Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective Rules, Strategy & Winning Guide

Introduction

As a fan of board games and detective stories, I was stoked to get a look at Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective. This game is a unique blend of storytelling, puzzle-solving, and strategy that will transport you to the foggy streets of Victorian London. You will step into the shoes of the world’s greatest detective, Sherlock Holmes, and his loyal friend, Dr. John Watson, as you solve intricate mysteries.

Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective was first published in 1981 by Sleuth Publications and has since been reprinted and expanded by various publishers. The game is designed for one to eight players, and each game can last between one to two hours. The equipment needed to play includes a game box containing ten case booklets, a map of London, a London directory, ten newspapers, and a rulebook.

Rules for playing Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective

The rules for Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective are quite straightforward. The game does not involve dice rolling or card drawing. Instead, players will read through the case booklet, follow leads, and try to solve the mystery. The game ends when players believe they have solved the case and answer a series of questions to reveal if they are correct. The players’ score is then compared to Holmes’ score. The closer the players’ score is to Holmes’, the better they have done.

While the official rules are quite clear, some players like to introduce ‘house rules’ to add a twist to the game. For example, some players might decide to limit the number of leads they can follow in a day, or they might choose to play competitively rather than cooperatively.

How to Play Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective

The game begins with players reading the introduction to the case in the case booklet. They then decide which leads to follow by choosing locations on the map of London or names in the London directory. Players can follow these leads in any order and can choose to follow as many or as few leads as they like.

As the game progresses, players will gather clues and information that will help them solve the case. They can also refer to the newspapers for additional information. The game ends when players believe they have solved the case and answer a series of questions in the case booklet. The answers to these questions will reveal if the players have solved the case correctly and how efficiently they have done so.

How to Win at Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective

Winning at Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective requires a combination of careful reading, logical deduction, and efficient decision-making. Here are some strategies that can help you win the game:

1. Read carefully: The case booklet and newspapers contain a lot of information, some of which is crucial to solving the case. Make sure to read everything carefully and take notes if necessary.
2. Follow the right leads: Not all leads are equally useful. Try to identify which leads are likely to yield important information and follow those first.
3. Think like Holmes: Holmes is known for his logical and deductive reasoning. Try to think like him and use the information you have to make logical deductions.
4. Be efficient: Remember, the goal is not just to solve the case but to do so in fewer steps than Holmes. So, try to be efficient in your decision-making and avoid unnecessary leads.

Best Strategies for playing Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective game

While the strategies mentioned above can help you win the game, there are also some specific strategies that can give you an edge. Here are some of the best strategies for playing Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective:

1. Use the map: The map of London can be a useful tool in your investigation. Use it to plan your route and save time.
2. Work together: If you are playing with others, make sure to work together. Share information, discuss theories, and make decisions as a team.
3. Don’t rush: While it’s important to be efficient, don’t rush your investigation. Take your time to consider all the information and make sure you have not missed anything.
4. Learn from your mistakes: Each case is a learning opportunity. If you didn’t do well in a case, try to understand where you went wrong and how you can improve in the next case.

Scenarios for Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective

Playing Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective can lead to a variety of scenarios. Here are some common scenarios and how you can turn them to your advantage:

1. You have followed a lead that turned out to be a dead end: Don’t be discouraged. Use this as a learning experience and try to make better decisions in the future.
2. You are stuck and don’t know which lead to follow next: Take a step back and review the information you have. There might be a clue that you have overlooked.
3. You have solved the case but your score is lower than Holmes’: Don’t be disheartened. Remember, the goal is not just to solve the case but to do so efficiently. Try to learn from your mistakes and improve in the next case.

Frequently Asked Questions about playing Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective game

Here are some common questions and answers about playing Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective:

1. Q: Can I play Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective solo?
   A: Yes, you can play Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective solo. In fact, many players find the game to be a great solo experience.
2. Q: How long does a game of Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective take?
   A: A game of Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective can take between one to two hours, depending on the complexity of the case and the number of players.
3. Q: Can I replay a case once I have solved it?
   A: While you can replay a case, it is not recommended as you will already know the solution. However, there are ten cases in the game, so there is plenty of content to enjoy.
4. Q: Is Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective suitable for children?
   A: Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective is recommended for ages 14 and up due to its complexity and mature themes.
5. Q: Where can I buy Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective?
   A: You can buy Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective at most board game stores and online retailers.

External Links

For more information about Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective, you can visit the official game website here.