Collection Status
Your Rating
Description
Players compete in two teams in Decrypto, with each trying to correctly interpret the coded messages presented to them by their teammates while cracking the codes they intercept from the opposing team.
In more detail, each team has their own screen, and in this screen they tuck four cards in pockets numbered 1-4, letting everyone on the same team see the words on these cards while hiding the words from the opposing team. In the first round, each team does the following: One team member takes a code card that shows three of the digits 1-4 in some order, e.g., 4-2-1. They then give a coded message that their teammates must use to guess this code. For example, if the team's four words are "pig", "candy", "tent", and "son", then I might say "Sam-striped-pink" and hope that my teammates can correctly map those words to 4-2-1. If they guess correctly, great; if not, we receive a black mark of failure.
Starting in the second round, a member of each team must again give a clue about their words to match a numbered code. If I get 2-4-3, I might now say, "sucker-prince-stake". The other team then attempts to guess our numbered code. If they're correct, they receive a white mark of success; if not, then my team must guess the number correctly or take a black mark of failure. (Guessing correctly does nothing except avoid failure and give the opposing team information about what our hidden words might be.)
The rounds continue until a team collects either its second white mark (winning the game) or its second black mark (losing the game). Games typically last between 4-7 rounds. If neither team has won after eight rounds, then each team must attempt to guess the other team's words; whichever team guesses more words correctly wins.
Year Published
2018
Transcript Analysis
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 14
This page: 14
Sentiment:
pos 13 ·
mix 1 ·
neu 0 ·
neg 0
Showing 1–14 of 14
Video nr94pOTSKlc
Rolls in the Family top_10_list at 15:14 sentiment: positive
video_pk 13250 · mention_pk 38812
Click to watch at 15:14
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- tight, tense bluff and decode interplay
- great party/house game with multiple teams
- scalable to larger groups
Cons
- requires good clue-giving to avoid giving away too much
- miscommunication can derail players new to the game
Thematic elements
- cooperative wordplay with misdirection
- teams giving coded clues to guess words
- spymaster-style clue interpretation
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- communication/puzzle construction — one team provides clues to words while the other team tries to intercept
- decryption/guessing — teams decode the clues under pressure to identify target words
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- my number 10 is tachu
- it's fun I mean plant and I mean so you obviously I would say do you like that kind of having to siphon through
- the real MVP comment Micah down below
- Kay's number one game of all time tune in next year geez
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video iABOc19lAf0
Unknown Channel general_discussion at 6:39 sentiment: positive
video_pk 11926 · mention_pk 34994
Click to watch at 6:39
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- brain-burning word-puzzle
- escalating tension with information leakage
Cons
- can become harsh if teams guess poorly
Thematic elements
- codes and clues
- cryptography and code-decryption in a team-based spy scenario
- competitive co-op clue deciphering
Comparison games
- Codenames
- Code Names: Pictures
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- clue-based deduction — teams give three clues to four secret words while opposing teams listen
- Code-breaking — teams try to decipher each other's clues while avoiding misdirection
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- What's the best entry-level board game? Wrong question. There is no best entry-level board game. There's only the chart.
- This is the chart chart.
- Don't optimize too hard. We aren't playing scythe right now.
- This is the gateway to an entire genre.
- For entry-level gamers, you want to have that fun to admin ratio heavily tilted towards fun.
- If someone has real enthusiasm for a game, just play it.
- Trust on your group, trust on your instinct.
- It's the gateway game that opened the floodgates to the modern industry.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video OQ4hr9-Yy80
Rolls in the Family top_10_list at 21:02 sentiment: positive
video_pk 11440 · mention_pk 33631
Click to watch at 21:02
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- great for groups
- strong team interaction
- high replay potential
Cons
- downtime during clue interpretation
- can stall with large groups
Thematic elements
- communication under pressure
- word-based cryptography and clue deciphering
- team-based deduction
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- word deduction — teams give clues to a set of words while trying to mislead the other team
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it is just unbelievable how rewarding of an experience this just little thing can deliver
- the cost per hour per player and play count are a great way to measure value
- this is the greatest value there is because it literally is a deck of cards
- it's cheap and with a high number of plays
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video IXquZRq4Snw
Roll and the Family top_10_list at 56:48 sentiment: positive
video_pk 11201 · mention_pk 32951
Click to watch at 56:48
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Rich strategic tension and clever wordplay
- Strong social interaction during reveals
Cons
- Tough to teach; fragile if players don’t latch onto strategy quickly
- Requires attentive group to shine
Thematic elements
- Code-breaking and wordplay under pressure
- Two teams race to decipher and transmit coded clues
- Strategic and social deduction with escalating rounds
Comparison games
- Code Names
- Codenames Duet
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Cooperative clueing with interception — Clue Giver writes clues to steer their team while opposing team listens.
- Interception and misdirection — Friends try to intercept each other’s clues while avoiding miscommunication tokens.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Party games are one of the biggest, most important parts of a versatile collection.
- Telestrations has created some of the funniest moments you can have at a table.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video d81DxDuS6Ok
No Rolls Bard playthrough at 0:30 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 10305 · mention_pk 30410
Click to watch at 0:30
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- Engaging deduction and bluffing dynamics
- Tense, back-and-forth rounds that reward clever clueing
- Strong social interaction and competitive banter
Cons
- Steep initial learning curve for newcomers
- Online play adds friction due to interface and timing
- Can feel punishing when miscommunications cost a round
Thematic elements
- communication, encryption, deception, competitive wordplay
- Two teams compete in a word-decryption round, each team privately viewing four words and providing clues to convey a secret code while opponents try to intercept.
- competitive party game with back-and-forth clueing and misdirection
Comparison games
- Fake Artist Goes to New York
- Secret Hitler
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Clue writing — Players give clues to guide teammates toward the correct code without revealing it to the opposing team.
- Code interception — If the opposing team correctly guesses a code, they score an interception; miscommunications tokens may be issued for incorrect guesses.
- Hidden Information — Each team can see its own four words and its own code; opponents see none of those words or codes.
- Public guessing and deduction — Teams write down their guesses; players on both sides observe clues and try to map associations.
- team-based play — Two teams compete in rounds, alternating as encrypter and guesser; communication and misdirection are central.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's a tricky game to wrap your head around from the outside but you'll definitely pick it up very quickly
- the clues just have to be as obvious as possible
- if they guess it correctly they get an interception token
- we've got a lifeline there
- this is difficult
- you've got them right and we've got them wrong in a way that makes this all very exciting
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Q-avEEdhzLk
Rolls in the Family game_review at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 7926 · mention_pk 23331
Click to watch at 0:00
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- High interaction and tension between teams
- Two simultaneous game layers (clue giving and interception)
- Memorable and escalating rounds with group dynamics
- Clear scoring mechanics with tokens and end conditions
- Flexible player counts around six to eight players
- Engaging word association with skillful misdirection
- Dynamic back-and-forth between clue givers and interceptors
- Replayability with different word sets and groups
Cons
- Hard to teach; not always accessible for new players
- Game length unpredictability and potential for early endings
- Dependent on group dynamics; can be ruined if one player underperforms
- Requires at least six players for full dynamic; small groups may underutilize
Thematic elements
- Code breaking and misdirection; word associations
- Two teams compete in a code-breaking word game where four secret words map to a three-digit code; clues must help their team while avoiding giving away to opponents.
- Abstract with retro codebreaking aesthetic; high interaction, low narrative
Comparison games
- Codenames
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- clue giving and word association — Teams provide clues that connect their four secret words to digits of a randomly drawn code.
- Escalating round complexity — As more clues accumulate for each word, it becomes harder to create distinct connections while staying hidden.
- Interception and miscommunication tokens — Opposing team can intercept clues and players accumulate tokens based on miscommunication or successful interception.
- Secret word list with shared clues — Each team uses the same four words throughout the game; clues must avoid overt connections to those words to avoid giving away to opponents.
- Two-role play (clue givers and code breakers) — In each round, teams alternate between giving clues and guessing the code as breakers; from round 2, intercepts are possible.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- The heart of Decrypto lies in the fact that your team is always cluing off of the same four words.
- you are essentially playing two games at once where other games might assign one team as the clue givers and the code breakers.
- The entire game has been a wall of secrecy up between teams so it is fun to finally let it down.
- The ceiling is just higher; when it clicks it is incredible.
- you can hear the other team and see their reactions as you misdirect them with clever clues.
- we highly recommend checking out Decrypto for a group that loves word play and strategic misdirection.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video PQ1yU6_Om4U
The Brothers Murf top_10_list at 21:51 sentiment: positive
video_pk 6213 · mention_pk 18409
Click to watch at 21:51
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- clear tension between being obvious and not obvious
- highly replayable with varied clue strategies
Cons
- depends on group cohesion and clue quality
- can be punishing if clues mislead teammates
Thematic elements
- secret codes and clue interception
- team-based word-code clue game
- cooperative-competitive with information asymmetry
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- clue interception — opponents attempt to decipher your clues and intercept your codes
- team clue-giving and guessing — give clues to guide teammates toward a sequence of words
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- There's a lot of games out there that I feel like you do stuff you're like, 'Ooh, I feel like you figured that out.'
- It just makes you feel clever as you build out this thing and start really cascading finishing those tasks.
- This is a game where you are going to be doing actions by putting these kind of double-sided hexom tiles into this cauldron.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video _lkUGHHmh9Y
Rolls and the Family top_10_list at 10:48 sentiment: positive
video_pk 3528 · mention_pk 10496
Click to watch at 10:48
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- engaging party game with tension and clever clues
- accessible to teach and quick to play
- great for mixed groups when dynamics click
Cons
- depends heavily on group chemistry; miscommunication can sour a session
- not ideal for very large or very small groups
Thematic elements
- cooperative-framed deduction with competitive tension
- spy themed word-code decoding
- team vs team code breaking and clue giving with interception
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- clue generation — teams provide word clues to help teammates guess a code order
- interception and deception — the opposing team hears clues and tries to intercept and reinterpret
- team-based deduction — teams collaboratively deduce the right code sequence under pressure
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the variety of the aliens is just incredible
- it's not only the mechanics of what's happening but a lot of what's happening between players at the table
- it's pretty group dependent
- I just love the pressure when a team is on you
- you need four people exactly four that are going to want to play a card game
- the strategy of it is so much deeper
- you've got to take off the training wheels for you Daniel, it's time for ride the Mage Knight bike on your own
- the rule book is dense and hard to learn
- it's a doozy
- it's eight hours long and an all day experience
- you really want six people, that's the ideal
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 5VRzzmZqz-c
Before You Play top_50_list at 5:27 sentiment: positive
video_pk 2336 · mention_pk 6831
Click to watch at 5:27
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- high tension, very interactive
- great party/large group game when you have a big crew
- fast rounds keep energy high
Cons
- can be punishing if clues are misinterpreted
- scoring and rule nuances can be confusing for newcomers
Thematic elements
- cryptic communication, teamwork vs. misdirection
- modern spy-themed word clues
- competitive, intense
Comparison games
- Codenames
- Dixit
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- clue giving and word association — teams provide clues to guess codes based on set words
- code guessing and deduction — opposing team tries to deduce the secret code from clues
- memory and partial information — teams track clues and past rounds to avoid cryptic traps
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's a really intense game
- this is the meanest tree game out there
- it's the best trick-taking game of all time
- the economy in this game is probably one of the most interesting parts
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 6j-xft-CvqY
Foster the Meeple general_discussion at 15:53 sentiment: positive
video_pk 2017 · mention_pk 5767
Click to watch at 15:53
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- excellent when played with groups online via video chat
- high tension and laughter when clues collide
- very replayable with different clue strategies
Cons
- some players struggle with subtlety of clues
- scoring can be opaque without a quick reference
Thematic elements
- spy/secret communication with cryptic clues
- Codeword-based communication game with encryption flavor
- paranoid yet playful team-based deduction
Comparison games
- Code Names
- Coup
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- clue-giving with misdirection — Players encode clues to steer teammates toward the correct codewords while avoiding opponents.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's so quick and snappy and you don't have to worry about like the tiles
- these are our bga recommendations and now we also have some board game app recommendations
- open internationally boooooom
- you have to put down in the comments what's your favorite superhero
- we are doing another giveaway for our 2000 subscriber milestone
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video -cGTcHh5_6A
neurosbard playthrough at 3:03 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1486 · mention_pk 4298
Click to watch at 3:03
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- engaging, fast-evolving team deduction with high replayability
- easy to learn in practice, but with deep strategic potential
- great on-camera banter and social interaction
- tension and excitement during guessing rounds keeps players engaged
Cons
- cryptic clues can become opaque or overspecific, risking confusion
- round length can feel long if teams stall or overthink
- best experienced with a full group; less ideal for very small sessions
Thematic elements
- cryptography, word association, and team-based clue interpretation
- London, at a board game cafe during a social gathering
- competitive, humorous, high-tension rounds with banter
Comparison games
- Code Names
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- inter-team interaction — rounds feature guessing, cross-checking clues, and potential interception where opponents deduce others' words from the clues
- role rotation and memory — clue-givers rotate and players must remember prior clues and deductions across rounds
- team-based clue giving — one player acts as clue-giver and supplies three clues that relate to three target words; teammates must deduce a three-digit code from those clues
- word-guessing and code deduction — teams attempt to identify their partner's code using clues, while the opposing team tries to intercept or mislead
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- we're playing decrypto, a team game all about cracking Clues and trying not leave your teammates behind
- it's a game that's quite tricky to wrap your head around conceptually but in practice it's super easy
- this game is so tense
- one miscalculation away from losing the entire game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video SEG8Nr973SA
Before You Play general_discussion at 29:51 sentiment: positive
video_pk 973 · mention_pk 2743
Click to watch at 29:51
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- clever
- tense
- fun
Cons
- can be hard to explain
Thematic elements
Comparison games
- Code Names
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- word association — teams give hints to guess codes without revealing them to opponents
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this is like the pinnacle of board gaming awards that we know of
- paleo is really really punishing
- chaos pure chaos
- not a game for first-timers
- decrypto is so good
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 5J8c9P95qdQ
Phenomena general_discussion at 14:48 sentiment: positive
video_pk 481 · mention_pk 1400
Click to watch at 14:48
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- fast-paced
- engaging for groups
- great social interaction
Cons
- clue interpretation can be frustrating
- chaos in larger groups
Thematic elements
- communication and cryptic clues
- team-based word encryption and deduction
- competitive party game
Comparison games
- Code Names
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- team play — two teams race to decrypt codes while avoiding opposing clues
- word deduction — teams give clues to help their teammates guess codes
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's basically the imdb of board games
- the internet is the happiest place on earth
- board game geek is the single biggest board gaming website on the internet
- it's a cubic bucketing of information
- do not rely solely on the rankings
- the community and designers are the selling point
- you can see what people think of a game and what games are similar
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video K8GCx6Vavdc
Unknown Channel top_20_list at 5:11 sentiment: positive
video_pk 239 · mention_pk 679
Click to watch at 5:11
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- solid party game with word clues
- great for larger groups
Cons
- can be tricky for non-native speakers
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- team clue-guessing with word association — Teams give one-word clues to help teammates guess a set of words while avoiding opposing teams' clues.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- mind was a big hit for me in 2018
- this is the second Wolfgang Warsch game
- Gloomhaven really did blow me away
- absolutely genius mechanisms
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Transcript Navigation
Showing 1–14 of 14