Worked example
Five players, Similar Word. Four people are dealt Apple and one is dealt Pear. They give one-line clues in turn, then vote. If the group taps the Pear player, the group wins and both words are shown. If they tap an Apple player, the impostor wins.
Variations in this app
Similar WordThe impostor gets a related word, not a blank. Clues sound almost right, which is why a five-player game is harder than it looks.
BlankThe impostor is dealt nothing and has to build a clue from what they hear. Use this once the group has already played Similar Word.
Hosting it
- Deal with the phone face-down between holds. Names are optional and only label the vote buttons.
- One sentence each, then vote in the app. There is no chat box and no second discussion round unless you choose to talk before anyone taps.
- Two players is a bluff duel, not a party. Save it for a pair; use four to six when the room is new.
💡 Tips for more fun
- 🎭Impostors: listen carefully to others before your turn — you can often piece together the word from their clues.
- 🤫Crewmates: be specific enough to prove you know the word, but not so obvious you make it trivial for the impostor to copy.
- 🔄Try Blank mode for a harder challenge — the impostor must construct entirely plausible clues with no information at all.
- ⏱️Limit clues to one sentence per player to keep the pace up and prevent impostors from stalling.
❓ Frequently asked questions
How do you play Impostor?
Every player is secretly given the same word — except one impostor who gets a related word (Similar mode) or nothing at all (Blank mode). Players take turns describing what their word makes them think of without saying it. After discussion the group votes on who they think is the impostor.
What is the difference between Similar Word and Blank mode?
In Similar Word mode the impostor gets a closely related word (e.g. everyone gets "Apple" and the impostor gets "Pear"), making it genuinely hard to spot them. In Blank mode the impostor has no word at all and must bluff entirely from context clues dropped by other players.
How many players can play Impostor?
Impostor works with 2 to 12 players. Four to six players is the sweet spot — enough voices to create doubt, but few enough that one suspicious answer stands out.
What happens if the group votes for the wrong person?
After voting the result is revealed: if the group chose the impostor, the group wins; if they chose an innocent player, the impostor wins. The correct word is then shown to everyone.
Can Impostor be played with children?
Yes — the word pairs are family-friendly and suitable from age 10 upward. The bluffing mechanic is simple enough for younger players while still being fun for adults.
Can you play Impostor with 2 players?
Yes. Impostor now supports 2 players for a fast bluffing duel, where one player secretly holds the impostor word and the other must work out who has it.
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