Section 5: Scoring & Winning
Standard Clue uses no running point total. The first player to make an accusation matching all three solution cards wins immediately. A correct answer must identify the exact suspect, weapon, and room; two correct elements are not enough.
Elimination and End Conditions
- A correct accusation ends the game, and the winner reveals the solution to verify it.
- A wrong accusation eliminates only the accuser from active investigation. Their hand remains concealed and continues to participate in the disproof sequence.
- If every player but one has made a wrong accusation, the remaining active player wins only by making a correct accusation. For a friendlier casual ending, the group may instead reveal the solution and declare the last active player the winner.
- If an impossible state is discovered—such as a missing card, an exposed solution, or an incorrectly prepared envelope—stop and restart unless every player agrees the error can be repaired without giving anyone an advantage.
Optional Match Scoring
For a multi-game match, award 3 points for a win and 1 bonus point for winning without making a suggestion that nobody could disprove. Alternatively, award 1 point per game won and play until someone reaches an agreed target. These systems are recreational additions and do not change how an individual mystery is solved.
Tiebreakers
An individual game cannot normally tie because accusations occur one at a time. If a match ends level, play one additional game. Rotate or randomly select the first player so the same participant does not always receive the opening turn.