Classic Imposter: rules and how to play
Everyone is shown the same secret word except one player, the imposter. Go round giving one-word clues, then vote on who was bluffing.
- Players3 to 12
- A round takesabout 5 minutes
- Play it onone phone, or a phone each with a room code
- In the appFree
What is Classic Imposter?
Classic Imposter is the imposter word game most people start with. Each round, every player secretly sees the same word. One player sees “Imposter” instead and has no idea what the word is.
Players take turns saying one word connected to the secret word. The imposter listens, works out what everyone is hinting at and says something that fits. Then the group talks it over and votes. If the vote lands on the imposter, the group wins. If it lands on anyone else, the imposter gets away with it.
How to play
- Everyone gets the secret word. One player gets “Imposter”.
- Go round giving one-word clues. Not too obvious.
- Vote for who you think the imposter is. Catch them and the group wins.
Ways to change the game
- More than one imposter. Bigger groups can play with two or three imposters.
- Help the imposter. Show the imposter the category or a short hint so they are not completely lost.
- Last Chance Guess. A caught imposter gets one guess at the secret word. Get it right and they steal the win.
- Wrong Word. The imposter is given a similar word, such as “hairbrush” instead of “toothbrush”, and is not told they are the imposter.
Tips
- Keep clues vague. “Morning” is a better clue for “toothbrush” than “teeth”, because an obvious clue hands the word to the imposter.
- If you are the imposter, go late if you can and copy the feel of the clues before yours. A confident, boring clue beats a clever one.
- Watch for clues that would fit almost any word. “Useful” and “common” are what someone says when they do not know the word.
- In the discussion, ask people to explain their clue. The imposter has to invent a reason on the spot.
Example words
- Toothbrush
- Kettle
- Microwave
- Toaster
- Hoover
- Hairdryer
- Wardrobe
- Slippers
- Charger
- Laptop
- Stairs
- Toilet
- Clock
- Scissors
- Backpack
- Sunglasses
- Ironing board
- Rug
- Kitchen roll
- Bleach
- Smoke alarm
- Doormat
- Bike
- Hot water bottle
More games in Fib Club
Questions people ask
How many players do you need for Classic Imposter?
Three is the minimum and it works up to twelve. Four to eight is the sweet spot: enough clues to hide behind, few enough that everyone gets a say.
Can you play the imposter game with one phone?
Yes. In Fib Club you pass one phone around the group. Each player drags their card up to see the word in private, then passes it on. No accounts or internet are needed.
What happens if the imposter guesses the word?
With Last Chance Guess switched on, a caught imposter gets one typed guess at the secret word. A correct guess steals the win. Small spelling slips are allowed.
What makes a good word for the imposter game?
Something everybody at the table knows, with plenty of things to say about it. Everyday objects, foods, places and famous people all work well. Very obscure words make the round a guessing game instead of a bluffing game.