Clue (2012) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Clue, also known as Cluedo in some countries, is a classic murder mystery board game that was first released in in 2012. The game was designed by Anthony E. Pratt and has since become a beloved favorite among board game enthusiasts worldwide. In Clue, players take on the roles of different characters, such as Miss Scarlett or Colonel Mustard, as they try to solve the murder mystery by deducing who the murderer is, which weapon was used, and in which room the crime took place.

Game Components of Clue

Gameboard representing a mansion with nine rooms

6 suspect tokens

6 weapons

Deck of suspect, weapon, and room cards

1 die

Confidential case file

Detective notebook pad

Intrigue cards (in some versions).

How To Setup Clue

To set up Clue, start by sorting the black CLUE cards into separate decks for weapons, suspects, and rooms. Shuffle each deck and place them facedown on the table. Without looking, take the top card from each deck and put them into a special envelope to represent the solution to the murder. The remaining cards are shuffled together and dealt out evenly among the players. If there are leftover cards, they are placed faceup at the side of the board. Determine who goes first by rolling the die, with the highest total starting the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Determine who murdered the victim, where the crime took place, and which weapon was used.

Gameplay:
– Players roll the die to move around the board and enter rooms.
– Upon entering a room, a player can make a suggestion about the murder details (suspect, room, weapon).
– Other players must secretly show one card that disproves the suggestion.
– Players cross off cards they have seen on their CLUE sheet to narrow down the possibilities.
– A player can make an accusation at any time, which involves checking the cards in the envelope. If correct, they win; if incorrect, they are out of the game.

Player Experience

Playing Clue is a delightful mix of strategy, deduction, and luck. The game encourages players to use their detective skills to solve the mystery by collecting and analyzing clues. The element of luck, such as dice rolls and the initial card deal, adds an exciting layer of unpredictability. The game is comfortable for families and familiar players, as it allows everyone to enjoy the process of solving the puzzle without the need to learn new rules each time.

Pros

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players of various ages and skill levels.

Engaging: Encourages strategic thinking and deduction.

Replayable: Different every time you play due to random card distribution.

Social: Brings players together, fostering a collaborative yet competitive environment.

Cons

Luck Factor: Dice rolls and initial card deals can affect winning chances.

Frustration: False accusations can lead to being out of the game, and some players may find the luck element frustrating.

Personal Thoughts on Clue

Clue is an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys mystery and deduction games. It’s particularly great for families and groups of friends who are looking for a game that combines strategy with a bit of luck. The game is easy to learn but challenging to master, making it appealing to both new and experienced players. While some may find the elements of luck frustrating, it’s this balance that makes Clue a timeless and enjoyable experience.

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