- BGG rank
- BGG #13,105
- BGG rating
- 6.9
Wink: Nest of Spies
- 4–8 players
- 30 min
- Complexity 1.0/5
- 2021
- BGG rank
- BGG #5,638
- BGG rating
- 6.6
WINK
1994
Rules assistance for WINK
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.
- 3–8 players
- 20 min
- 8+
- Complexity 1.1/5
Rules assistant for WINK
What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
WINK is a board game released in 1994 for 3–8 players, 20 minutes per game, and ages 8 and up. It was designed by Friedhelm Krahwinkel and its main mechanics are Targeted Clues.
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About the game
To set up WINK, lay out an array of numbered cards on the table, then distribute a second set of matching cards face down among the players, with a few cards not used and set aside. On your first turn, pick one of the cards on the table that doesn't match a card in your hand, then mark it with your pawn and announce the number of this card. The player who has this card in hand must now try to discreetly wink at you in order to let you know. At the start of your next turn, accuse someone of holding the card on which your pawn sits. If you're correct, you score the card from the table while your temporary partner scores the card from their hand; if you're wrong, you turn the card on the table face down. In either case, you then place your pawn on a new card. Each player also has a number of accusation cards, and if you spot someone winking, you can use one of your cards to call out that player. If you nabbed someone correctly, you claim both of the numbered cards. Once all the table cards are face down or someone has scored all cards in hand, the game ends. Each scored card and unused accusation card is worth one point, and whoever has the most points wins!
Categories
Mechanics
Designers
Publishers
- GoKids 玩樂小子
- F.X. Schmid
- Blue Orange Games
- sternenschimmermeer
- Letheia
Questions and answers
WINK supports 3–8 players according to the catalogue. This range comes from the publisher’s listed player count, so the game can be set up for any group size within it. Some setups, rules and scoring details may still vary by player count, so check your edition’s rulebook for the exact configuration.
The listed playing time for WINK is 20 minutes. This is the publisher’s estimate for a full game. The actual duration depends on the group, the player count and familiarity with the rules: first sessions usually run longer, while experienced groups often finish faster. Setup and teaching time are not included in this estimate.
The catalogue lists WINK for ages 8 and up. This is the publisher’s recommendation and reflects reading demands, rule complexity and small components rather than theme alone. Younger players can often join with help from an adult, so check the age guidance on your edition and consider your group’s experience with board games.
WINK has a complexity rating of 1.1 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a light game. The rating reflects how much rules knowledge, planning and decision-making a typical game demands. Expect a longer first teach for heavier games, and use a preparation guide before game night.
WINK belongs to these categories: Card Game and Party Game. Its main mechanics are Targeted Clues. Categories describe the theme and setting of a game, while mechanics describe what players actually do on their turns. Each mechanic links to a catalogue hub with similar games, which helps when you want something comparable.
The credited designers of WINK are: Friedhelm Krahwinkel. These credits come from the published game data and name the people responsible for the game’s design, not its illustrators or publishers. Designer pages on MeepleRules collect other titles by the same designers, which helps when you enjoy a game and want to find similar ones.
The catalogue lists WINK as a base game. It can be played on its own with the components in the box and does not require any other title. Expansions, if any exist, add new content or rules on top of it and are listed separately in the catalogue with a link back to this base game.