The Expert in the Shadows

How to play

1. 1

   The Expert in the Shadows is for 3–12 players. The server secretly selects one expert for the entire five-question match; late arrivals observe until the next match.

2. 2

   Everyone first opens a private role behind a safety curtain and confirms it. The expert sees the current correct option, while everyone else learns only that they belong to the team.

3. 3

   Each question allows up to 75 seconds for discussion, either locally or in an external voice or video call. Play Together! shows the question and runs the timer, but does not provide the call or record the conversation.

4. 4

   After discussion, every active player—including the expert—has 20 seconds to choose one of four options secretly. A confirmed answer cannot change; before closure, only your own choice and the total ready count are visible.

5. 5

   The sole most-selected option becomes the team answer. A tie for first or no answers means the team has no answer; missing ballots are simply omitted and are never broken at random.

6. 6

   The app first shows the team verdict and anonymous totals, then reveals the truth, explanation, and source. Individual answers stay private and the expert's identity remains hidden until the finale.

7. 7

   A correct team answer gives the team 1 point. A wrong answer, tied verdict, or no answer gives the expert 1 point. The two sides therefore hold five points after the questions.

8. 8

   At the finale, everyone—including the expert—secretly accuses exactly one other player. The sole ballot leader becomes the group accusation; a tie for first, wrong target, or no ballots lets the expert escape.

9. 9

   A correct accusation adds 2 team points; otherwise the expert gains 2. The higher side always wins, and every member of that side earns 500 personal points. Reconnecting preserves roles, answers, timers, and awards.