Awkward Guests

The Mystery

Mr. Woodruff Walton has been found dead in his Study. As investigators, you must determine:

• WHO killed Mr. Walton (which suspect)
• WHAT weapon was used
• WHY they did it (the motive)
• WHO ELSE was involved (accomplice, in harder cases)

Game Setup

Choose a case and number of players (1-6). Each player starts with 6 clue cards. The remaining cards form a draw pile. The solution is hidden — no one knows the truth!

Important: You'll need a physical tracking sheet (from the game) to note down clues as you discover them.

Each Round (3-6 Players)

A round consists of three phases in order:

1. Inquiry Phase: Each player (in turn order) selects 2 references (suspects or rooms) to ask about. Other players offer matching clue cards; offered cards must include at least one that matches a requested reference. You pay back with cards of equal value. If no one offers, draw 3 from the deck.
2. Solution Phase: After all players complete their inquiry, each player (in turn order) may make an accusation or pass.
3. Discard Phase: Every player with more than 3 cards must discard down to 3. The first player rotates at the start of the next round.

2-Player Variant

Works like 3-6 players with key differences:

• Select 4 references instead of 2.
• Received cards are viewed but immediately discarded (not kept in hand).
• If no offer is received, draw 2 from the deck, view them, then discard.

Card Values & Trading

Each clue card has a value (1, 2, or 3). When another player offers you cards, the total value of cards you give back must equal or exceed the total value of cards you receive.

During the offer phase, you won't see the text of offered cards until the exchange is complete — only their value.

Making an Accusation

To win, you must correctly identify the murderer, the weapon, and the motive. In harder cases (Medium+), you may also need to identify an accomplice and their motive.

If your accusation is wrong, you must skip the next Solution Phase. You are NOT eliminated and the solution is NOT revealed.

Solo Mode

You start with investigation points (amount varies by difficulty). Each round:

1. Review your hand and any revealed cards.
2. Inquiry: Select 2 references (suspects or rooms).
3. Purchase: Spend points to buy clue bundles matching your references, or a cheaper random bundle. You may skip purchasing.
4. Accusation: Make your accusation or continue investigating.
5. Discard: Keep 3 cards, discard the rest.

You get 3 wrong accusations before the case goes cold. A wrong accusation also skips your next accusation. When the deck runs out, discards are reshuffled and 3 cards are revealed face-up permanently.

Card Types