How to Play Clue: Rules, Setup, and Winning Strategies

April 20, 2025

What Is Clue?

Clue (known as Cluedo outside North America) is the classic murder mystery board game where players must solve a whodunit by deducing three key facts:

Who committed the murder,
With what weapon,
And in which room.

First published in 1949, Clue has stood the test of time as one of the best-known deduction games in the world. Whether you're a beginner or revisiting it after years, learning how to play Clue guarantees hours of suspense and strategy.

What Comes With the Clue Game?

When you open a standard Clue box, you'll find:

1 Game Board (featuring 9 rooms)
6 Character Tokens (Miss Scarlett, Professor Plum, etc.)
6 Weapon Tokens (Candlestick, Revolver, etc.)
21 Cards (6 Suspects, 6 Weapons, 9 Rooms)
1 Confidential Case File Envelope
Detective Notebooks
2 Dice
Official Rules Sheet

Some special editions may include additional characters or themed settings.

Setting Up Clue

Step 1: Prepare the Murder Mystery

Separate the suspect, weapon, and room cards.
Randomly pick one card from each category (without looking) and place them into the Confidential Case File Envelope. These are the true killer, weapon, and crime scene.

Step 2: Shuffle and Deal Cards

Shuffle the remaining cards together and deal them evenly to all players.

Step 3: Set Up the Board

Place all six character tokens and weapon pieces randomly in rooms on the board. Even unused tokens must be placed.

Step 4: Prepare Your Detective Notebook

Use the notebook to keep track of clues and eliminate possibilities as you play.

How to Play Clue: Basic Rules

Goal of the Game

Be the first player to correctly deduce and accuse the murderer, the weapon, and the room.

Game Play Order

Players take turns clockwise. On your turn:

1. Roll the Dice and Move

Move your character the number of spaces rolled, either horizontally or vertically (no diagonals).
Enter rooms via doorways.

2. Make a Suggestion

If you’re in a room, you may suggest a suspect, a weapon, and the current room.
Example: "I suggest it was Colonel Mustard with the wrench in the library."

3. Refuting a Suggestion

Starting with the player to your left, each player must secretly show you one card (if they have one) that disproves your suggestion.
Only one card can be shown per suggestion.

4. Making an Accusation

On your turn, if you think you know the answer, you may make an official accusation.
Name the suspect, weapon, and room.
Check the confidential envelope:
- If correct, you win!
- If wrong, you're eliminated from making further suggestions or accusations but must still disprove others' suggestions.

Special Rules in Clue

Room Movement

You must enter rooms through doorways.
Some rooms are connected by secret passages allowing you to move instantly.

Weapon and Character Movement

When you suggest a character or weapon, their token moves into the room where you made the suggestion, regardless of who was controlling them.

What Happens If You’re Disproven?

Even if a player disproves your suggestion by showing a card, you still gain valuable information by knowing which cards they might have.

Best Strategies To Win at Clue

Use the Detective Notebook Wisely

Record every card you've seen and make note of who shows what. Precision in note-taking speeds up your deductions.

Make Smart Suggestions

Suggest cards you already hold to force others to reveal more useful information.
Suggest characters and weapons you suspect to bait others into disproving your ideas.

Watch Player Reactions

Even hesitation can reveal who might (or might not) have certain cards.

Focus on the Process of Elimination

Each clue helps narrow down possibilities.
Mark off suspects, rooms, and weapons carefully as you gather information.

Bluff If Necessary

Sometimes, misleading other players about your intentions or knowledge can buy you more time.

Different Versions of Clue You Might Enjoy

Clue: Master Detective

An expanded version with more rooms, weapons, and suspects.

Themed Editions

Harry Potter Clue
Game of Thrones Clue
Clue: The Office Edition

Each brings new twists and fun for fans of different genres.

Clue Card Games and Mobile Apps

Travel-friendly Clue versions and apps allow you to enjoy the mystery-solving fun anywhere.

How Long Does It Take To Play Clue?

Standard Game Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Player Count: 3 to 6 players
Recommended Age: 8 and up

Common Questions When Learning How To Play Clue

What Happens if Nobody Can Disprove a Suggestion?

It’s a strong hint that the suggested elements might be in the Confidential Case File, but it’s not 100% certain until you accuse.

Can You Move After Making a Suggestion?

No. Once you make a suggestion, your turn ends.

Can You Re-Enter a Room Immediately?

You must leave and re-enter a room to make a new suggestion unless using a secret passage.

Why Learning How To Play Clue Is a Must

Clue is more than a simple board game—it's a battle of wits, memory, and strategy. Learning how to play Clue means stepping into a suspenseful world where deduction and deception are your greatest tools. Whether you're hosting a family game night or competing with seasoned gamers, Clue always delivers a satisfying challenge.

Sharpen Your Detective Skills and Start Playing Clue Today!

If you love mysteries, quick thinking, and strategic social gameplay, Clue is the perfect game to master. Grab your detective notebook, polish your sleuthing skills, and get ready to uncover the truth—one clue at a time.

Gather your friends, set the board, and prepare to solve the ultimate whodunit. The mystery awaits!

Get a Clue set on Amazon today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Clue easy for beginners?
Yes! Once you understand the basic structure, Clue is very beginner-friendly and can be taught in just a few minutes.
Can you play Clue with 2 players?
While it’s possible, Clue is much better with 3 to 6 players, making deduction more exciting.
What’s the best number of players for Clue?
Four to five players strike the perfect balance between quick gameplay and challenging deductions.
How can I win Clue faster?
Keep sharp notes, make efficient suggestions, and observe player behavior carefully.
Is there a time limit for turns in Clue?
No official time limit, but setting a soft timer (like 60 seconds) keeps the game moving smoothly.
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