Set up the classic four-player round
Use one imposter and three players who see the same secret word. Each checks their role privately, then the phone is put aside. Agree on the starting player, clue length and voting procedure before anyone starts.
Spiono is designed for an in-person group using one iPhone, with at least three players. At four, there is an extra informed clue compared with the minimum group, but that extra information can help the imposter too.
Follow a sample clue circle
The secret word is “library”. Mia says “quiet”. Ben says “return”. Eli, the imposter, says “deadline”. Noor says “shelves”. Eli’s answer could fit a borrowed book, so it is worth discussing rather than rejecting immediately.
Ask how each clue relates to the word without having informed players announce the answer. Noor’s clue is relatively direct; it could help Eli infer the setting during discussion, even though Eli’s clue came earlier. A strong round involves judging the connections and the order they appeared in, not just picking the most unusual word.
Plan for a 2–2 split
Four votes can split evenly between two suspects. One house option is to let those two explain their clues, then revote once. If the split remains, mark the round unresolved and deal a new word. Another option is an additional clue from all four players before the revote.
Agree on one procedure in advance. These are house-rule suggestions, not built-in app behaviour. The voting guide also covers split votes where more than two names receive support.
Use extra clues only when they help
A second clue circle can rescue a round where everybody gave something vague. It also gives the imposter another chance to infer the word, so it should not be added only because the informed players are losing.
If you choose that variation, everyone gets the extra clue, and the word stays private until voting finishes. Rotate who starts the next round so the same person does not always have the hardest opening.
Build a pack that supports four angles
Before using a word, think of four connections you could make to it. For “beach”, those might involve a towel, a tide, a holiday and sand. You do not have to use those clues; the exercise checks that the prompt is not too narrow.
Start with places or foods your group knows. If you are teaching someone new, play one unscored round and explain the clues after the reveal.