Sleuth (1971) – Board Game Guys

Sleuth

Sleuth is a strategy deduction card game designed by Sid Sackson and published by 3M in 1971. It is a reimplementation of the 1967 game The Case of the Elusive Assassin without the game board.

Why is Sleuth Popular?

Sleuth is a classic deduction game that has been popular for decades. Players are searching for a missing gem by questioning other players and gathering evidence, similar to Cluedo. The game is significant because it is a well-designed strategy game that requires players to use their deduction skills to win.

Game Components of Sleuth

36 Gem Cards, each depicting a gem (diamond, pearl, or opal), type (solitaire, pair, or cluster), and color (red, blue, green, or yellow).

54 Search Cards, representing single elements, combinations of two elements, or free choices.

Information Sheets for note-taking.

How To Setup Sleuth

To set up Sleuth, the Gem Cards are shuffled, and one card is randomly removed from the deck to be the missing gemstone. The remaining 35 Gem Cards are distributed evenly among the players, with any extra cards turned face-up for all players to see. Each player is dealt four Search Cards face-up.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: Identify the missing gem by questioning other players and gathering evidence.

Player Turn: Choose a player to interrogate and use a Search Card to ask about specific elements or combinations of elements on the Gem Cards.

One Element Search Card: The subject announces the number of Gem Cards they hold featuring that element.

Two Element Search Card: The subject announces the number of Gem Cards they hold featuring that combination and secretly passes them to the interrogator for recording.

Free Choice Search Card: Can be used as a one or two element card.

Note-taking: Players record information on their Information Sheets.

Winning the Game: A player who believes they have identified the missing gem announces their solution, checks the hidden gem, and wins if correct. If incorrect, they are out of the game.

Player Experience

Playing Sleuth requires diligent note-taking and careful observation. The game demands full attention on every turn, as players need to track what other players have and might have. This makes it a challenging but rewarding experience for deduction game fans. The game’s small footprint and ability to accommodate up to seven players make it a versatile and travel-friendly option. However, the complexity and need for meticulous note-taking can make it less accessible for new players.

Pros

Challenging Deduction: Offers a deeper level of deduction compared to simpler games like Clue.

Travel-Friendly: Compact design makes it easy to take on the go.

High Replayability: With multiple combinations and strategies, the game remains engaging over multiple plays.

Suitable for Veterans: Ideal for experienced players looking for a more complex deduction game.

Cons

Complex Note-taking: Requires careful and detailed note-taking, which can be daunting for some players.

Repetitive Gameplay: Some critics have noted that the gameplay can become repetitive.

Steep Learning Curve: Not suitable for players new to deduction games due to its complexity.

Personal Thoughts on Sleuth

Sleuth is for those who enjoy a good challenge and are fans of deduction games. It’s perfect for adults looking to step up from simpler deduction games like Clue. While it may not be the best choice for beginners due to its complexity, veterans of deduction games will find it highly engaging and rewarding. The game’s demand for full attention and meticulous note-taking makes it a great option for those who enjoy immersive and intellectually stimulating gameplay.

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