If you are also a lover of whodunnits, logic puzzles, and mysteries, then Clue is a no-brainer. There are many different variations, so it’s easy to choose a version that appeals to your family. Don’t like violence? No worries! Clue Jr. is solving the mystery of who took a piece of cake, when they took it, and what they drank with it.
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Clue is such an iconic game that I doubt it needs much explanation. In addition, the many variations mean that details will vary based on what version you get. However, there are some constants:
People
There are usually 5-6 possible people that could have committed the crime in question. They are represented both by the cards and by the pawns. We have a mostly original version, so have Green, Plum, Scarlet, Peacock, Mustard, and White.
Rooms
Our version of Clue has two sides to the board; one side is the original game, and the other side depicts a boardwalk. In both versions, players are using their pawn to move between the different rooms. They also need to use the cards to determine which room the crime took place in.
The orginal game includes the courtyard, office, bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, living room, game room, dining room, and garage. The boardwalk side of our gameboard includes a surf shop, arcade, beach house, beach, jet ski rental, and ferris wheel. In addition, our boardwalk side of the game uses three extra question mark cards, which allow you to ask one additional question, take a card from each player to mark your Clue sheet, or see two extra cards from another player.
Weapons
The original Clue includes a rope, wrench, pistol, lead pipe, dagger, and candlestick. These are represented by both their cards and their physical items.
Playing the Game
To begin playing, the cards are separated into people, weapons, and rooms. The different piles are shuffled well while being face down. One card from each pile is pulled out and placed in the included envelope. These represent who committed the crime, where, and with what weapon.
On your turn, roll the dice and move across the board to try to enter a location. You can move any direction except diagonally, and you cannot reenter the same room on the same turn. When you enter a room, you get to ask one question about the suspect, weapon, and location you just entered. One at a time, each player gets a chance to show you one of their cards that is what you just asked about, until you are shown one card on your turn.
When you ask your question, bring the weapon and the pawn you’re asking about into the room with you. Since everyone is playing as one of the possible murder suspects, that means that other people will be able to move your pawn. (Depending on your kids, this may or may not be a problem.)
Everyone has a sheet with each room, weapon, and person on it. When you are shown a card, mark it off on your sheet and keep your sheet secret from the other players. When you think you know which cards are in the envelope, make an accusation about the person, the weapon, and the room. Check the envelope. If you were wrong, unfortunately, you can’t keep playing because you’ve seen the correct answer. If you were right, you won the game.
What if your child isn’t reading yet?
You’re in luck! Someone has created a picture check-off list that doesn’t require reading, and she gave me permission to share it on my blog! Thank you, Rianna Michal Clark!
No matter which version of Clue you get, it’s a great game for exercising logical reasoning. If your kids are working on fine motor control, it’s also great because all they have to do is make check marks, so no real writing required. Moving the small pieces is great fine motor practice, too!
