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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Entertainment • Board Game

Clue

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

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Clue is a murder mystery board game for three to six players, known as Cluedo outside North America. It was devised in 1943 by British designer Anthony E. Pratt and first manufactured in the United Kingdom in 1949. The game is published by Hasbro and centers on deducing who committed a murder, where it happened, and with what weapon.

Gameplay

Players move through rooms of a mansion, gather information, and use deductive reasoning to determine the correct suspect, weapon, and room. The game is built around hidden information and accusations made during play.

History

Anthony E. Pratt devised the game in 1943, and it was first manufactured by Waddingtons in 1949. The game later reached North American markets as Clue and became part of Hasbro's product line.

Names and international release

The game is called Cluedo in the United Kingdom and many other countries, while Clue is the standard North American title. Both names refer to the same core board game.

Cultural impact

Clue has become a long-running classic and has inspired later editions, spinoffs, and related media. Its enduring appeal comes from its replayable deduction structure and familiar cast of suspects.

Key facts

  • The object of the game is to identify the murderer, the location, and the weapon used.
  • Players take on one of six suspects and move around a mansion-themed board.
  • The game was devised in 1943 and first manufactured in the United Kingdom in 1949.
  • Clue is the North American name; Cluedo is used in many other countries.
  • A standard game uses deduction and information revealed by other players to eliminate possibilities.
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Canadian context

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.

Frequently asked 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.
When was Clue first published?
It was first manufactured in the United Kingdom in 1949.
Is Clue the same as Cluedo?
Yes. Clue is the North American name, while Cluedo is used in many other countries.
How many players can play Clue?
The game is designed for three to six players, depending on the edition.

References

  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.