6.3
rating
Ludopedia
5.5
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
If you enjoy quick, strategic games that fit in your pocket, SPY is a sure bet! It's the kind of game that makes you think about every move, but without any fuss.
Highlights
- Quick and engaging strategy
- Easy to learn, hard to master
- Great for travel
- Pure intelligence duel
Keep in mind
- Can feel a bit abstract
- Luck can play a small role
- Little direct interaction
Rules manual not indexed yet
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Get ready for an intelligence duel in the world of espionage with SPY, a fast-paced and to-the-point game! Just imagine: six continents and six spy tools laid out on the table, each with a marker indicating how many agents are on duty. Your objective? To get rid of all your spies as quickly as possible, of course! You start with three cards in hand and, each round, add a new one, revealing a continent and a tool. On your turn, you can use cards from your hand, those already on the table in front of you, or a combination of both to 'report' a continent or a tool. By doing so, you can add your own spy markers to the corresponding continents or tools, based on the difference between what you played and what's already there. Sounds simple, right? But the trick is, the more spies already at a location, the more cards you'll need to gather to add a new one. It's a game of timing and reading your opponents: reporting too early might mean adding only a few spies, while waiting too long could let someone get rid of theirs before you do. SPY is pure abstract strategy with a touch of hand management, perfect for those who like to think fast and aren't afraid of a good bluff. It's the kind of game that fits in your pocket and your schedule, ideal for a quick match with friends or as a warm-up for more complex games.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
In English
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
BEST
3
REC
4
OK
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Publisher
KOSMOS, 999 Games, Muduko, SimplyFun, Überplay
Designer
Reiner Knizia
Artist
Piotr Sokołowski, Tanja Donner
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can participate in a game of SPY?
SPY is a game for 2 to 4 players. It plays well at all counts, but it truly shines in two-player games where the competition is fiercer.
How long does a game last?
SPY games are super quick, usually lasting around 30 minutes. Perfect for those with limited time or who want to play multiple games in a row.
Is SPY a complex game?
Not at all! The rules are quite simple, and you can learn them in just a few minutes. The challenge lies in the strategy and anticipating your opponents' moves.
What are the game components?
The game comes with cards representing continents and tools, as well as spy markers for each player. It's a very compact set!
Who would you recommend SPY for?
We recommend SPY for those who enjoy card games with abstract strategy, hand management, and a touch of deduction. It's great for both casual and experienced players looking for a quick and intelligent match.
Is there a lot of luck involved in SPY?
Luck is present in the card draw, but most of the game is pure strategy and reading your opponents. Knowing when and how to play your cards is the key.
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