Private roles
Each player reveals their own role. Nobody sees another player's screen, so the Imposter stays hidden until the vote.
Secret word · one Imposter
Play the Imposter game online with friends
Everyone gets a private role on their own phone. The crew shares a secret word, the Imposter has to bluff, and CardYard runs the clues, timer, vote, and final guess.
- 3+ players
- No download
- Call-ready
Separate phones keep the secret
Online play fixes the hardest part of the Imposter game: passing one phone without anyone peeking.
Clues out loud
Say your clue across the table or on any group call. CardYard picks who starts and keeps the round moving.
Votes that count
Everyone votes on their own phone. Ties go to a runoff, and points carry across rounds.
How an online round works
- 01
Everyone joins the same Room and taps to see a private role.
- 02
The crew sees the secret word. The Imposter only learns they are the Imposter.
- 03
Take turns giving one short clue out loud, in person or on a call.
- 04
Discuss, then vote on your own phone. A tie triggers a runoff.
- 05
If the Imposter is caught, they get one guess at the secret word.
Free or Premium
Pick the setup that fits your group
Same room, one phone
Free for 3 to 12 players. Pass the phone, reveal each role once, and hiding the browser covers any role on screen.
Different places, own phones
A Premium host opens a Room and everyone else joins free from a link or code. Add a discussion timer and keep score across rounds.
Imposter game online FAQ
Joining a Room is free. Hosting a Room is a Premium feature, and one-phone play stays free.
How do you play the Imposter game online with friends?
One player hosts a CardYard Room and shares the Room code or link. Everyone joins from their own phone or laptop, sees a private role, gives a clue out loud, and votes on their own screen. CardYard keeps the roles secret and runs the timer, vote, runoff, and score.
Is the Imposter game online free?
Joining a Room is free. Creating and hosting a Room requires a Premium account. Playing on one shared phone is free, with four word packs included; Premium adds more themes and custom rounds.
Can we play the Imposter game over a video call?
Yes. Keep your usual voice or video call open and say your clues out loud. Roles and votes stay on each player's own screen. CardYard does not record or transmit audio.
How many players do you need?
You need at least 3 players. Online Rooms put each player on a separate device, and one-phone play supports 3 to 12 players. The host can also join as a facilitator who runs the game without playing.
Does the Imposter know the secret word?
No. The Imposter is not shown the word or a hint. They listen to everyone else's clues, try to blend in, and if they are voted out they get one final guess at the word.
What words and themes can we play with?
Free play includes General, Food, Movies and TV, and Animals. Premium adds Gaming, Sports, Celebrities, Spicy, and custom themes you type yourself. For ideas before a round, browse the Imposter word list.
Is there an Imposter game app?
CardYard runs in any modern browser with no download. It is also available as an iPhone app with the same games.
Ready when your group is.