Cluedo: The Classic Murder Mystery Game That Started It All

LONDON, 1949 — A shocking new pastime has emerged from the quiet mind of British inventor Anthony E. Pratt. His creation, published by Waddingtons, promises intrigue, scandal, and no shortage of suspicion. The name of this game? Cluedo.

A Whodunit in a Box

Imagine yourself in a grand country estate. The rain pounds against stained-glass windows. The air is thick with cigar smoke. Somewhere in the house, a terrible crime has been committed. Six colorful suspects prowl the halls, each with secrets of their own. The only question is: which one is guilty?

This is the world of Cluedo. A murder mystery condensed into cards, dice, and miniature weapons. Players take on the roles of suspects — the quick-witted Miss Scarlett, the blustering Colonel Mustard, the pious Reverend Green, the ever-dignified Mrs. Peacock, the intellectual Professor Plum, and the steadfast Mrs. White.

Across the Pond: From Cluedo to Clue

Not long after Cluedo’s debut, the game crossed the Atlantic. But America gave it a new title — Clue. The rules were nearly identical, though subtle changes crept in. Reverend Green shed his collar and became Mr. Green. A handful of experimental weapons, like a syringe and a bomb, quietly vanished from the lineup.

Even the name itself shifted: “Cluedo,” a clever nod to Ludo (Latin for “I play”), became the blunt “Clue” for American shelves.

The Enduring Mystery

Why does this game continue to captivate? Perhaps it’s the suspense of narrowing down the suspects. Perhaps it’s the satisfaction of accusing your fellow players in the drawing room. Or perhaps it’s because Cluedo captures something timeless: the thrill of solving a mystery before anyone else.

For more than 70 years, families have gathered around dining tables, cards in hand, eager to uncover the truth. Each roll of the dice brings a new twist, each suggestion sparks a fresh round of suspicion, and every game ends with the same triumphant shout: “I’ve solved it!”

What to Expect from The Clue Board Game

Here we’ll be digging into every corner of this classic mystery. From dossiers on the suspects to lost weapons of the past, from rare editions to strategy secrets, this paper will serve as your official record of all things Cluedo and Clue.

So polish your candlesticks, keep your revolvers handy, and remember: the game is afoot.