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Sleuth
3M · 1971
3–730–45 min10+ yrs
⚡ short answer
How do you play Sleuth?
The primary objective of Sleuth is to be the first player to successfully identify the missing gem card. Players use a process of deduction and logic, gathering information through strategic questioning of their opponents, to narrow down the possibilities and ultimately pinpoint the exact gem (defined by its stone type, color, and number) that was secretly removed from the game.
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FromRON 79
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the rules in 60 seconds▶ auto · 1/6
🧩
01
Setup
Each player receives a deduction sheet and a writing tool, one gem card is secretly discarded, remaining gem cards are dealt equally to players (face-up if leftover), and four search cards are dealt face-up to each player.
The rules, step by step
Setup
To set up Sleuth, each player is given a deduction sheet and a writing utensil. The gem deck, consisting of 36 cards, is shuffled, and one card is secretly discarded into the box without anyone looking at it; this is the missing gem. The remaining gem cards are then distributed equally among the players. Any leftover gem cards after the equal distribution are placed face-up in the middle of the table for all players to see. Each player then looks at their hand of gem cards and marks them off on their deduction sheet. Finally, the search cards are shuffled and four are dealt face-up to each player.
Objective
The primary objective of Sleuth is to be the first player to successfully identify the missing gem card. Players use a process of deduction and logic, gathering information through strategic questioning of their opponents, to narrow down the possibilities and ultimately pinpoint the exact gem (defined by its stone type, color, and number) that was secretly removed from the game.
On your turn
On a player's turn, they become the interrogator. They choose one of their face-up search cards and direct the question on it to another player. If the search card specifies one element (e.g., 'Pearls'), the interrogated player simply states aloud how many gem cards they hold that match that element. If the search card specifies two elements (e.g., 'Red Diamonds'), the interrogated player announces how many cards match both elements and then passes those specific cards face-down to the interrogator, who secretly views them before returning them to the player.
Scoring
Sleuth does not involve a traditional scoring system. Instead, the game is a race to solve the mystery. The first player to correctly identify the missing gem is declared the winner. There are no points accumulated; success is solely based on accurate deduction.
Game end
The game concludes when a player believes they have deduced the identity of the missing gem. On their turn, instead of playing a search card, they announce their prediction, marking it on their deduction sheet. They then secretly look at the discarded gem card in the box. If their prediction is correct, they reveal the card and win the game. If incorrect, they mark their sheet to indicate their failed attempt, remain in the game to answer questions, but can no longer ask questions or make further predictions.
Tips
Effective note-taking is crucial in Sleuth. Players should meticulously record all information gained, including the number of cards revealed for single-element questions and the specific cards shown for two-element questions, noting which player provided the information. This detailed record-keeping allows players to eliminate possibilities systematically and make more informed deductions. Remembering which cards other players have, and which cards they don't have, is key to narrowing down the missing gem's identity.
🔬 game anatomy
Language dependence
No in-game text needed
Play time
30–45 min
Players
3–7
Recommended age
10+ yrs
✨ from Trișache · verified
Frequently asked questions
Q1What is the goal of the game?
The primary objective of Sleuth is to be the first player to successfully identify the missing gem card. Players use a process of deduction and logic, gathering information through strategic questioning of their opponents, to narrow down the possibilities and ultimately pinpoint the exact gem (defined by its stone type, color, and number) that was secretly removed from the game.
Q2How do you set up the game?
To set up Sleuth, each player is given a deduction sheet and a writing utensil. The gem deck, consisting of 36 cards, is shuffled, and one card is secretly discarded into the box without anyone looking at it; this is the missing gem. The remaining gem cards are then distributed equally among the players. Any leftover gem cards after the equal distribution are placed face-up in the middle of the table for all players to see. Each player then looks at their hand of gem cards and marks them off on their deduction sheet. Finally, the search cards are shuffled and four are dealt face-up to each player.
Q3How does a turn work?
On a player's turn, they become the interrogator. They choose one of their face-up search cards and direct the question on it to another player. If the search card specifies one element (e.g., 'Pearls'), the interrogated player simply states aloud how many gem cards they hold that match that element. If the search card specifies two elements (e.g., 'Red Diamonds'), the interrogated player announces how many cards match both elements and then passes those specific cards face-down to the interrogator, who secretly views them before returning them to the player.
Q4How is scoring calculated?
Sleuth does not involve a traditional scoring system. Instead, the game is a race to solve the mystery. The first player to correctly identify the missing gem is declared the winner. There are no points accumulated; success is solely based on accurate deduction.
Q5When and how does the game end?
The game concludes when a player believes they have deduced the identity of the missing gem. On their turn, instead of playing a search card, they announce their prediction, marking it on their deduction sheet. They then secretly look at the discarded gem card in the box. If their prediction is correct, they reveal the card and win the game. If incorrect, they mark their sheet to indicate their failed attempt, remain in the game to answer questions, but can no longer ask questions or make further predictions.
Q6What tips are there for beginners?
Effective note-taking is crucial in Sleuth. Players should meticulously record all information gained, including the number of cards revealed for single-element questions and the specific cards shown for two-element questions, noting which player provided the information. This detailed record-keeping allows players to eliminate possibilities systematically and make more informed deductions. Remembering which cards other players have, and which cards they don't have, is key to narrowing down the missing gem's identity.
Q7How much does Sleuth cost?
Sleuth costs around 79 RON in Romania.
Q8Where can I buy Sleuth cheapest?
The lowest price for Sleuth right now is 79 RON at Gameology . The Prices tab lists every store currently tracking it.
Q9How do you play Sleuth?
Sleuth is a card game game, for 3–7 players, taking ~30–45 minutes, featuring deduction. Check the Rules tab for setup, gameplay, and scoring, or ask Trișache anything about Sleuth — our AI assistant built by howtoplay.ro and trained specifically on board game rulebooks.
Q10How many players does Sleuth support?
Sleuth is played by 3–7 players.
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