Pocket Party rules guide
How to Play Mr White
To play Mr White, everyone receives a secret word except Mr White, who must bluff through one-word clues. Players take turns giving hints, discuss suspicious answers, and vote. If Mr White is caught, they can still win by correctly guessing the group's secret word.
Mr White at a glance
Setup
The cleanest setup is to let Pocket Party host the room. The app gives each player a private screen, which prevents accidental peeking and removes the need for a moderator.
- Choose Mr White from the Pocket Party game list.
- Create a room and invite players with the room code or QR code.
- Each player opens their secret word privately.
- Agree whether clues should be one word or one short phrase.
Rules
Set up the room
Open Mr White, create a room, and invite 3-12 players. Pocket Party assigns roles and secret words, so nobody needs to prepare cards, word lists, or a separate timer.
Check your word secretly
Most players receive the same secret word. Mr White does not know the group word and has to infer it from the clues other players give.
Give short clues
Go around the group. Each player gives a short clue that hints at the word without saying it. Civilians should be specific enough to prove they know the word, but not so obvious that Mr White can copy them.
Discuss and vote
After the clue round, talk through suspicious answers and vote for the person you think is Mr White. The voted player is eliminated.
Resolve the Golden Guess
If Mr White is caught, they get one final guess at the group's secret word. A correct guess gives Mr White the win; a wrong guess gives the group the win.
How to win
- Civilians win when they correctly vote out Mr White and Mr White misses the Golden Guess.
- Mr White wins by surviving long enough to confuse the group or by correctly guessing the secret word after being caught.
- If the group votes out a civilian, keep playing with the remaining players until one side wins.
Variations and house rules
Strict one-word clues
Make every clue one word. This keeps the round fast and makes vague bluffing more visible.
Two clue rounds
Let everyone give two clues before voting when the first round feels too close to call.
Clean word packs
Use family-safe words for mixed-age groups, classrooms, or work events.
Strategy tips
If you know the word
Give a clue that real teammates understand, but avoid spelling out the answer for Mr White.
If you are Mr White
Listen for category, emotion, and context. Copying the most obvious clue can make you stand out.
When voting
Compare who sounded specific, who echoed someone else, and who avoided explaining their clue.
Mr White FAQ
How many people can play Mr White?
Mr White works for 3-12 players. It is strongest with 4-8 because there are enough clues to compare without making each round drag.
Can you play Mr White online?
Yes. Pocket Party lets a host start Mr White online and invite friends by link, QR code, or room code, so each player can see their own secret word.
What is the Golden Guess in Mr White?
The Golden Guess is Mr White's final chance after being voted out. If Mr White correctly names the group's secret word, Mr White still wins.
What makes a good Mr White clue?
A good clue is related to the word, short, and a little indirect. It should help civilians recognize each other without giving Mr White an easy answer.
Is Mr White family friendly?
It can be. Use clean word packs and avoid adult house rules when playing with families, classrooms, or mixed-age groups.
How is Mr White different from Spyfall?
Mr White is built around a secret word and clue comparison. Spyfall-style games are built around a secret location and question-answer bluffing.
Ready to bluff?
Open Mr White, invite the room, and let Pocket Party handle the secret words.