So, if you are interested, below is a simplified way of how to play Decrypto easily and fluently.
How to play Decrypto
Decrypto is a 3-8 player party board game designed by Thomas Dagenais-Lespérance and published by Le Scorpion Masque. It will make a perfect board game for both you, your family ,and your friends.
Components
- 2 Screens
- 110 Keyword cards (440 words)
- 4 Interception Tokens
- 4 Miscommunication Tokens
- 48 Code cards
- 50 Note Sheets
- 1 Sand Timer
- 1 Rulebook
Setup
To get started place these two screens in the center of the table with the red window facing opposite directions. You then split the players evenly into two teams with each facing one of them. For example, in a four-player game, two people would be the white spies seated at the other side with the back spies seated at the other end.
Each team then takes the keyword cards and places them in their respective screens, making sure to hide them from their opponents. Each card reveals a secret word. After that put away the remaining keyword cards.
Now each team takes their code cards and shuffles them. Make sure you also have your double-sided sheet in front of you matching your color. Then place the sand timer, miscommunication and interception codes at the center of the table.
Remember each team needs to have a pen or anything to write with.
Gameplay overview
This game involves two teams, with one player trying to pass a secret code to his teammates. Failing to do so is equal to losing the game. The other team members also have the chance to intercept their codes increasing their chances of winning the game.
The game is played for a number of rounds which is determined before the game begins. Before the game begins each team chooses one player to become an encryptor.
Code cards
The encryptor draws a card from their code deck and looks at it without showing it to anybody. Each card features three numbers ranging from three to four. This is the code you need to get your team players to figure out in the exact order without saying it directly.
Creating clues
The next step is to start creating clues related to the words on your screen which your team can directly translate into the code. You can do this by finding the round 1 area of your note sheet and jotting down three clues they can use to guess or figure out the code.
Clue example
Here is an example to help you grasp the idea of creating clues.
EXAMPLE:
Let’s assume you are Samuel who happens to be the “Encryptor”. You belong to the white team with two members James and Caroline and you want to transmit a three-digit code from your card. In order to achieve that you need to come up with clues for each digit, one for each digit: “Country”, “Money”, “Egg”, “Computer”
You help your teammates figure out the code, you must give them clue words relating meaningfully to the words provided above. Your keywords for this game might be:
- Exchange 2. Crack 3. Windows.
If your team members deducted correctly, they will come to the following conclusion.
The word exchange relates to money, crack to egg, and windows to the computer.
Samuel’s code then is 2.3.4
Copying down clues
After both teams are done, the white team will announce their clues and everyone will write the clues down. Provided they have not solved the code, the team members try to figure out what the clues relate to singing the keywords you gave them. You cannot in any way participate if you are an encryptor.
When they are done, they write the code they figured out into the note sheet provided.
Miscommunication
If your team guessed the wrong code, your team will gain a miscommunication token. No matter the number of errors you still only get one token if you are in the same round. You only get another one in a different round.
Tracking clues
After the clues are given, both teams write those clues down at the bottom of the sheet, both your team and the opposing team. The opposing team writes it down to help them find clues to intercept your code. Be sure to make your clues vaguer to the other team.
After copying the clues down, the other team takes their turn and the round ends.
Ending the round
After the round ends, a team loses if they have two miscommunication tokens, they win if they have two interception tokens.
However, interception tokens can also take place after the first round.
After this, both teams shuffle their cards and start discussing among themselves what the code was.
Choose a new encryptor for the next round.
Intercepting clues
Remember this is how every round goes. But, after the first round, when an encryptor gives his clues, both teams can discuss among themselves what the code is.
The opposing team will try to intercept the code. If they guess correctly the code, they will receive an interception code. But, if the other team guessed their own code incorrectly, they will receive a miscommunication token.
Rules for giving clues in Decrypto
- You cannot give one word for a clue.
- You can provide full sentences if you want to.
- Make sure to make sure clues clear as possible
- Clues may not refer to the pronunciation, the number of words, the spelling of the or position of words on the screen. For example, you can not give a clue word “C” for computer or “G” for Black. The clue must always relate to the meaning of the words on the screen.
- Clue words must be spelled out if team players ask for them.
- You cannot change the clue once it is given.
- The clue provided must not be private, meaning well understood by the public, not secret language among friends.
- You cannot use the same clue more than once per game.
Team communication
During gameplay, you can listen to what the other is discussing. You can get clues to help you guess their code. However, be careful as you can be misled.
Ending the game
At the end of the round, a team wins by having two-interception tokens and loses by having two miscommunication tokens.
Tiebreaker rules
At the end of a round, a tie happens if:
- A team has both a miscommunication token and an interception token at the end of every round.
- If both teams have the same tokens, interception and miscommunication tokens.
- If both teams guessed their codes incorrectly in the second round hence earning a miscommunication token
- If there is no winner by the end of the eighth round.
Rules for 3-player games
The rule for three-player games is a little bit different. Check the picture below for guidelines.
Video Tutorial on how to play Decrypto board game
Conclusion
Decrypto is an interesting party game, great for friends and family, and dinner parties.
These simple and concise rules will help you get the hang of it very quickly. If you don’t own the game buy it here.
Note: It doesn’t have to be a serious activity. treat it as a hobby.