What Is Cluedo?

Maybe you’re familiar with the classic game, Clue, but maybe you’ve also been hearing about a similarly named game: Cluedo. What’s the deal with the two names? Are they connected? What is Cluedo, anyway?

Cluedo is the original version of Clue. It is still in print today and is the official name of Clue in many parts of the world.

What Are The Rules In Cluedo?

This is a good question to ask. Sometimes games have different rules depending on what version is being played. In this case, though the rules for Clue and Cluedo are exactly the same.

Just in case you don’t remember, here’s a refresher: when it’s your turn you roll a dice and move up to that number of spaces. When you enter a room you can make a suggestion or an accusation. A suggestion doesn’t cost you the game if you’re wrong but an accusation does. Either one requires you to name the room you’re in, a character, and a weapon.

There’s a little more to it than that, but that’s Clue in a nutshell.

So, Why Are The Names Different Then?

Sometimes these things happen. Cluedo is a combination of the words, “Clue” and “Ludo.” Ludo means “I play” in Latin.

Many parts of the world kept the name, but when Parker Brothers licensed the game, they made some minor changes. This was for audiences in the United States (US) and later Canada. The biggest change made was the name.

Are There Any Other Differences Between Clue And Cluedo?

There are, actually! They have no effect on the game though. Thankfully.

The biggest difference is the name of the murdered person. In the Cluedo versions of the game, Dr. Black, also called Samuel Black, is the victim. In the Clue versions of the game, Mr. Boddy is the victim.

As an aside, I’m not sure if it’s because I’m from the US, but I prefer Mr. Boddy to Dr. Black. I get that Dr. Black keeps a theme with the characters’ names being colors, but Mr. Boddy is so delightfully cheesy and a great addition to the game. I also happen to prefer the name, Clue, but I’d be fine with Cluedo too.

As far as other differences go, some of the other characters and weapons have had slightly different names too. These days, they’re all the same though.

Did You Know?

(Each time you refresh the page you will get a new “Did You Know” fact!)

Did you know that art really matters for a board game? While this isn’t always the case, a unique or powerful art style can elevate a board game from good to great. The reverse is also true.

Conclusion: What Is Cluedo?

The more that I dig into the game and history of Clue, the more fascinating it becomes. I hope that you feel the same because there’s still a lot more to come. Even though we know what Cluedo is now, there’s still so much more to explore.

So, now it’s your turn to get in on the action.

What are some neat little things you’ve learned about a board game? Let us know in the comments below!