Decrypto · Board game rules
How do you give clues that are difficult to understand?
Quick answer
Use obscure, indirect references to keyword meanings that opponents are less likely to know or connect.
Details
To create difficult clues, focus on less obvious associations with your keywords. For example, use technical terms (e.g., "Odonata" for dragonfly) or niche cultural references that your team shares but opponents may not [p.9 — Example]. Clues must still relate strictly to the keyword’s meaning, not its spelling, position, or pronunciation [p.5 — 2.1.3]. Avoid common associations (e.g., "sunny" for "sombrero") and instead use indirect links like "parasol" for the same keyword [p.9 — Example].
Clues can be single words, phrases, or even actions (e.g., humming, miming), but they must be clearly separated and publicly verifiable [p.5 — 2.1.3]. For instance, "evening with friends" for "cocktail" ties to social gatherings rather than direct synonyms [p.9 — Example].
Watch out: Overly obscure clues risk confusing your own team. Balance difficulty with internal clarity, as miscommunication tokens are penalized [p.5 — Winning/Losing Conditions].
Additionally, avoid repeating clues across rounds, as reuse is prohibited [p.5 — 2.1.3]. Vary your approach each round to keep opponents guessing while maintaining team understanding.