Imposter word game: how to play, rules and example words

In the imposter word game, every player learns a secret word except one: the imposter. Everyone gives a clue, the imposter bluffs, and the group votes on who doesn't really know the word. Below are the rules, scoring, clue examples and word ideas. Want to skip the paper slips? Faker Finder runs the whole game free on one phone you pass around.

What you need

• 3 to 12 players.
• One phone, tablet or laptop to pass around. No accounts, and it runs offline once loaded.

How to play (one round)

1. Pass the phone. Each player sees the secret word, for example PANDA, except the imposter (called the Faker in this version), who only sees the category: Animals. You can turn the category hint off for a harder game.
2. One clue each. Go around once. Each player says one clue word that proves they know the secret without giving it away. The imposter bluffs a clue that sounds right.
3. Vote. Talk it over, then pick who you think the imposter is.
4. Last chance. If the imposter is caught, they get one guess at the secret word.

Good clues and bad clues

Scoring

• Imposter escapes (the group votes for the wrong person): imposter +2.
• Imposter is caught but guesses the secret word: imposter +1.
• Imposter is caught and misses: everyone else +1.

Example words for the imposter game

Animals: Elephant, Penguin, Giraffe, Kangaroo, Octopus, Owl, Shark, Sloth, Jellyfish, Llama, Hedgehog, Flamingo

Foods: Pizza, Pancakes, Sushi, Tacos, Popcorn, Pickles, Grilled cheese, Waffles, Nachos, Pretzel, Mac and cheese

Places: Beach, Library, Airport, Zoo, Castle, Space station, Bowling alley, Water park, Haunted house, Aquarium, Volcano

All three categories are in the free game, and it picks the word for you so nobody has to sit out as the host.

Want more?

The full game ($2.99) adds Timer mode, 10 categories, your own word lists, 2-Faker rounds and score history. Get the full game.

Faker Finder is made by Nathan's Game Shed. All ages.