The Cluedo board game is a suspenseful board game that brings mystery, deduction, and drama right to your table.
Grab your detective notebook, sharpen your sleuthing instincts, and prepare to crack the case. In this classic board game of murder and mystery, someone has done it… But the question is: Who? Where? And with what?
What is Cluedo?
Cluedo is a classic murder mystery board game in which players must determine who committed the crime, where it happened, and what weapon was used.
Set in a grand old mansion, Cluedo is part logic puzzle, strategy game, and theatrical roleplay. You’ll take on the role of one of the game’s iconic characters and move around the board making deductions, asking questions, and gathering clues. The goal? Be the first to solve the mystery.
Discover more classic board games in our online collection.
What’s the age range for the Cluedo board game?
Cluedo is suitable for ages eight and up, making it an excellent game for families, friends, and mystery lovers.
Got younger players? Cluedo Junior offers a more accessible version of the game with a simplified case to crack, perfect for budding detectives.
How many people can play the Cluedo board game?
Cluedo is designed for 2 to 6 players. The more players you have, the more intriguing the game becomes, with more suspects, more secrets, and more chances to bluff
Cluedo pieces
When you open your Cluedo box, here’s what you’ll find:
Cluedo rooms game board
A layout of a mysterious mansion with nine different rooms, each a potential crime scene.
6 Cluedo character tokens
Choose your character: Miss Scarlett, Colonel Mustard, Mrs. Peacock, Reverend Green, Professor Plum, or Dr. Orchid.
6 Cluedo weapon tokens
Classic murder mystery gear like the candlestick, knife, wrench, revolver, lead pipe, and rope.
21 Cluedo clue cards
These include:
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6 Suspect Cards
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6 Weapon Cards
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9 Room Cards
Confidential Cluedo case file envelope
This is where the real solution hides. One card from each category (suspect, weapon, room) is secretly tucked inside.
Cluedo detective notepads
Use this to keep track of the clues you uncover and the ones you think others are bluffing about.
Cluedo dice
Used for moving around the mansion.
Love all things mystery? View Asmodee’s range of mystery games to solve your next case.
How to set up Cluedo
Step 1: Sort and shuffle
Separate the cards into suspects, weapons, and rooms. Shuffle each category, and without peeking, pick one card from each pile and slip them into the confidential case file envelope. This is the answer to the murder mystery. Don’t look at these until someone makes a correct accusation.
Step 2: Deal the rest
Shuffle the remaining cards together and deal them evenly among all players.
Step 3: Place the tokens
Put the character tokens and weapons into their starting positions (listed in the rulebook). Characters not being played still stay on the board; anyone could be the killer.
Step 4: Grab your notepad
Take a detective's notepad and mark off any cards you were dealt. These can’t be in the envelope, so they’re not part of the solution.
Cluedo instructions
Each turn, you’ll move your character, enter rooms, and make suggestions to gather information. Here’s how it works:
Roll the dice and move
On your turn, roll both dice and move that many spaces. You can move in any direction but you can’t move diagonally or pass through walls. Your goal is to reach one of the nine rooms.
Make a suggestion
Once inside a room, suggest a possible scenario, like:
“I suggest it was Mrs. Peacock, in the Library, with the Rope.”
You must suggest the room you’re currently in, but the suspect and weapon can be any from the list.
Move the suggested suspect and weapon into the room (even if it means pulling another player into the scene).
Disprove the suggestion
Now, the other players must try to prove you wrong:
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Starting with the player to your left, they must show you one card based on your suggestion, if they have one.
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Only you get to see it. If they don’t have any cards, the next player tries, and so on.
If no one can disprove it… You’re onto something.
Take notes
Every clue helps. Use your notepad to cross off cards you’ve seen. Eventually, you’ll narrow down the possibilities and pinpoint what’s in the envelope.
Making an accusation
Think you’ve cracked the case? You can make an official accusation on your turn instead of rolling the dice. For example:
“I accuse Dr. Orchid, in the Kitchen, with the Candlestick.”
Then, secretly peek inside the envelope.
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If you’re right: Congratulations! You win the game.
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If you’re wrong: You’re out of the game (no more turns), but you keep your cards and still answer suggestions from other players.
If you enjoy Magic: The Gathering and Cluedo, check out Magic: The Gathering: Ravnica: Cluedo Edition.
How do you play Cluedo like a pro
Keep a sharp notepad
Don’t just cross off the cards you’ve seen; note who showed you what. Patterns matter, and they can reveal who’s bluffing.
Watch the table
Pay attention to other players' suggestions and how they respond. Sometimes, silence is the biggest clue.
Try bluffs
Once you’ve ruled out some cards, try suggesting things you already know are false to see what others reveal in response.
Use secret passages
Secret passages connect to different rooms. Use them wisely to jump across the mansion quickly and reach strategic spots faster than your opponents.
Cluedo tips and alternative Cluedo board game gameplay
Cluedo speed mode
Short on time? Set a round limit or a 30-minute timer. When time’s up, everyone makes one final accusation. Closest guess wins.
Team Cluedo
Play in larger groups, play in pairs and share note-taking duties. Great for families and social play
House rules Cluedo
Some players like to spice things up with custom rules, such as:
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“Double Clue”: Show two cards if you have them.
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“Room Lockdown”: Once a room is used for a suggestion, it’s locked for one turn.
Alternatively, check out the CLUE murder mystery game. It beautifully reimagines Cluedo with a dazzling cast, luxurious setting, and fresh storyline.
Find the Cluedo board game at your local board game store
Whether you’re solving your first case or revisiting the mansion, Cluedo is packed with thrills and intrigue.
Visit your local board game store or check out Asmodee’s full range of mystery games; you might find your next favourite case to solve.
Cluedo FAQs
Can I stay in the same room for my next turn?
You can, but only if you exit and re-enter the room. No loitering in one place.
Do I have to make a suggestion every time?
Nope. You can choose not to if you want to save info or throw others off the scent.
What if two people accuse at the same time?
Only one player can accuse at a time. Take turns clockwise as usual.
