How to Play Clue (Cluedo)
Clue (Cluedo) is a classic murder-mystery game that asks players to think like detectives. For more beginner guides and game help, visit Playmore to explore tips and other popular games.
Quick facts
| Category | Info |
|---|---|
| Game name | Clue (Cluedo) |
| Type | Deduction / mystery board game |
| Typical players | 3–6 |
| Components | Use the components included with the game |
| Beginner focus | Learn the murder premise and how suggestions and accusations work |
What you are trying to do
Your goal is to figure out three hidden cards: the suspect, the weapon, and the room where the crime happened. Those three cards are placed unseen in a case file at the start. On your turn you gather information by moving, making suggestions, and watching other players’ responses. When you are confident, you make an accusation naming the suspect, weapon, and room. A correct accusation wins the game.
What you need and how to set up
Use the game box components that come with your version. Typical pieces include the board, character tokens, weapon tokens, suspect/weapon/room cards, a case file/envelope, dice, and detective notepads. Exact components and starting positions can vary by edition, so check your box rules for specifics.
Basic setup (version-dependent): shuffle the three card types separately. Randomly pick one suspect, one weapon, and one room and place them unseen in the case file. Shuffle the remaining cards together and deal them to players. Place tokens on their starting spaces and give each player a notepad to mark clues.
Note: groups should check the official rulebook or regional rules for the exact version they are using.
How to play
- Roll and move. On your turn roll the dice and move your token that many spaces toward rooms. You can enter rooms through doorways. Some versions have secret passages between corner rooms.
- Make a suggestion when in a room. To gather clues, suggest a suspect, a weapon, and name the room you are in. Move the named suspect and weapon into that room if they aren’t there already.
- Other players disprove. Starting with the player on your left, each player in turn may show you one card that matches any item in your suggestion. They show only one card and they show it privately. If someone shows a card, mark that info on your notepad. If no one can show a card, that suggestion is strong evidence the case file might contain those cards.
- Take notes and refine. Use deduction to cross off possibilities. You can repeat suggestions to test other players or confirm a theory.
- Make an accusation to end the game. When you think you know all three cards, make an official accusation naming suspect, weapon, and room. Check the case file. If you are correct you win. If you are wrong, rules vary: you may be eliminated from making further accusations or have other penalties. Check your edition’s rules.
How a round or game ends
The usual ending is when a player makes a correct accusation and reveals the case file cards. Some versions end when only one active player remains. Exact end conditions and penalties for incorrect accusations differ by edition, so follow your game’s official rules for the precise finish.
Beginner tips
- Mark everything. Your notepad is your best tool. Record suggestions and who showed cards.
- Watch the order of reveals. Who shows a card and when tells you how many players ruled out a card.
- Use rooms to control the flow. Enter rooms that let you test suspects and weapons you need to confirm.
- Don’t accuse too early. Accusations can end your ability to win if your group’s version penalizes wrong guesses.
- Discuss quietly. Keep suggestions private and avoid giving away too much to opponents.
FAQ
Can I make a suggestion about a room I’m not in?
Usually you must be in the room to suggest it. This keeps movement and suggestions linked. Check your edition for any exceptions.
What if no one can disprove my suggestion?
That’s a useful clue: it suggests the case file might hold those cards. It isn’t proof by itself, so keep testing with other suggestions.
What happens if I accuse and I’m wrong?
Penalties vary by version. Many editions remove your right to make future accusations while others let play continue. Check the official rules included with your game for the exact consequence.