by Barb Hopkins

Created on: December 19, 2008

Clue, the crime solving board game from Hasbro/Parker Brothers, has captivated all ages since its creation in 1949. A family-favorite, Clue provides players with a new murder mystery to solve each game. Players are challenged to test their sleuthing abilities as they try to solve the mystery of who killed Mr. Boddy, with what weapon, and in which room.

THE PREMISE

Mr. Boddy has been found murdered in one of the rooms of his mansion. There are six suspects, six weapons, and nine rooms. To win the game, you, as the detective must solve the mystery of Mr. Boddy's murder by determining who killed him, with what weapon, and in which room.

THE EQUIPMENT

Each game has six different colored pawns, which represent the six suspects, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Ms. Scarlett, Professor Plum, Mrs. Peacock, and Colonel Mustard. The suspects' names match their pawn colors, for example, Mrs. White is the white pawn, Ms. Scarlett is the red pawn, and Professor Plum is the purple pawn. The six miniature weapons include the revolver, lead pipe, wrench, candlestick, knife, and the rope. One die is also included. Clue cards are then separated into three categories: suspects, weapons, and rooms. A confidential case file envelope and detective notepads are the final pieces of equipment for the game. Players must supply their own pencils to take notes during game-play.

The board, styled after a 1920's mansion, features nine rooms for the suspects to enter. Each room is labeled and designed with an element that defines the room. For example, the dining room space has a fancy tablecloth design, the ballroom looks like parquet flooring, and the library sports the look of a leather-bound book. The moving spaces of the board resemble a mansion's marble flooring. The elements of the board's design are appealing and draw the players into the mood of the game.

THE PLAY

Clue is a simple game to play and is recommended for ages eight to adult. A typical game of Clue lasts less than an hour and involves deductive reasoning and sometimes a little luck. It is a game best played with three to six players. Two people can play it, but it is not near as much fun and strategy is difficult to employ against just one other player.

With three or more players, everyone starts out in neutral territory and makes their way to various rooms to suggest the name of the suspect, weapon, and room where the crime might have occurred. All players have been dealt "clue" cards. The three that are the solution to the mystery sit

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