Many players confuse the investigative process of making a suggestion with the final, high-stakes act of making an accusation.
According to the Cluedo Official Rulebook, a suggestion is used to gather information by asking players to show cards, whereas an accusation is a final attempt to solve the murder.
Cluedo Instructions, [edition not specified], [page not specified]
These rules correspond to the US edition of Clue.
Official Rule Breakdown
In Clue, a suggestion occurs when a player asks a question to see if another player can refute a suspicion by showing a clue card (room, person, or weapon). If the player making the suggestion has isolated one or more 'Murder Cards' because no one can show a card, they have gained information. Conversely, an accusation is made when a player feels sure they have examined all clues. This is done in secret; if the accusation is correct, the program exposes the 'Murder Cards' and declares a winner. If the accusation is wrong, that player is out of the game and only remains to act as a suspect or show cards.
Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Move your piece to a room to make a suggestion.
- Step 2: Name a suspect, a weapon, and the room to suggest they are involved.
- Step 3: The player in turn must show one clue card to refute the suspicion if possible.
- Step 4: If you are certain of the solution, move to the center of the board to make a formal accusation.
Example Play Situation
Alice moves to the Dining Room and makes a suggestion that it was Professor Plum with the Wrench. Bob shows Alice a card to refute the suspicion. Later, Alice moves to the center of the board and makes an accusation of Miss Scarlett in the Library; because she is wrong, Alice is out of the game.
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking an accusation is just another way to ask a question
- Believing you can make an accusation from any room on the board
- Confusing being 'out of the game' with losing the entire match
Quick Reference
| You Can | You Cannot |
|---|---|
| You can make notes using the cursor keys and colors | You cannot make an accusation unless you are in the center of the board |
| You can make an accusation in secret | You cannot pass through a room and into another on a single turn |
| You can show a card to refute a suggestion | You cannot move your piece diagonally |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the official rule for making a suggestion in Clue?
- A suggestion is an enquiry where a player shows a card to refute a suspicion.
- How does an accusation differ from a suggestion?
- Suggestions gather clues, while accusations are final guesses that can end your participation.
- What happens if my accusation is wrong?
- You are out of the game but remain available to show cards to other players.
- Can I make an accusation from any room?
- No, you must get to the space in the center of the board first.