How to Play Imposter
The complete guide to playing the Imposter party word game. Learn the rules, master the strategy, and become unbeatable — whether you're the imposter or hunting one.
?What is Imposter?
Imposter is a social deduction party game where everyone sees the same secret word — except one person (the imposter). Through cleverly worded clues and careful observation, players must identify who's faking it.
Imposter Game Rules: Step by Step
1Setup: Gather Your Group
Get 3-10 players together. You only need one phone or tablet — everyone will share the device. Sit in a circle so you can easily pass the phone around.
💡 Tip: Pro tip: Sitting where everyone can see each other's faces makes catching the imposter much easier (and funnier)!
2Secret Word Distribution
Open the Imposter app and start a new round. Each player will take turns secretly looking at their card on the phone:
- Regular players see the secret word (e.g., "Pizza")
- The imposter sees "You are the Imposter!" — they don't know the word
💡 Tip: Nobody should see each other's cards! Keep the phone tilted away from others when peeking.
3The Clue Round
Going around the circle, each player gives a one-word clue that relates to the secret word.
Examples if the word is "Pizza":
- "Cheese" — good, clearly related
- "Italian" — okay, somewhat vague
- "Food" — too vague, might seem suspicious!
⚠️ The trick: Your clue must prove you know the word, but not give it away to the imposter!
4Discussion & Accusations
After everyone has given their clue, it's time to discuss! Players can:
- Question anyone about their clue choice
- Point out suspicious behavior
- Defend themselves if accused
- Form alliances and theories
This is where the fun happens — watch for nervous laughs, hesitation, or clues that don't quite fit!
5Vote & Reveal
After discussion, everyone points at who they think is the imposter on the count of three. The person with the most votes is accused!
Winning conditions:
- Players win if they correctly identify the imposter
- Imposter wins if they avoid detection OR if they can correctly guess the secret word when caught
😈Imposter Strategy
- •Listen first — let others give clues before you to gather hints about the word
- •Go vague but confident — nervous delivery is more suspicious than a safe clue
- •Accuse others — blend in by participating in the discussion
- •Remember the category — the game shows word categories, use them!
🔍Catching the Imposter
- •Watch body language — nervous glances, delayed responses, forced confidence
- •Note clue timing — imposters often wait to go later in the round
- •Ask follow-up questions — "Why did you say that clue?"
- •Look for generic clues — words that could apply to many things
Game Variations & House Rules
Two-Word Clues
Allow two-word clues for younger players or when using difficult categories.
Multiple Imposters
With 6+ players, add a second imposter who also doesn't know the word. They must find each other!
Speed Round
Only 3 seconds per clue — no time to overthink, which often trips up the imposter.
No Discussion
Skip the discussion phase and vote immediately based only on clues.