Sleuth
- Designer Sid Sackson
- Publisher 3M , The Avalon Hill Game Co , Eagle-Gryphon Games , Face2Face Games , Kärnan
- Illustration Shannon Crutchfield , Paul Herbert , Jake "Seven" Thomashow
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Sleuth, players combine deduction with hand management and memory mechanics. You ask opponents about cards they hold to gather clues about a hidden gem. Some information is public, some secret, and you track your findings on a scorepad. This mix of visible and hidden info creates a challenging and engaging deduction experience.
Who Is This Game For?
Sleuth targets experienced players who enjoy deduction games. With a playtime around 45 minutes, it suits game nights and offers moderate complexity. It requires at least three players and no solo mode is available. Rules are simple, making it accessible from age 10, though some familiarity with deduction games helps.
How It Works
At the start, a gem card is hidden, and the remaining gem cards are dealt to players. Each player also receives search cards used to ask others about their cards, like how many pairs or red diamonds they hold. Answers may be public or private. Players record clues on a score sheet to deduce the missing gem. A correct guess wins the game.
What Makes It Special
Sid Sackson's Sleuth (1971) is a reimplementation of 'The Case of the Elusive Assassin' without the board. It blends deduction, hand management, and memory within a card game format. Its unique note-taking system for managing positive and negative clues sets it apart from simpler deduction games.
Pro
- Combines deduction, hand management, and memory
- Simple rules with deep gameplay
- Suitable for 3 to 7 players
- Moderate 45-minute playtime
Contra
- No solo mode available
- Requires note-taking and concentration
- Recommended for ages 10 and up
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game centers on searching for a hidden gem among diamonds, pearls, and opals of various colors, focusing on a gemstone theme without further narrative elements.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Use your scorepad consistently to note all positive and negative information you gather.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, Sleuth is designed for 3 to 7 players and has no solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A game lasts about 45 minutes, making it suitable for game nights.
What prior experience do I need?
Basic experience with deduction games helps, but rules are simple enough for players aged 10 and up.
How does this compare to similar games?
Sleuth's unique mix of deduction, hand management, and memory with a note-taking system distinguishes it from games like Cluedo.
Is this suitable for families?
Suitable from age 10, but moderate complexity makes it better for older children and adults.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Deduction, Hand Management, and Memory mechanics makes Sleuth unique.
Fazit
Sleuth is recommended for groups of three or more who enjoy logical deduction. It offers classic mechanisms with moderate playtime and accessible complexity.
