Clue (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Clue, also known as Cluedo outside of North America, is a classic murder-mystery board game that was first introduced in in 2019. It was created by Anthony E. Pratt, a British musician, and patented under the name “Murder!” The game has since been published by various companies, including Hasbro, and has become a staple in many households around the world.

Game Components of Clue

Gameboard: Represents a mansion with nine rooms, including the hall, lounge, dining room, kitchen, ballroom, conservatory, billiard room, library, and study.

Character Tokens: Six suspects – Colonel Mustard, Miss Scarlett, Mr. Green, Mrs. White, Professor Plum, and Mrs. Peacock.

Cards: 6 character cards, 6 weapon cards (e.g., revolver, knife, rope, candlestick, wrench, lead pipe), 9 room cards, and 9 clue cards.

Intrigue Cards (in some editions): Include Keepers and Clocks, which introduce special abilities and game-ending conditions.

Dice: Used for determining player movement.

Solution Envelope: Contains the three cards that represent the murder solution – one suspect, one room, and one weapon.

How To Setup Clue

To set up Clue, each player chooses a character token and places it on the designated start space. Three cards – one suspect, one room, and one weapon – are randomly selected and placed in the solution envelope. The remaining cards are distributed among the players. In older versions, the game starts with Miss Scarlett; in modern versions, players roll the dice to determine who goes first.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

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

Player Movement: Players roll dice to move around the board, entering rooms to make suggestions.

Suggestions: Players make guesses about the murder details, naming a suspect, the room they are in, and a weapon. Other players must show cards they hold to disprove the suggestion.

Accusations: A player can make an accusation at any time, checking the solution envelope to see if they are correct. If incorrect, they are out of the game.

Secret Passages: Four rooms have secret passages to opposite diagonal rooms.

Player Experience

Clue is a game that requires deductive reasoning, critical analysis, and logical inference. Players enjoy the challenge of piecing together clues to solve the mystery. The game is suitable for ages 8+, though it may take several playthroughs for younger players to fully understand the game mechanics. It is highly interactive, encouraging strategic thinking and observation of other players’ actions.

Pros

Engaging Gameplay: Promotes critical thinking and deduction.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for a wide age range, though best with 4-6 players.

Replay Value: High due to the random distribution of cards.

Iconic Characters and Setting: The game’s characters and mansion setting are well-known and beloved.

Cons

Complexity for Younger Players: May require adult assistance for children under 10.

Potential for False Accusations: A single incorrect accusation can eliminate a player, which some might find frustrating.

Luck Element: The roll of the dice can influence player movement and opportunities.

Personal Thoughts on Clue

Clue is a timeless classic that is perfect for families, casual gamers, and those who enjoy mystery and deduction. It teaches valuable skills in critical thinking and strategy while providing hours of entertainment. The game’s iconic characters and engaging gameplay make it a must-have for any board game collection. Despite some complexity for younger players, it remains an excellent choice for game nights and family gatherings.

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