elimination - Quick Game Rules

Official Rule Breakdown

When a player makes an accusation and it is incorrect, that player is immediately removed from active play. According to the Cluedo Instructions, the player is 'out of the game and only participates in order to be a suspect and to show cards as appropriate.' This means the player can no longer make suggestions, move their piece, or make further accusations, but they must still show clue cards when requested by other players during their turns to help solve the mystery.

Step-by-Step

Step 1: The player makes a full accusation (suspect, weapon, and room) in secret.

Step 2: The program or players reveal the 'Murder Cards' in the envelope.

Step 3: If the accusation does not match the cards, the player is declared out of the game.

Step 4: The player remains in the game only to serve as a suspect and show cards when prompted.

Example Play Situation

Alice makes an accusation of Professor Plum with the Spanner in the Library. Bob reveals the cards and shows that the actual murderer is Miss Scarlett. Alice is now out of the game, but when Bob makes a suggestion later, Alice must still show him a card if she has one.

You Can	You Cannot
You can show cards to other players when asked	You cannot make any further questions
You can act as a suspect for others' investigations	You cannot make any further accusations
	You cannot move your piece on the board

You Can

You Cannot

You can show cards to other players when asked

You cannot make any further questions

You can act as a suspect for others' investigations

You cannot make any further accusations

You cannot move your piece on the board

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official rule for making a wrong accusation in Cluedo?

The player is out of the game but must still show cards as a suspect.

Can I keep playing if I guess the wrong person?

No, you are out of the game, though you still show cards for others.

What happens if I fail to show a card during a suggestion?

You are penalised by being out of the game, similar to a wrong accusation.

Do I have to show my cards after I am eliminated?

Yes, you participate only to be a suspect and show cards as appropriate.

Many players mistakenly believe they only gain the territories of an eliminated opponent, but the official rules grant additional card rewards.

According to the Parker Brothers Official Rulebook, when you eliminate an opponent, you receive all the cards they currently hold.

Risk Rules 2022, Elimination of Opponents

These rules correspond to the US edition of Risk.

Official Rule Breakdown

When a player is able to take the last remaining piece of an opponent on their turn, they are awarded all cards that the eliminated opponent had in their possession (Risk Rules 2022, Elimination of Opponents). Following this acquisition, the player may combine these new cards with their existing hand. If the combined total allows for the creation of one or more sets, the player may turn them in immediately during that same turn to collect additional armies. This is only possible if the total number of cards held by the attacker and the eliminated player combined equals six or more sets.

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Capture the last remaining army/territory of an opponent.
Step 2: Collect all Risk cards currently held by that eliminated player.
Step 3: Combine the collected cards with your own current hand.
Step 4: Identify any complete sets (Infantry, Cavalry, or Artillery) within the combined total.
Step 5: Turn in those sets immediately to receive the corresponding army reinforcements.

Example Play Situation

Alice attacks Bob's last territory and eliminates his army. Alice takes all of Bob's Risk cards and adds them to her own. Since the combined cards allow her to form two complete sets, Alice turns them in immediately to receive extra armies for her next turn.

Common Misconceptions

Thinking you only get the territories and not the cards
Waiting until your next turn to turn in the newly acquired cards
Believing you can only turn in sets if you had them before the elimination

Quick Reference

You Can	You Cannot
You can combine eliminated cards with your own hand	You cannot turn in sets if the combined total is less than six cards
You can turn in sets immediately after an elimination	You cannot wait until a later turn to claim the eliminated player's cards
You can receive multiple army increases if you form multiple sets

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official rule for eliminating a player in Risk?: You receive all cards held by the opponent you just eliminated.
Can I turn in cards from an eliminated player on the same turn?: Yes, if you can form sets using the combined cards, you may turn them in immediately.
Do I get the opponent's armies too?: No, you receive their cards, but the armies are removed from the board.
What happens if I collect cards but can't make a set?: You simply add those cards to your hand for future use.