The game is set up by inserting one of the two double sided game boards into the frame in 1 of possible 4 orientations (=16 possible configurations). Pictures will be visible through holes in the top of the frame. However, when the game begins, each of these holes is covered by a pawn.
Players take turns pulling off two pawns in an effort to find a match. Matching pictures do not match exactly in I Spy games. For example, a match might be two similar airplanes that are different colors. Or it might be an elephant toy photographed from 2 different angles.
If a match is made, the player keeps the pawns and takes another turn. If not match is made, the player puts the pawns back and the next player gets their turn.
Once all matches are revealed, the player with the most pawns wins.
There is also a set of short riddles to answer after the game for each of the 16 board configurations.
Contents: Game tray, 2 double-sided picture boards (16 game variations), reveal sheet with 16 riddles, 36 pawns