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July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
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How It Works • Games & Tech

Clue

Clue is a murder mystery board game for three to six players, known as Cluedo outside North America.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Clue is a classic murder mystery board game where players solve a crime. Known as Cluedo outside North America, it was first created in 1943.

Gameplay

Players take on one of six suspects, move through a mansion board, and gather information. The goal is to deduce the correct murderer, weapon, and room using hidden clues and accusations from other players.

History

Anthony E. Pratt devised the game in 1943, and it was first manufactured in the United Kingdom in 1949 by Waddingtons. It later reached North America as Clue and is now owned by Hasbro.

International names

The game is called Cluedo in the UK and many other countries, while Clue is the standard North American title. In Canada, both names are recognized due to international editions and older references.

In short

  • Players identify the murderer, location, and weapon.
  • Game takes place on a mansion board with six suspect characters.
  • First devised in 1943, published in 1949.
  • Now owned by Hasbro.
Canadian angle

Clue is widely known in Canada under the North American title, while the original name Cluedo is also recognized through international editions and older references.

Quick questions

What is Clue?
Clue is a murder mystery board game in which players deduce the murderer, room, and weapon.
Who created Clue?
Clue was devised by British board game designer Anthony E. Pratt.
Is Clue the same as Cluedo?
Yes. Clue is the North American name, while Cluedo is used in many other countries.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cluedo
    Supports: Core facts on title, designer, release history, gameplay, players, and publisher.
  2. The Strong National Museum of Play — https://www.museumofplay.org/toys/clue/
    Supports: Historical background on the game's creation, publication, and enduring popularity.
  3. William James College Library Guides — https://guides.williamjames.edu/c.php?g=1057542&p=8491075
    Supports: Basic gameplay explanation and deduction mechanism.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cluedo_(franchise)
    Supports: Broader franchise context and media expansion.