Three of a Crime (1991) Board Game

Three of a Crime is a board game released in 1991 by F.X. Schmid. Designed by Heinz Meister and illustrated by Stephen Gilpin, this game falls under the categories of card game, deduction, mafia, and puzzle. With a runtime of 20 minutes and suitable for players aged 8 and above, Three of a Crime is a game that challenges players to use their deduction skills to solve a mystery.

Game Components of Three of a Crime

Game board

6 player pawns

6 player cards

6 colored markers

36 suspect cards

24 alibi cards

12 evidence cards

6 case files

1 die

How To Setup Three of a Crime

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Each player chooses a pawn and places it on the starting space.

Shuffle the suspect cards and place them face down on the designated area on the board.

Shuffle the alibi cards and place them face down on the designated area on the board.

Shuffle the evidence cards and place them face down on the designated area on the board.

Each player receives a player card, a colored marker, and a case file.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Three of a Crime, players take turns rolling the die and moving around the board to collect clues and solve the mystery. By using deductive reasoning and process of elimination, players must determine which suspect committed the crime, with which weapon, and in which location. The first player to correctly solve the mystery wins the game.

Player Experience

Pros:

Engaging gameplay that challenges deductive reasoning skills

Quick and easy to learn, making it suitable for all ages

Replayability with different combinations of suspects, weapons, and locations

Compact size and portable for travel

Cons:

Limited player interaction, as players mainly focus on their own investigation

Luck factor with dice rolling may impact game outcomes

Components may show signs of wear and tear after repeated use

Personal Thoughts on Three of a Crime

Three of a Crime is a fun and challenging deduction game that offers a unique twist on the classic whodunit concept. The game’s build quality is satisfactory, although some components may not withstand heavy use. The pricing and availability of both new and used copies vary, but it can be a worthwhile addition to any game collection.

For fans of deduction games and mystery-solving, Three of a Crime is definitely worth your time. It’s a great option for family game nights or casual gatherings with friends. However, those who prefer games with more player interaction or strategic depth may find this game lacking. Overall, Three of a Crime is a solid choice for those looking for a light and entertaining board game experience.

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.