Agatha Christie: Death on the Cards (2019) Board Game

Agatha Christie: Death on the Cards is a board game inspired by the iconic mystery novels of Agatha Christie. Released in 2019, the game challenges players to solve a murder mystery by deducing the culprit, the weapon, and the location of the crime. Designed by Stuart Griffin and Dylan Shipley and published by Modiphius Entertainment, the game combines elements of deduction, hidden roles, and set collection.

Game Components of Agatha Christie: Death on the Cards

25 detective cards: Featuring Agatha Christie’s beloved detectives like Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, and Ariadne Oliver.

22 event cards: Introducing twists and turns to the investigation.

18 secret cards: Holding the key to each player’s identity and motives.

4 devious cards: Allowing players to sabotage each other’s efforts.

10 ‘not so fast’ cards: Used to thwart opponents’ actions.

1 murderer escapes card: The game-ending card if the murderer succeeds.

How To Setup Agatha Christie: Death on the Cards

To set up the game, each player receives a set of secret cards, which may include the crucial “You’re The Murderer!!” card. The remaining cards are shuffled and placed face down to form a draw pile. The objective is to uncover the murderer before they escape, and the setup ensures a balanced and mysterious start to the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Deductive card game, social deduction, hidden traitor.

Number of Players: 2-6.

Playtime: 20-40 minutes.

Objective: Players aim to uncover each other’s secret cards to identify the Murderer before they escape or all other players fall into social disgrace.
– If the draw pile is exhausted and the “Murderer Escapes!” card is revealed, or if all other players are in social disgrace, the player with the “You’re The Murderer!!” card wins.
– If the “You’re The Murderer!!” card is revealed, the other players win by unmasking the killer.

Player Experience

Agatha Christie: Death on the Cards offers a thrilling and interactive experience, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie’s works and murder mysteries. The game is easy to learn, making it accessible to new players, yet it provides enough complexity to keep seasoned gamers engaged. Players must use their deductive skills to investigate, find clues, and make accusations, all while navigating the social dynamics of potential traitors among them.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Quick and simple rules make it accessible for new players.

Engaging Gameplay: Combines deduction, social interaction, and strategy.

Thematic Integration: Faithfully captures the essence of Agatha Christie’s mysteries.

Short Playtime: Ideal for a fun, quick game session.

Cons

Limited Replayability: The game may become less challenging after multiple plays.

Social Deduction Can Be Unpredictable: Some players might find the social dynamics too complex or unpredictable.

Personal Thoughts on Agatha Christie: Death on the Cards

This game is perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, murder mysteries, and social deduction games. It’s an excellent addition to any game collection, especially for those who enjoy interactive and suspenseful experiences. The game’s short playtime and easy learning curve make it a great choice for family game nights or casual gatherings with friends. However, it may not be as appealing to those looking for highly complex or long-term strategy games.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.