How to Play
Chi-Spy is a weekly Chicago guessing game. A new spot every Monday — solve it as fast as you can.
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A new Chicago spot every Monday
Each Monday a real Chicago location is posted, hidden behind a 3×3 grid of 9 tiles. The puzzle stays up all 7 days until the next one drops.
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One free tile to start
Every puzzle opens with one tile already uncovered — free. From there, every extra tile is on you.
- 3
Reveal more or use clues — for a cost
Uncover any tile for −5 points (cheap — peek as much as you want). Unlock any of 3 history/culture clues for −10 points each (they really help). Wrong guesses are FREE — but you only get 5. Use your 5th and the puzzle reveals itself with a score of 10. Points only — no money, ever.
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Start at 100 — keep what you don't spend
Everyone begins at 100 points. Every reveal, clue, and wrong guess costs points. Your final score is whatever's left. Score never goes below 0.
- 5
Forgiving answers, sleuthing encouraged
Capitalization, spaces, punctuation, and small typos don't matter. Different names or nicknames aren't accepted unless they're on that location's list. Google it, ask a friend, dig through old Chicago photos — using your detective skills is part of the game.
Scoring at a glance
- Start: 100 pts
- First tile: FREE
- Manual tile reveal: −5
- Clue: −10
- Wrong guess: FREE — but only 5 allowed (then the answer reveals)
- No bonuses — your score is just 100 minus what you spend.
Save your score
Chi-Spy is a no-sign-in game. Your progress and score are saved on this device so you can come back later. When you solve it, copy the share card and brag to your friends.