
| Languages | English and Traditional Chinese (Hong Kong) |
| Cost | Free. No app, no sign-up, no ads in the game |
Who's the Spy vs the Imposter game
| Undercover (Who's the Spy) | Classic spy (Imposter game) | |
|---|---|---|
| Odd player's card | A similar word (Tea instead of Coffee) | "You are the spy", with an optional hint |
| Knows their role? | No, they have to figure it out | Yes, the spy knows |
| How you talk | One clue each, round by round | Ask each other questions |
| Best for | Groups who like subtle bluffing | New players, quick rounds |
New to these games? Start with the Imposter Game, then switch to Undercover.
Strategy tips
- Listen before you speak. If your word is Tea and others say "Morning" and "Beans", you might be the undercover. Give a clue that fits both.
- Be vague, but not too vague. A very vague clue makes the group suspicious; a very precise one helps the undercover.
- Watch the votes. An undercover who works out the group's word will often vote with the majority to blend in.
Example word pairs
- Pancake / Waffle
- Tea / Coffee
- Beach / Swimming pool
- Guitar / Violin
- Pirate / Viking
- Cinema / Theatre
- Backpack / Suitcase
- Sofa / Armchair
- Bus / Tram
- Hotel / Hostel
- Burger / Sandwich
- Lake / Pond
- Doctor / Nurse
- Shark / Dolphin
- Rain / Snow
- Pizza / Calzone
See all 92 English word pairs, plus 79 Cantonese pairs like 菠蘿包 / 雞尾包 and 奶茶 / 鴛鴦.
Who's the Spy FAQ
How do you play Who's the Spy in Undercover mode?
Most players get the same secret word and the undercover gets a similar word, like Tea instead of Coffee. In turn, everyone says one short clue about their word. Then the group votes someone out. Nobody knows who has the odd word, not even the undercover.
How many players do you need?
At least 3, but it's best with 5 to 8. Two undercovers need 6 or more players, and a blank player (who gets no word) needs 5 or more.
Does the undercover know they are the spy?
No. The undercover only sees a word, so they have to notice from other players' clues that their word is a little different.
Is Who's the Spy the same as Undercover or 誰是臥底?
Yes. It's the same game. It's known as Undercover in English and 誰是臥底 ("Who is the undercover?") in Chinese. This version has a Hong Kong Cantonese word list: tap 繁 in the game.
What are good word pairs for Who's the Spy?
Good pairs are close but not identical: Coffee and Tea, Cat and Dog, Beach and Swimming pool, Netflix and YouTube. See the full list of 92 word pairs.